At SFPM Consulting, we’re always keeping an eye on the latest developments in food safety certification. With SQF Edition 10 on the horizon, there’s been a lot of buzz about potential changes. While nothing is set in stone just yet, we want to make sure our clients are informed and ready for whatever comes next.

So, what’s being discussed? Here’s a breakdown of the proposed updates and how you can start thinking ahead.

Potential Shift in Grading – What Does It Mean for You?

One of the big discussions is about moving away from traditional audit scores. Instead of aiming for a high number, facilities may see a pass/fail-style grading system. The suggested structure looks something like this:

✅ Compliant – 80 and above
🔄 Surveillance Required – 70-79
❌ Fail – Below 70

📌 Key Takeaway: This could mean no more “almost excellent” scores—either you’re compliant or you’re not. Compliance as a whole would carry more weight than just tallying points.

How Can You Stay Ready?

✔️ Keep treating all non-conformances seriously—don’t assume minor issues won’t impact your audit outcome.
✔️ Consider conducting mock audits under this potential new system to see how you’d fare.
✔️ If you’ve had past non-conformances, use this time to strengthen your corrective actions.

More Weight on Module 2 Non-Conformances?

There’s talk that Module 2 non-compliances may be weighted more heavily, possibly by a 1.75x multiplier. Additionally, repeat non-conformances—which have always been serious—might now be strictly enforced as major issues.

📌 Key Takeaway: If this goes into effect, a single issue in Module 2 could have a much bigger impact on your audit result.

How Can You Prepare?

✔️ Conduct a deep-dive internal audit on Module 2 compliance before your next SQF audit.
✔️ Review past audit reports—if you’ve had repeat issues, assume they may be enforced more strictly.

Food Safety Culture Plan – A More Formal Requirement?

Food safety culture has been a hot topic for years, but SQF Edition 10 might take it a step further by requiring a formal, documented plan. Right now, we’re still waiting to see exactly what will be required in Part B of the changes.

📌 Key Takeaway: It’s not enough to just say your facility values food safety—you may need to prove it with documentation.

How Can You Stay Ready?

✔️ Keep an eye out for the Part B changes that will be open for public comments in April 2025.
✔️ If you don’t have one, consider drafting a food safety culture plan and track activities like training and engagement.
✔️ Start reinforcing food safety messages through leadership involvement and team discussions.

A More Structured Approach to CAPA?

Corrective & Preventive Actions (CAPA) are already part of the SQF system, but Edition 10 may require a clearer structure. The big focus? Ensuring root cause analysis is done properly—because if you don’t fix the real issue, you’ll keep seeing the same problems.

📌 Key Takeaway: Auditors might not just check if you corrected an issue—they could ask how you analyzed it and what you’re doing to prevent recurrence.

How Can You Stay Ready?

✔️ If you haven’t already, explore structured CAPA methods like:

• 5 Whys – Ask “why” five times to get to the root cause.
• Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa) – Visually map out possible causes.
• FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis) – Identify risks and prioritize corrective actions.
  ✔️ Document each CAPA step clearly, from root cause analysis to follow-up actions.
  ✔️ Train your team to ensure CAPA isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about preventing them.

Other Possible Changes: Training, Record-Keeping, and FSPCA Training Recognition

SQF is also looking into:

• Streamlining training, CAPA, and record-keeping requirements to eliminate duplication.
• Recognizing FSPCA Training (Version 2)—but only if it includes an assessment to validate understanding.

📌 Key Takeaway: Less confusion, but potentially stricter documentation and training verification.

How Can You Stay Ready?

✔️ Make sure your training records and CAPA documentation are well-organized and easy to track.
✔️ If your facility relies on FSPCA training, confirm that assessments are included. No assessment = potential non-compliance.

The SQFI Public Commenting Period – Your Chance to Speak Up!

Right now, these changes are proposals, meaning YOU have a chance to share feedback before they are finalized.

🔹 What do you think about the new grading system?
🔹 Will these changes help or create more challenges for your facility?

If you have thoughts, now is the time to voice them! You can submit comments at SQF’s official site.

How SFPM Consulting Can Help

We know that navigating food safety changes can feel overwhelming, which is why we’re committed to supporting our clients through this transition. Our team is monitoring SQF updates closely and will provide tailored guidance once the final Edition 10 requirements are published.

📌 Want to stay ahead of the changes? Reach out to us today, and let’s start preparing together!