SQF Storage & Distribution
CertificationAlso known as: SQF S&D, SQF Storage and Distribution Code
GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification for storage/distribution with a public site-specific directory.
What It Means
SQF Storage & Distribution is a food safety certification under the Safe Quality Food (SQF) program, benchmarked by GFSI. It applies to operations at any point in the distribution chain and covers ambient, refrigerated, frozen, and hot storage. Unlike general SQF manufacturing certification, S&D is specifically designed for warehousing and logistics operations. Certification is site-specific (not corporate-level), involves annual audits, and results are listed in the public SQFI Assessment Database. SQF Edition 10 was released March 1, 2026, with first Edition 10 audits beginning February 2027. Edition 10 introduces change management requirements, food safety culture mandates, and clarified expectations for storage providers. Sites with unannounced recertification audits are recognized as 'SQFI Select Sites.'
What It Is Not
SQF S&D is not the same as SQF Manufacturing certification or the SQF Dietary Supplement Manufacturing code (Module 17). S&D covers storage and distribution operations, not manufacturing. It is also not a guarantee of operational excellence — certification is annual and scope is food safety management, not supplement-specific workflow execution.
Evidence and References
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