SQF Edition 10 brings a new era in the food safety certification industry. As you prepare yourself and your team for this new era, it is critical to have a clear understanding of this new edition. We are all familiar with the stress and overwhelm that facility audits can bring. Now is the time to get ahead of the implementation of the new code and feel confident going into your next audit.
The initially planned release date for Edition 10 was August 1, 2025. However, as of mid-August, Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) has reported a new release window for October or November 2025. Please note that the details in this article are based on the proposed updates and not the official code. There will be a six-month implementation period following the official release of Edition 10.
Background on SQF Program
The benefits of SQF certification include it reduces risk, alleviates “audit exhaustion”, creates new business opportunities, and enhances competitiveness. Overseen by the SQFI, SQF (Safe Quality Foods) is one of the GFSI-benchmarked certification programs, recognized worldwide and required by many retailers and food manufacturers for purchasing your company’s products.
Codes update in response to the industry’s evolving needs and emerging trends. One of the reasons for this SQF update is to ensure that it aligns with the International Standards: Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene, ensuring consistency with global food standards. Global standards such as SQF stem from HACCP and the Codex; therefore, when there are updates to the code, there also need to be updates to SQF to meet the new standards.
Key Proposed Changes in Edition 10
Multi-Site Certification Audits
SQF Edition 10 provides a clear definition of the central site’s function, as well as new and updated definitions for single-site and multi-site certifications. The goal is to ensure that critical issues are not missed at satellite sites.
Management Responsibility
Edition 10 reduces the number of elements previously seen in Edition 9 from eight to four. However, this reduction doesn’t necessarily mean that elements were removed from the code; instead, it means that elements are consolidated adequately into their appropriate sections.
| Edition 9 | Edition 10 |
| 8 Elements | 4 Elements |
| 2.1.1.1 Policy 2.1.1.2 Food Safety Culture 2.1.1.3 Reporting Structure 2.1.1.4 Practitioner Responsibilities 2.1.1.5 Practitioner Requirements 2.1.1.6 Training Needs 2.1.1.7 Personnel Changes 2.1.1.8 Blackout Days | 2.1.1.1 Policy Statement 2.1.1.2 Food Safety Culture 2.1.1.3 Objectives and Resources 2.1.1.4 Practitioner Responsibilities/Requirements Practitioner and substitute are employed AT the site Added logo usage as auditable Increased submission of blackout dates from 30-90 days |
Food Safety Culture
One of the significant updates of Edition 10 is the food safety culture component. The new edition aims to be more descriptive in its guidelines, providing companies with a better understanding of the food safety culture requirements.
A new distinction in food safety culture in Edition 10 is that, in addition to establishing food safety culture objectives as seen in Edition 9, a “positive” food safety culture must also be met with the new edition. Site management is responsible for building a positive food safety culture. Additionally, a food safety culture plan is required as it is a GFSI requirement.
Change Management
In the new addition, not only is there a new clause, 2.3.5 Change Management, but it also requires the development of documented procedures for handling changes of all types. For example, how do you control for change, and how is it documented? The clause applies to several changes, ranging from personnel to processes.
Corrective Actions
Edition 10 includes the identification of methods used for root cause analysis, as well as corrections and deficiencies identified during annual tests. In the previous code, it was not required that a facility adopt a standardized method or explain how it would perform a root cause analysis. Therefore, it is now required that a facility identify how it will perform a root cause analysis, such as using the five whys method or Ishikawa.
Training
The new edition combines all of the training into the mandatory 2.9.1 training program. Similarly, there is a required assessment for specific training, in which you must demonstrate knowledge and proficiency when conducting this training with employees. For instance, you must ensure that your employees understand what they are being trained on and can execute the procedure accordingly.
Cleaning & Sanitation
This section further demonstrates more consolidation found with the new code. Cleaning and sanitation have been combined into section 11.2.5. Previously, cleaning and sanitation could be found in other sections, such as allergens, which raises questions when issuing noncomforties. This makes the audit process and the corrective action process easier to manage.
Contractual Agreements
Similar to the consolidation seen in other clauses, all contractual agreements will now located in one clause, 2.3.3. Within this section, the new code requires that the contracted product comply with the SQF code. We won’t know the extent of specification and detail that SQF will want in this regard until the code is released.
Environmental Monitoring
With Edition 10, it is mandatory to conduct a risk-based environmental assessment to determine the level of the monitoring program, whereas in Edition 9, it was not always required. You will now have to have an environmental monitoring program.
Additional Changes
You will experience changes in your SQF scoring. For instance, findings for mandatory requirements will be multiplied by 1.75. Similarly, findings for the same observation of an element that was also identified during the immediate previous audit will result in a major non-conformance to Corrective and Preventive Action.
What These Changes Mean for Your Facility
A key consideration for the new edition is its implementation date. Remember that your facility must have made the Edition 10 changes by the implementation date, not by the time of your audit. For example, your facility must be current with Edition 10 six months following the release, even if you don’t get your audit until August 2026. You are still held accountable for the time between the implementation date and your August audit. Records from June of that year should reflect Edition 10. The six-month implementation period between the official release date and the implementation date provides an opportunity to put the appropriate measures into effect.
Want a deeper dive into what these changes mean for your facility? Watch our exclusive webinar on SQF Edition 10 Preview Updates, Impact & Action Steps.
The new SQF code is streamlined, consolidated, risk-based, and vertically integrated, meaning that the auditor will likely start with the traceability exercise and build up from that. A vertical audit provides the auditor with a comprehensive understanding of the facility’s food safety culture. From this perspective, you will also gain insight into what would happen in the event of a recall, including the process of pulling records and programs that would be affected. Similarly, continuous improvement with culture at the core is a part of the new code. An added layer of training, facilities need to recognize that changing an employee’s mentality will, in turn, change their behavior.
Your Path to SQF Edition 10 Success
All of us in the industry are taking this transition into Edition 10 one day at a time as we eagerly await the official release of the code. Training materials are currently scheduled for release in October or November 2025. With the upcoming release of materials, Safe Food Alliance has scheduled tentative training dates for SQF Edition 10, following its release. The training dates and details will be made available on our website. Safe Food Alliance also offers consultation services to address any site-specific questions you may have, as well as compliance training.
As key changes are being made, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest developments as we move forward together, day by day. The SQF changes have broader implications for your operations as a whole, from audits to employee training. A newer, stronger SQF code presents an opportunity for you to build a more robust and effective program. It’s an opportunity to improve your facility’s food safety culture, reinforce customer confidence, and gain a competitive edge in this industry. Lean on your team and the food safety experts around you in the coming weeks. Preparing for these changes early and not delaying the inevitable will ultimately benefit you. Now is the time to get ready.
