Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

For a product to be labeled as SQF certified, it is essential that it is produced by a facility with SQF certification. This certification signifies that the facility meets the specific SQF standards for food safety and quality management. These standards are developed to ensure that products are produced, processed, handled, and stored in a manner that is consistent with best practices in food safety.

The facility undergoes a rigorous assessment process, which includes an audit by a qualified SQF auditor. This audit evaluates the facility's adherence to SQF codes and principles, ensuring a systematic approach to controls that mitigate risks associated with food safety and quality. Therefore, simply having a product without the backing of a certified facility cannot lead to an SQF certification label.

While aspects such as being free of allergens or meeting international quality standards might be important for certain products, they do not directly confer SQF certification. Similarly, inspection alone by a government agency does not equate to SQF certification, as SQF is a private certification program that stems from a voluntary commitment to food safety and quality practices.