SQF: Audit to Edition 9 Now, Prepare for Edition 10
Edition 9 is still the code you are audited to. SQFI expects Edition 10 audits from January 2027, if benchmarking allows. Prepare for both.
In Short
- Edition 10 audits anticipated from 2 Jan 2027, not earlier.
- Until GFSI recognises Edition 10, Edition 9 is the recognised code.
- Culture needs evidence from daily work, not a binder.
The Food Processing Operations Guide
Safe changeovers. Right labels. Every lot traceable.
- The rules and the plan
- Supplier to filled tray
- Allergen changeovers and pack checks
- Trace, recall and record review
Plus Evidence map and four worksheets.
Get the food processing guideWe ask for your name and email so we can handle this request. The full guide then opens on this site, ready to translate, print or save. Privacy policy. Practical orientation, not legal advice; your quality unit decides which rules apply.
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The Food Processing Operations Guide
Safe changeovers. Right labels. Every lot traceable.
The SQF codes are voluntary food safety certification standards owned by SQFI. Edition 10 codes are published, but SQFI's FAQ says audits to Edition 10 are anticipated to begin on 2 Jan 2027, depending on GFSI benchmarking, and not earlier; until Edition 10 is GFSI-recognised, Edition 9 is the only recognised programme. This guide covers what to prepare. Checked against SQFI's Edition 10 FAQ and updates pages on 2 Oct 2026; the full code text and scoring were not reproduced.
Which edition applies
Audits today are to Edition 9. SQFI anticipates Edition 10 audits from 2 Jan 2027, says this depends on GFSI benchmarking and may move later, and says they will not start earlier.
Edition 9 to Edition 10, as SQFI describes it
- NowAudits to Edition 9; Edition 10 codes published
- 10 Sep 2026SQFI summary of Edition 10 changes updated
- PendingGFSI benchmarking of Edition 10
- 2 Jan 2027Anticipated start of Edition 10 audits, not earlier; may move later
More on which edition applies
Check SQFI's FAQ before you book an audit date.
What Edition 10 changes
SQFI's summary of changes, current as of 10 Sep 2026, lists code-by-code updates. SQFI highlights updated scoring, food safety culture expectations, risk assessment protocols and documentation controls.
More on what Edition 10 changes
Read the change document for your code, not a general summary.
Food Safety Culture with Evidence
SQFI says auditors will look for evidence that food safety is part of daily work, assessed and improved, not a policy binder. A culture plan with owners, measures and results reviewed by management is easier to show than posters.
Culture evidence an auditor can test
Fundamentals that do not change
Whatever the edition, auditors test the food safety plan, verification, corrective action, supplier approval, traceability and recall. A mock recall that reconciles quantities both ways is still one of the most useful drills.
Records and who decides
V5 keeps internal audits, CAPA, supplier approvals, documents, training records and two-way lot trace. Certification decisions belong to your certification body; your SQF practitioner owns the system.
Also relevant: Food Safety Control & Traceability Buyer Guide (14-page PDF, on the Food Safety page).
Questions
When do SQF Edition 10 audits start?
SQFI anticipates 2 Jan 2027, subject to GFSI benchmarking, and says audits will not start earlier and may start later. Until Edition 10 is GFSI-recognised, Edition 9 is the only recognised programme.
Is SQF a legal requirement?
No. SQF is voluntary certification. Customers often require it. Legal requirements come from food safety law, such as the FSMA preventive controls rule in the US.
What should we do now?
Keep your Edition 9 system audit-ready, read the Edition 10 change document for your code, and plan training. SQFI offers an Edition 10 conversion course.
Can V5 get us certified?
No. V5 keeps the records auditors ask for: audits, CAPA, suppliers, documents, training and lot trace. Certification is decided by your certification body.
Practical orientation, not legal advice. Rules differ by jurisdiction; your quality and compliance team decides what applies.
Keep reading
Food CGMP Readiness: Daily Checks and Evidence
EU Acrylamide Regulation 2017/2158: Mitigation, Sampling and Benchmark Levels
BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 Guide: Culture, HACCP, Traceability and Audits
Cronobacter in Powdered Infant Formula: Part 106 Testing and FDA's Prevention Actions
21 CFR 106 Infant Formula CGMP Guide: Release, Testing and Traceability- Food Allergen Control: US Labeling and Bakery Readiness