SQF Edition 10 Publication Date
Hi Team,
Who know the date when SQF will publish Edition 10 ?
Thanks.
Auguste
Hello! I just checked the SQFI website- and nothing new has been posted. The best I can come up with is "mid to late August" and "Q3"
Hi there! I just checked the SQFI website and found this:
Implementation Timeline
- Q3: Official publication
- April 2026: Projected full implementation with Edition 10 audits in place
- Ongoing: Free resources and support tools available
Q3 gets us to the end of September
They received a lot more public commentary than they were banking on (is my educated guess) If it's released in August, I would be gobsmacked
The July SQF Newletter said ..."The July heat is here, and so is the momentum building toward SQF Edition 10. While the Code goes into effect for audits in the second half of 2026, now is the time for practitioners to prepare their sites, teams, and leadership for what’s ahead."
I emailed them asking for a more definitive date because my audit falls in Mid-April, they did not give me even an approximate date. only saying we will let you know. I still don't know for sure if I will be audited under 9 or 10.
It's doubtful they know. They should commit to auditing you under 9 but IMEX they can't commit to anything in particular.
I recently got an email touting 'instant access' and a Ed 10 Conversion Course when it does drop, so that makes me think it's sooner rather than later.
Blog is saying "Q3" which includes September.
SQFI | Collaborative Food Safety Evolution: SQF Edition 10 Shaped by Industry Voices
I'm guessing 30th September? Right? :roflmao:
Just seen this on the website:
SQFI | FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the SQF Edition 10 Conversion Course
Yes! Although audits to Edition 10 don’t start until the second half of 2026, early preparation helps you confidently align systems and train teams in advance, making your transition smoother and less stressful.
Hi everyone,
I emailed SQFI just over a week ago to ask about this as the last I heard Edition 10 was going to be published in August.
This is the reply I received from SQFI Support:
‘We do not have a timeline for the Edition 10 release yet, however we do plan for it to be launched sometime in late Fall. A training will be released to go over changes around that time as well.’
Kind regards,
Tony
Late Fall...so December 19th? :huh:
Late Fall...so December 19th? :huh:
Yes, interesting choice of words... Definitely not the same as "Q3".
If they push the release to Q4, will they also push the implementation date out past April?
If they push the release to Q4, will they also push the implementation date out past April?
I believe they define the first audits on the new edition to be 6 months after the release date, so any release date after October will push you to be audited to edition 9, otherwise get ready for a push to audit on edition 10.
I skimmed through the public comments on edition 10 in April. For the most part, they just moved stuff around in different sections and clarified a few things. Anything that I saw that were "added" were things that common sense should have dictated it should be done anyway.
If you're still worried, then I would invest in the conversion course.
December is looking more and more likely.
For the most part, they just moved stuff around in different sections and clarified a few things.
Bummer. My predecessor has the entire document system numbered based on the SQF code it meets. I'm sure it seemed like a great idea at the time..
December is looking more and more likely.
What makes you say that? Although I wholeheartedly agree but based on nothing more than my gut
What makes you say that? Although I wholeheartedly agree but based on nothing more than my gut
Same, just a feeling... the way they quietly transitioned from "end of August" to "end of fall"
Same, just a feeling... the way they quietly transitioned from "end of August" to "end of fall"
Agree.
Also loving the fact you're Beaker to my Bunsen! :roflmao:
Agree.
Also loving the fact you're Beaker to my Bunsen! :roflmao:
Haha. You just now noticed this?! I made this my avatar like 12 years ago :lol2:
Haha. You just now noticed this?! I made this my avatar like 12 years ago :lol2:
I'm old... And I have a sneaking suspicion I probably commented on it 12 years ago... :roflmao:
I think to be fair to LeAnn Chuboff, Vice President, Technical Affairs, SQFI and her team some patience is due as this is a massive task. Releasing so many new versions of the SQF Food Safety Code at the same time is huge!
Have a look at the main 4 GFSI benchmarked certification schemes and you will see what I mean. Other certification schemes stagger the release of their standards or in the case of FSSC 22000 most of the scheme documents are published by ISO so there is just the FSSC 22000 Food Safety Management System Certification documents to update including Part 2 Requirements for Organization to be Audited Additional Requirements and in particular 2.5 FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements. See below.
SQF Food Safety Codes (Edition 9 published 2020 unless stated)
Primary Plant Production
Primary Animal Production
Aquaculture
Food Manufacturing
Pet Food Manufacturing
Animal Feed Manufacturing
Animal Product Manufacturing
Dietary Supplement Manufacturing
Storage and Distribution
Manufacture of Food Packaging
Quality Code
Food Retail, Edition 8.1
Foodservice, Edition 8.1
* Note Edition 8 published 2017 & Edition 8.1 published 2019
BRCGS Global Standards (Published Date)
Food Safety (Issue 9) 01 August 2022
Agents and Brokers (Issue 3) 01 October 2021
Packaging Materials (Issue 7) 28 October 2024
Storage and Distribution (Issue 4) 11 October 2020
Retail Issue 1 01 September 2016
BRCGS Others
Consumer Products: General Merchandise (Issue 4) 01 November 2016
Consumer Products: Personal Care and Household (Issue 4) 01 November 2016
Ethical Trade Responsible Sourcing (Issue 2.1) 09 June 2023
Gluten-Free (Issue 4) 05 February 2024
Plant-Based Global Standard Issue 1 01 January 2020
International Featured Standards (IFS)
IFS Food Version 8 April 2023
IFS PACsecure Standard Version 3 February 2024
IFS Logistics Version 3 December 2023
IFS Broker Version 3.2 February 2024
IFS Wholesale /Cash & Carry Version 3 November 2023
IFS HPC Version 3 December 2022
FSSC Certification Scheme Version 6
The Scheme is based on the publicly available standards/technical specifications:
ISO 22000:2018 requirements for any organization in the food chain;
Relevant prerequisite programs (PRPs) based on technical specifications for the sector
(e.g., ISO/TS 22002-x; PAS xyz); and
FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements as determined by stakeholders.
FSSC 22000 Scheme Version 6 Documents published April 2023. An update is expected given the publication of new ISO 22002 series. See attached.
New FSSC 22000 Scheme Documents Review September 2025.jpg 181.91KB 0 downloads
Sorry some of that is blurred because the image has been downsized, for clarity:
Comments/Expected Updates from FSSC Version 6
ISO 22000 is published by ISO. The 2018 version was last reviewed and confirmed in 2023. Therefore this version remains current.
ISO 22002-100 2025 Prerequisite programmes on food safety — Part 100: Requirements for the food, feed and packaging supply chain is applicable generally across all food categories.
Regards,
Tony
You're more tolerant than me Tony (probably all round let's face it) because I think you know it's a big task before you start. Set timelines and resource accordingly. Or that's what an auditor might say...
You guys have more contact with the standard owners than me but is there a deadline to incorporate the GFSI outputs from last year into GFSI aligned standards? You could argue at least SQF have started. While ok, it takes time, all of the GFSI standard owners will have been involved in setting what GFSI agree on so it's not like they were starting cold in December 2024.
By soap box point I suppose is the slow reaction time for GFSI standards can result in increased retailer standards as they want to close / mitigate whatever gaps the appropriate standards aren't currently covering, even if they're eventually in plan.
Also is it me or are BRCGS versions slowing down? BRCGS v 7 to 8 was I think 2015 to 2018. V8 to 9 was longer to 2022 but with Covid that made sense. Now not a sniff of rumour on v10 yet? Once they even get started that will be another year or more or does someone know something I don't?
Dear SQF Stakeholders,
We are writing to share that the release of SQF Code Edition 10 has been delayed due to an extension in the GFSI benchmarking application timeline, which now runs through March 2026. GFSI is currently reconvening its Benchmarking and Harmonization Working Group to review and potentially revise the benchmarking requirements.
Because SQF, like all Certification Program Owners, must submit through this process, this extension has impacted our release plans for SQF Code Edition 10.
Edition 9 is the recognized Edition of the SQF Code at this time. Audits will continue with Edition 9. Sites will have a minimum six-month transition period before audits begin under Edition 10.
While we had initially targeted a September release, the new benchmarking timeline will depend on the outcome of GFSI’s review, which means that the release date for Edition 10 is undetermined.
What You Can Expect Now
Even though we cannot publish Edition 10 until after the revised benchmarking requirements are released, we want to help sites prepare for what’s coming.
The new Edition represents a strategic evolution in food safety management, focusing on three critical areas: food safety culture, change management, and environmental monitoring. These changes reflect the industry’s growing understanding that food safety is not just about compliance, but about creating a holistic, proactive approach to protecting consumers.
Food Safety Culture Takes Center Stage — As it Should
Edition 10 mandates robust food safety culture plans that go beyond traditional checklists. Organizations must now demonstrate comprehensive strategies for:
- Effective communication
- Comprehensive employee training
- Systematic feedback mechanisms
- Continuous improvement processes
This approach transforms food safety from a procedural requirement to an organizational mindset, empowering employees at every level to become active guardians of food safety.
Introducing Mandatory Change Management
The new change management requirement is a groundbreaking addition. Organizations must now develop documented procedures for handling all types of changes, from equipment modifications to vendor transitions. This proactive approach helps prevent potential risks before they escalate, potentially reducing recall incidents.
Environmental Monitoring: A Risk-Based Approach
A key update is that conducting a risk-based assessment to determine environmental monitoring needs is now mandatory. This shift moves away from uniform protocols, enabling sites to develop monitoring strategies that are specifically tailored to their operational risks and environments.
New Digitized Code as a Web Experience
Edition 10 will be presented on sqfi.com, and users will be able to use our Code Selector to get an HTML version of the Code that is translated into all nine languages supported by our website. Code-specific landing pages will also feature HTML versions of each Code that are translated and can be turned into PDF documents for download and printing. Checklists, change documents, and guidance documents will also be available, with any resources also translated and downloadable.
Your Pathway to Compliance: The SQF Edition 10 Conversion Course
See below for the details of the Edition 10 Conversion Course our team has created.
Through SQF blogs and other resources, we will continue to share information on these critical topics.
Next Steps
Edition 9 remains valid and fully recognized worldwide. SQF remains in close communication with GFSI and fellow standard owners, and we will provide timely updates as soon as the benchmarking process advances and a clearer release date for Edition 10 emerges.
Thank you for your patience and continued commitment to food safety. We look forward to supporting you through this transition and ensuring you have the resources you need to succeed.
Please contact info@sqfi.com if we can address your questions.
release date for Edition 10 is undetermined.
Orly..?
I'm used to this in video game delivery, although I can't say I was 'anticipating' SQF ED 10.