The release of SQF Edition 10 marked a new era in the food safety certification industry. As you and your team navigate this new era, it is critical to have a clear understanding of the 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 new Code implementation and feel confident going into your next audit.
Although the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) initially scheduled the release of SQF Edition 10 for August 2025, it officially released the Code in March 2026. SQFI states that Edition 10 audits are anticipated to begin no earlier than January 2, 2027, contingent on the progress of the GFSI Benchmarking application; therefore, the date may be changed to a later date.
Background on SQF Program
The benefits of SQF certification include reducing risk, alleviating “audit exhaustion”, creating new business opportunities, and enhancing 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 align it with the International Standards: Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene, thereby ensuring consistency with global food standards. Global standards such as SQF are based on HACCP and the Codex; therefore, when there are updates to the Code, there must also be updates to SQF to meet the new standards. This alignment ensures SQF continues to evolve alongside globally recognized food safety frameworks such as HACCP-based systems and Codex Alimentarius principles.
Key Proposed Changes in Edition 10
Core Clauses
Edition 10 introduces a structured focus on foundational food safety requirements with the use of Core Clauses. These clauses represent critical areas that receive a heightened focus during audits and carry scoring weight. Core Clauses reflect risk-based thinking while also focusing on system integrity. This will help apply consistency among auditors and sites. Furthermore, Core Clauses differ for several reasons, including higher audit significance, greater focus on evidence, and a stronger link to overall system performance.
Digital Code Experience
In an effort to improve user experience, SQFI has digitized the SQF Food Safety Edition 10 Codes. Users can now access an interactive interface in their Code Selector to identify the correct Code for their scope easily. Here is the link to the Edition 10 Code Selector. Another benefit of the digital experience is that it generates real-time translations to the Edition 10 Food Safety and Quality Codes.
Multi-Site Certification Audits
The SQF Edition 10 update provides clear expectations for accountability and oversight in multi-site systems. Central sites are responsible for active control across all satellite locations. This includes verifying compliance, auditing, and non-conformance data, and implementing corrective actions.
Satellite sites are chosen based on risk factors. The central site must be able to explain why a particular site receives that level of oversight. The aim is to make sure that important issues are not overlooked at satellite sites.
Management Responsibility
Edition 10 consolidates the management responsibilities previously seen in Edition 9. However, this reorganization doesn’t necessarily mean elements were removed from the Code; rather, it indicates they are adequately tightened and integrated into their appropriate sections. Additionally, there is a stronger alignment of leadership and execution with an emphasis on system-level responsibility.
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. Edition 10 also requires that all sites have a Food Safety Culture Assessment Plan in place.
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, the new edition also requires a “positive” food safety culture. Site management is responsible for fostering a positive food safety culture. Food Safety Culture is expected to be demonstrated, evaluated, and supported by evidence, not just measured by a numeric score. Additionally, a food safety culture plan is required as it is a GFSI requirement.
Change Management
In the new edition, Change Management 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? This area 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 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. Previously, cleaning and sanitation could be found in varying sections, such as allergens, which raises questions when issuing non-conformities. This makes the audit and corrective action processes easier to manage.
Contractual Agreements
Edition 10 continues to clarify and structure requirements related to contractual agreements and outsourced processes. Responsibility for compliance remains with the certified site, and certification of contracted activities must be part of the food safety management system.
Environmental Monitoring
Edition 10 strengthens expectations for risk-based environmental monitoring. Facilities must conduct risk assessments to determine the scope and applicability of their environmental monitoring program.
What These Changes Mean for Your Facility
The new SQF Code is streamlined, consolidated, risk-based, and vertically integrated, meaning the auditor will likely start with the traceability exercise and build from there. 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 must take this transition into Edition 10 with a full swing. Since the official release of Edition 10, Safe Food Alliance has begun offering an SQF Conversion Course. This interactive 4-hour training is designed for sites that are already certified to SQF Edition 9. During this workshop, attendees will assess their current program and build a transition plan that can be implemented immediately. The training dates and details are available on our events page. 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. 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 during this transition. Preparing for these changes early and not delaying the inevitable will ultimately benefit you. Now is the time to get ready.
