SQF Level 2 Initial certification

Hi Everyone,

Are the requirements for initial certification same as recertification regarding below sections?

- Internal Audit

- Mock recall 

- Traceability 

- Food defense 

For example, Internal audit will be performed by internal audit team for the year since the last SQF audit. non-conformances identified will be corrected. An NCR will be completed for each non-conformance. This entire exercise is verified during the Recertification audit. 

But what about the initial certification? Is an internal audit exercise required for initial audit as well? 

similarly, Is a food defense assessment and challenge required even for initial certification?

Please advise.

Hi Bhargav

The requirements of  initial and re-certification audits are same. Yes results of internal audits including evidence of closure of all non-conformance should be available. Yes evidence of food defense assessment and challenge is also required during certification audit. Having said that as absence of these documents is highly unlikely to pose any critical food safety issues so auditor may raise these issues as minor non- conformances

Kind regards

Dr Humaid Khan

MD Halal International Services

Australia