SQFI’s Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-benchmarked certification program is a gold standard of food safety assurance for established retail food product suppliers. However, for upstart entrepreneurs manufacturing their own product, the financial outlay for SQF food safety certification or good manufacturing practices (GMP) audits is often not a possibility and becomes a roadblock to approval with retailers. Moreover, investing in food safety is a legal obligation and a strategic move that can protect a small food manufacturer's reputation, enhance consumer trust, and mitigate potential risks associated with foodborne illnesses and contamination incidents.
SQFI has created an affordable, remote assessment option, built on the SQF Food Safety Fundamentals criteria, which allows retailers to manage food safety risks related to local and specialty products their customers demand. The SQF Fundamentals Verification Assessment (FVA) is an innovative approach tailored to small businesses, offering an affordable and efficient means of demonstrating their commitment to food safety.