Two weeks ago, the SQFI announced an update regarding the SQF Ed. 10 date, upcoming changes, and transition. Please note that we are taking this time and opportunities to develop better procedure templates and food safety training programs that will help you focus on the updates and leadership in food safety (and building food safety culture). If you require assistance with these updates, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

It is important to clarify that we cannot represent SQFI; therefore, we can only answer questions based on publicly available information and our expertise. We have had people reach out to ask for information that is not yet confirmed. Please be aware that if you require any confirmed information, you can either wait for SQF Ed. 10 to be published or contact SQFI directly. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and support based on the information shared by SQFI, enabling you to prepare effectively and correctly.

Delay in SQF Ed.10 code release

As communicated by SQFI, the postponement in the release of SQF Code Edition 10 stems from an extension in the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarking application timeline, which is now projected to run through March 2026. As a result, the precise release date for Edition 10 remains undetermined ^[1].

If you are inquiring about when the SQF Edition 10 requirements will be audited, please note the following. SQF food facilities will be granted a minimum six-month transition period once Edition 10 is officially released before audits commence under the new standard ^[1]. This provides ample time for careful planning and implementation.

SQF Edition 10: A Deeper Dive into Critical Focus Areas

Based on SQFI’s communications, the core tenets and strategic direction of SQF Edition 10 remain clear despite the delay. The new edition represents a significant evolution, emphasizing three critical areas designed to elevate food safety management beyond mere compliance: food safety culture, change management, and environmental monitoring ^[1]. These pillars reflect an industry-wide understanding that effective food safety is built on a holistic, proactive, and continuously improving foundation.

1. Food Safety Culture Takes Center Stage

SQF Edition 10, as outlined by SQFI, places an unprecedented emphasis on food safety culture. This goes beyond traditional checklists and mandates robust plans that demonstrate a genuine commitment to safety at every level of an organization. Food manufacturers are likely needing to implement comprehensive strategies for:

• Effective Communication: Ensuring that food safety information flows seamlessly throughout the organization, from top management to frontline staff.
• Comprehensive Employee Training: Developing and delivering training programs that not only cover technical skills but also instill a deep understanding of food safety principles and their personal responsibility.
• Systematic Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing channels for employees to report concerns, suggest improvements, and actively participate in the food safety system.
• Continuous Improvement Processes: Fostering an environment where food safety is regularly reviewed, evaluated, and enhanced based on performance data and emerging risks.

Is this new?

No, this is part of what an effective food management system is, which must be integrated for a food business to achieve operational excellence.  Consider a food safety transformation from a procedural requirement to an ingrained organizational mindset, empowering every employee to be an active guardian of consumer protection.

2. Introducing Mandatory Change Management

A groundbreaking addition in Edition 10, as communicated by SQFI, is the requirement for mandatory change management. Organizations will now be required to develop documented procedures for handling all types of changes, whether they involve equipment modifications, process adjustments, or transitions in vendors. This proactive approach is designed to identify and mitigate potential risks before they escalate, thereby reducing the likelihood of costly and reputation-damaging recall incidents.

If you are part of our HACCP or SQF class that I trained, I often share a real-life story about how improper change management can impact food safety and critical control points, which are essential to food safety. Real-life stories that happened to me, when we did have a change control, but we missed the second change control.

3. Environmental Monitoring for SQF: A Risk-Based Approach

SQFI’s updates also highlight a crucial change to environmental monitoring in Edition 10, making a risk-based assessment mandatory to determine monitoring needs. This moves away from a one-size-fits-all approach, allowing food facilities to develop monitoring strategies that are specifically tailored to their unique operational risks and environments. This targeted approach ensures resources are allocated effectively, focusing on the most critical areas for pathogen control and overall environmental hygiene.

Preparing for Edition 10 Now

While the official release is pending, this extended timeline is an invaluable opportunity to get ahead. Instead of waiting, organizations can use this period to critically assess their current systems against the anticipated requirements of Edition 10. This includes reviewing existing food safety culture initiatives, evaluating change management protocols, and refining environmental monitoring programs.

This is where expert guidance becomes indispensable. At SFPM Consulting Inc., we are dedicated to helping our clients not just meet, but exceed, food safety standards. We understand the nuances of SQF certification and the strategic importance of these upcoming changes. Our approach is built on providing completely customized solutions that plan for both current needs and future expansion.

We pride ourselves on developing better procedure templates and food safety training programs that focus on these critical updates and leadership in food safety.

What Support Can You Get for Your Transition to SQF Edition 10?

• Customized SQF Ed.10 or SQF Ed. 9 to Ed.10 Solutions: We develop programs tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you are prepared for Edition 10 and beyond.
• Enhanced Training: Our food safety training programs are designed to embed a strong food safety culture and leadership within your team.
• Practical Tools: Access resources like Felicia Loo’s SQF 9 to SQF Ed10 transition template to streamline your preparation. (to be published when we have the actual code)

All SQF templates purchased from Oct 1, 2025, until the SQF Ed . 10 code is published, will automatically be upgraded to Ed . 10 code requirements. This is to ensure that you will get the most out of our support. Note that these templates are designed to support food manufacturers in addressing the most common situations.

This strategic pause before the full implementation of SQF Edition 10 is not a delay to be passively observed, but an invitation to proactively strengthen your food safety foundations. By focusing on these key areas now, you can ensure a smoother transition, enhance your overall food safety posture, and solidify your leadership in protecting consumers.

While SQF Ed.10 release pending, we encourage you to use this time wisely. Engage with your team, review your current practices, and invest in robust training and procedural development.  When Edition 10 arrives, your food facilities will not just be compliant, but truly exemplary in its commitment to food safety.

References:

[1] SQFI. (2025, September 26). Updating You on Edition 10: Release Timeline and Next Steps. Retrieved from https://www.sqfi.com/news/blog/view/sqfi-blog/2025/09/26/updating-you-on-edition-10–release-timeline-and-next-steps