Cert ID, www.cert-id.com, an experienced and trusted provider of certification services, and the Safe Quality Food Institute, www.sqfi.com, the global administrator of the SQF program, today announced that Cert ID LC, is licensed to offer SQF certification to US, Canadian and Mexican primary producers, manufacturers, exporters and retailers.  Cert ID LC now joins a select group of US-based certification bodies licensed to offer the SQF program in North America, extending SQF’s ability to meet the increasing demand for food safety certification.

“Food retailers and manufacturers seek suppliers who are SQF certified because of the increased brand protection, consumer confidence and loyalty, and food safety and quality through the food supply chain,” said John Schulz, SQF Director of Business Operations.

SQF, is an internationally recognized food safety certification program that meets the GFSI Global Food Safety Initiative requirements.  Unique among the GFSI recognized standards, SQF is the only standard offering complete “farm to fork” supply chain management from primary production to distribution.  In increasing numbers, major North American retailers are requiring food safety certification from their suppliers.  SQF certification meets these requirements, providing assurance that a product, process or service complies with regulatory, international and scientifically proven standards for safety.  In addition to its focus on food safety, SQF allows suppliers to demonstrate their excellence in adhering to the highest quality standards of handling, preparation and processing.

Cert ID is an accredited third party certification company that verifies compliance of food and feed producers and manufacturers to regulations governed by ISO 65, including the SQF program.  After successfully offering food and agricultural certification programs in the US and internationally for more than a decade, Cert ID is well-equipped to add the SQF program to its service offerings.  Kenneth Ross, CEO of Cert ID said, “We’re pleased begin offering the SQF program to food industry clients.  We look forward to working closely with the SQF Institute to expand the program to the US, Canadian and Mexican food industry.”