Who issues the SQF certificate of registration?

• A. The supplier
• B. The SQF board
• C. The certification body
• D. The auditing team

Answer: (C)

The SQF certificate of registration is issued by the certification body. This organization is responsible for conducting audits and evaluations of an establishment's food safety management system against the SQF Standards. After a thorough assessment confirms compliance with the criteria established in the SQF program, the certification body authorizes the issuance of the certificate, which serves as formal recognition of an organization’s commitment to food safety and quality.

In the context of food safety certification, the certification body plays a vital role as an independent third party. Its findings are based on objective evidence collected during audits, which is essential for maintaining integrity and trust in the certification process. Thus, only an accredited and independent certification body can provide the official SQF registration, as it ensures that all standards have been met and that the organization is operating under the premises of the SQF program.