What SQF is in Simple Terms
SQF stands for Safe Quality Food. This concept is an internationally recognized food safety certification that goes beyond just compliance. A 3PL storage & distribution facility certified in SQF follows a strict set of rules, procedures, and protocols to ensure that their client’s products stay safe, clean, and traceable while being transported or held. We aren’t talking about good hygiene here, but rather a complex yet advanced system in which food safety risks are managed and prevented.
How is SQF Different from GMP Compliance
SQF (Safe Quality Food) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) are both crucial components of food safety, but they operate at different levels of a food safety management system. GMPs are the fundamental operational conditions and controls that are necessary to produce safe food. These cover a wide range of operational aspects including hygiene, health, maintenance, cleanliness, etc. They are essentially the building block rules and procedures that every food processing facility should follow to prevent contamination and ensure product safety and quality. GMPs are considered Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) for more advanced food safety systems like HACCP(Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and SQF. Food safety plans based on HACCP are used to systematically identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards. They lay the groundwork by controlling the basic environmental and operational conditions.
On the other hand, SQF is a comprehensive, globally recognized Food Safety Management System (FSMS) and certification program. It is one of the Global Food Safety Initiative’s (GFSI) benchmarked standards, meaning it meets rigorous international criteria for food safety. To elaborate, SQF contains all the important foundational aspects of GMP, but adds layers that make it more valuable while enhancing the quality of service and goods. Some of these “layers” include written food safety plans, detailed traceability processes, ongoing trainings for every employee, and even regular internal and external 3rdparty audits with documentation. Think of GMP as following a normal and simpler set of rules while SQF is building and integrating an entire system to prove, improve, and innovate safety over time. While you can comply with GMPs, SQF offers a formal third-party certification that is recognized internationally by major retailers and food service providers.
What Did Port Jersey Logistics Do to Earn an SQF Certification?
Port Jersey Logistics’ SQF certification began with the strong intention of taking the next step for their clients. They knew their safety practices were good, but the desire to step outside of the box with higher standards was there. Initiative and investments had to be made to achieve this. The implementation of management commitment and food safety culture played a substantial role in the SQF certification. Upon growing their FSQA division of the company, Port Jersey Logistics created the critical leadership role in ensuring that ALL food products that are handled, stored, and distributed by Port Jersey meet regulatory standards for SQF while also meeting customer expectations for safety, quality, and compliance. This requires top-level management involvement and commitment to food safety.
A gap needed to be identified. Port Jersey Logistics had to understand all elements within the fine lines of what they have been doing versus what an SQF standard would require moving forward. New processes were conducted for recalls, supplier approvals, and carefully curated risk analysis protocols. At every level, staff were educated about the importance of SQF standards and trained in how to uphold the standards in every way responsible. From new-hire orientations to ongoing educational maintenance, Port Jersey Logistics continues to add new ways to keep the entirety of its staff in-the-know with SQF standards.
With these combined initiatives being approved and scored by certified third-party inspectors, it is not just about getting a certificate—but rather building an entire culture and system around food safety at Port Jersey Logistics.
What Does SQF Mean for Clients and Brands
Food and CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) brands alike should be choosing SQF certified supply chain partners to maximize their quality while minimizing their risk. This certification provides credibility and peace-of-mind to brands that their products are handled with a proven and verified standard of care well above the norm. The risk of recalls, contamination, or delays are reduced significantly, adding emphasis to the idea of seamless fulfillment and transportation. A GFSI recognized certificate and standard is followed to protect and enhance client brands through3PL partners like Port Jersey Logistics. A Journal of Food Protection study showed that sites with an SQF certification saw a 34% reduction in recalls over the last 4 years. This is about knowing that your brand’s reputation is protected from warehouse to shelf. In fact, more and more industry-giant retailers are requiring SQF from their supply chain partners to influence the initiative. From a logistics perspective, this is about less worry for clients, and more transparency, further creating stronger partnerships.
Why More Logistics Companies Should Be SQF Certified
With technology advancing and transforming the way we conduct even the simplest of tasks, it is important to understand the more significant ways of how it can assist consumers and brands alike. Supply chains are becoming more complex with technological advancements, greater market saturation, and an increase in goods. On the other hand, consumers are demanding transparency regarding the process. Now, more than ever, food safety standards are most important. An SQF certification is not just a start towards a higher standard for consumer goods safety, but a must-have in 2025. It shows that your logistics partners are taking your product, brand, and consumer trust seriously. Port Jersey Logistics is proud to be one of the few 3PLs that meet such a standard and will continue to innovate new ways to enhance this endeavor.
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