SQF Quality Code Fundamentals: Your Pathway to GFSI-Recognized Food Safety (SQFI Official)
This course is designed to help organizations understand what qualities they should be considering. We will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the basic concept of quality control required by the SQF Quality Code and how to apply quality management tools. This course is ideal for those who are considering building quality control management not only for SQF but also for food safety management systems, and for those who are actually in operation.
Course Objectives
- Understand the aim of the SQF fundamentals program.
- Understand the aim of the SQF program and the steps to certification.
- Prepare raw and packaging materials specifications.
- Develop finished product specifications.
- Identify and rank ingredient and materials suppliers.
- Develop criteria to approve suppliers.
- Prevent the contamination of products from the premises.
- Identify how equipment can be a source of product contamination.
*This course is based on the SQF Quality Code (9th Edition) and is training for quality practitioners required by the SQF Quality Code.
This course is held as an "SQFI Official Training Center" accredited by SQFI.
The most up-to-date information about SQF is also available on the SQF Institute WEB site.
This course is ideal for those already familiar with quality management principles, such as SQF quality practitioners or SQF quality auditors, but who need to understand how to apply quality tools in the implementation of the SQF Quality Code.
- Product quality parameters within the food industry sector or site.
- Application of the HACCP method to identify significant quality threats and understand how to monitor and control them.
- Use and application of quality measurement tools.
- Application of the PDCA cycle to improve quality outcomes.
The SQF (Safe Quality Food) Code is a standard designed to be used in all sectors of the food industry. This code is a food safety and quality management system based on HACCP, and as one of the approved standards of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI),
The SQF Quality Code has been revamped in the 9th edition and can be used and certified not only with the SQF standard but also with other GFSI-approved standards such as FSSC 22000 and JFS-C.
The SQF Quality Code incorporates the quality management principles necessary to build a quality management system within an organization using HACCP mindsets to achieve customer requirements and continuously improve quality and productivity.
This course addresses the impact of quality parameters on the site’s product and operation, assists sites in understanding how the SQF Quality Code aligns with the SQF Food Safety Codes in terminology and methodology, and allows attendees to apply quality tools and techniques to the implementation of the SQF Quality Code.
*There are no exams in this course. However, there is a pre-course worksheet to be filled in before the course and a worksheet to be filled in during the course, and you will be required to fill it out before submitting it. Only those who submit both worksheets will receive a certificate of participation.
Please note that the SQF exam is not included in the course fee and must be purchased separately. Participants who wish to become certified must register and pay for the exam directly through the SQF Institute.
To purchase the exam and for more information, please visit the official SQF exam page:
https://www.sqfi.com/get-certified/register-for-sqf-certification
SQF Code Requirement
Participants are strongly encouraged to have access to the SQF Code Edition 9 during the training. The code provides essential guidance and reference material that will be used throughout the course.
You can download the appropriate version of the SQF Code directly from the SQF Institute’s official website:
SQF Code Library
Please ensure you select the correct code that aligns with your industry sector (e.g., Food Manufacturing, Packaging, Storage & Distribution, etc.).
Completion of an HACCP or PCQI class is not required but is highly recommended.
Jose Sabal, Food Safety and Risk Management Trainer, TÜV SÜD
Jose Sabal is a seasoned food safety and quality consultant with over 30 years of international experience across diverse food processing sectors. He specializes in HACCP-based systems, risk analysis (ISO 31000), and regulatory compliance. As a certified trainer for FSPCA, AFDO, PSA, and SQF, Jose delivers bilingual training in English and Spanish, tailored to industry needs. His expertise spans seafood, dairy, bakery, beverages, and more. Through his consultancy, he supports system development, auditing, and operational risk management, bringing practical, standards-driven solutions to TÜV SÜD Academy’s training programs.