Wal-Mart and Others Recognize SQF Standard

A new set of food safety standards has hit the food supply chain with major implications for the future.

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) has developed the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program which certifies that a product, process or service meets the highest standards of food safety practices. The program allows suppliers to guarantee to consumers that the food has been produced, processed, prepared and handled in accordance with food safety best practices and meets all regulatory requirements.

More and more U.S. and international retailers and food service providers are requiring their suppliers to meet this stringent certification. It is projected that many more retailers will only do business with SQF-certified suppliers. There are currently seven global retailers that have indicated that they will exclusively purchase from SQF-certified suppliers, including Wal-Mart, Tesco, and Ahold.

The SQF program is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative as a program that meets "the highest international standards and utilizes protocols administered by International Accreditation Forum member Accreditation Bodies."

For more information, go to the SQF Institute's Website, visit NSF International's Website, or view the SQF Program brochure.