SQF Food Safety Code Edition 10 Arrives in a Digital-First Format

technologist using tablet in food production facility — Image credit: usertrmk via Freepik

SQF Food Safety Code Edition 10 is now available, introducing a digitized experience designed to help sites, auditors, and stakeholders navigate requirements.

The new Code Selector enables users to identify the correct Code for their purposes based on their scope and activities. The experience is built to be intuitive, structured, and designed to reduce ambiguity. SQFI also published a new webpage to further help sites discern which edition of the Code they should be using based on timing and transition considerations. SQFI recommends users begin with the Code Selector before exploring Edition 10.

Edition 10 of the Code incorporates industry feedback and aligns with evolving risk expectations, including measurable food safety culture requirements and a revised scoring model that better weighs systemic controls. Treating food safety culture as a measurable risk, Edition 10 elevates expectations around management commitment, environmental monitoring, and preventative controls.

Aligned with Edition 10's emphasis on food safety culture, SQFI also recently published the "Food Safety Culture Assessment Plan" guidance document, which can be accessed here.

The shift to a digital-first Code is intended to support faster updates, improved navigation, and multiple languages. It is searchable, cross-referenced, and structured for real-world application.

A printable version of the Code is still offered. For more information on how to access a PDF of Edition 10 and other topics, visit the Edition 10: FAQ page.

Overall, Edition 10 is built to strengthen audit credibility, reinforce food safety culture, and provide clearer signals around risk. It is also designed to make users’ interaction with the Code more efficient.

Update, March 20, 2026: The article has been edited to include the food safety culture guidance document.

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The Food Safety Magazine editorial team comprises Bailee Henderson, Director of Content Strategy and news editor ✉, and Adrienne Blume, M.A., Director of Editorial and Industry Engagement.