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SQF internal audit checklist template

The SQF internal audit checklist is designed for food safety and quality professionals who need a reliable tool to assess compliance with the Safe Quality Food (SQF) standard. With this customizable template, you can review your processes, document findings, and ensure all critical control points are covered, without missing key requirements. This checklist is tailored for food manufacturers, processors, and distributors who face strict regulatory demands and need to prove ongoing SQF compliance.

With more than 14,000 SQF-certified sites globally, the standard is increasingly recognized across the food industry for its role in ensuring safe, high-quality products. Our SQF checklist addresses the specific audit criteria required by SQF, making it distinct from broader ISO or GMP templates. If you also oversee ISO 22000 or general food safety audits, explore our other related templates to support your full compliance program.

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Preview of the template

Food Safety

Are food safety and quality policies and procedures in place?

Are employees trained on food safety and quality protocols?

Are there procedures in place for monitoring and controlling temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors?

Are cleaning and sanitation procedures documented and followed?

Are there systems in place for product traceability and recall?

Quality Assurance

Are quality control measures in place to ensure product specifications are met?

Are there procedures for handling non-conforming products?

Are there procedures for managing customer complaints?

Are there procedures for internal audits and corrective actions?

Compliance

Are all relevant regulatory licenses and permits in place?

Are there systems in place for managing food defense and food fraud?

Are worker safety and welfare practices in compliance with regulations?

Are environmental regulations and sustainability practices being followed?

Frequently asked questions

What is SQF and how does it relate to food safety audits?

SQF stands for Safe Quality Food, a globally recognized food safety and quality management certification program. It provides a rigorous framework for managing food safety risks. SQF audits ensure that companies meet these standards, which is often required by retailers and regulators to protect consumers and supply chains.

What are the most common non-conformances found during SQF internal audits?

Common non-conformances include incomplete documentation, inadequate sanitation procedures, insufficient staff training, and lapses in traceability. Addressing these issues early through regular internal audits helps food businesses avoid critical findings during external SQF certification audits.

Which types of businesses need to comply with SQF requirements?

SQF requirements apply to food manufacturers, processors, packers, distributors, and storage facilities. Any business involved in the food supply chain, from farm to fork, may need to demonstrate SQF compliance to meet customer, retailer, or regulatory demands.

What are the consequences of failing an SQF audit?

Failing an SQF audit can result in loss of certification, restricted market access, and damaged business relationships. It may also increase the risk of regulatory penalties or costly product recalls. Regular internal audits can prevent these outcomes by addressing issues early.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.