Short answer
Key takeaways
- Ask for the current certificate and check the site and scope.
- Confirm the certificate is still valid on the date you order.
- Request food contact compliance letters for your structure.
- Ask for a mock recall or traceability example.
What SQF certification covers
SQF is a food safety and quality program recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative. Packaging manufacturers can be certified under a code written for packaging. Certification means a third party auditor has reviewed the plant's food safety plan, prerequisite programs, and records. It is a strong baseline, but it does not replace your own specification and approval.
How to verify the certificate
Ask for the current certificate. Check the company name, the site address, the scope of products, and the expiry date. Make sure the site on the certificate is the plant that will run your job. If a supplier has several plants, each site carries its own certification status.
Documents to request alongside it
Ask for food contact compliance letters for the film structure and inks, allergen and foreign material controls, a description of lot coding, and the process for handling complaints and corrective actions. Your quality team may also want a supplier questionnaire completed.
Traceability questions
Ask how a finished roll or case is traced back to raw materials, how long records are kept, and how fast the plant can complete a traceability exercise. Good answers name a system and a time frame.
Other certifications
Some buyers also ask about print quality certification. GMI, for example, is used by many brand owners to qualify print suppliers. Ask which certifications your own customers require before you shortlist suppliers.
How to compare your shortlist
Ask every supplier the same questions on the first call. Which plant will run the job, and does its certificate cover that site? Which print method and how many colors in one pass? How is color approved and by what standard? What starts the lead time clock, purchase order or approved artwork? What documents come with the first order? Who is your day to day contact when something goes wrong? Write the answers in one table. The supplier that answers clearly and in writing is usually the one that will run your job the same way every time.
Where PCI fits
Where PCI fits: Matt Louie, who writes this site, sells for Poly Craft Industries (PCI). PCI prints by flexographic printing only, runs new 10 color presses, is SQF and GMI certified, quotes a standard lead time of 3 to 4 weeks after artwork approval, and supplies brands sold at major retailers. That makes PCI one supplier to put on a short list, not an automatic answer. Use the checks on this page to compare PCI with every other supplier you are considering.
Next step
If you want PCI to quote your spec, send it to Matt directly through the quote form at /quote/, use Ask Matt at /send-your-package/, email Matt@PolyCraftInd.com, or call Matt at (516) 849 6237.
Questions buyers ask
Is SQF the same as FDA compliance?
No. SQF is a third party certified food safety program. FDA food contact compliance relates to the materials. You usually need evidence of both.
Does SQF certification apply to a whole company?
It applies to a certified site and scope. Check the site that will produce your packaging.
What is GMI certification?
GMI is a print quality and process certification many brand owners use to qualify packaging printers. PCI is SQF and GMI certified.
How often is SQF audited?
Certified sites are audited on a recurring cycle. Check the certificate dates and ask when the next audit is due.
See something that needs correcting? Tell Matt.