SQF & GMP Packaging Audit Checklist

An interactive tool that gives food manufacturers a scored gap analysis, mapped to SQF Edition 9 and Edition 10 code clauses and FDA GMP regulations.

Start the Checklist See What It Covers
  • PDFDownloadable corrective action report
  • FreeNo cost to use

How to Use This Tool

Progress saves automatically, so you can close the page and come back without losing your work.

  1. Set Up Your Profile

    Operation type, products and certification level.

  2. Complete the Checklist

    Answer each item Yes, Partial, No or N/A.

  3. Review Your Results

    See a scored gap analysis by section.

  4. Download Your PDF

    Keep a corrective action plan for your team.

What Does This Tool Cover?

Audit section SQF clauses and regulations
A. Packaging material specifications and verification SQF 2.3.2, FDA 21 CFR 174 to 178
B. Approved supplier program SQF 2.3.4
C. Storage and handling SQF 11.6, 13.6
D. Packaging line controls and changeover SQF 2.6.1, 11.7
E. Labeling compliance SQF 2.4.1, FDA 21 CFR 101
F. Traceability and recall readiness SQF 2.6.2, 2.6.3
G. Personnel, hygiene and environmental controls SQF 13.3, 2.9
H. Food defense, fraud and allergen management SQF 2.7, 2.8

Who Needs This Packaging Audit Checklist?

  • Food Manufacturers

    Honey, ice cream, sauces, beverages and bakeries.

  • Packaging Manufacturers

    Containers, films, labels and closures.

  • SQF Practitioners

    Food safety professionals running the program on site.

  • QA Managers

    Teams preparing for an upcoming audit.

  • Food Safety Consultants

    Advisors helping clients get certified.

  • Food Startups

    Founders learning compliance before a first audit.

What Is SQF Certification?

SQF (Safe Quality Food) is a rigorous, globally recognized food safety and quality certification program managed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). With more than 12,000 certified sites across 40+ countries, SQF is one of the most widely adopted food safety standards in the world and the dominant standard in North America.

SQF is benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which puts it alongside BRC, FSSC 22000 and IFS Food as a best-in-class food safety program. It is offered as three programs.

  • Food Safety Fundamentals

    Formerly Level 1

    Food safety fundamentals for small or developing operations.

  • Food Safety Code

    Formerly Level 2

    HACCP-based food safety for sites selling to major retailers.

  • Quality Code

    Formerly Level 3

    Quality management added to a Food Safety Code certification, for companies demonstrating both safety and quality.

Why Do You Need SQF Certification?

  • Retailer Requirements

    Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Target and Whole Foods all require GFSI certification. Without it, a product does not get shelf space.

  • Risk Reduction

    Independently verified systems reduce recall risk, liability exposure and regulatory action.

  • Competitive Advantage

    Sysco, US Foods and major food manufacturers prefer or require certified suppliers.

  • Global Acceptance

    GFSI recognition means your certification is accepted worldwide, which opens export markets.

The 5 Most Common Packaging Audit Findings

  • Missing FDA Food-Contact Documentation

    Companies assume their packaging is food-grade but cannot produce a certificate of conformance citing 21 CFR Parts 174 to 178. Auditors almost always flag it.

  • Label Reconciliation Failures

    Labels are not counted at changeover. One missing label can mean a product packed with the wrong allergen statement and a Class I recall.

  • Incomplete Supplier Program

    The approved supplier list exists but lacks risk assessments, COAs or a defined audit frequency. SQF expects a working system with records behind every supplier.

  • Changeover Procedures Not Followed

    The SOP exists but the sign-off form is blank. Documentation gaps count as audit failures.

  • Traceability Gaps at the Packaging Level

    Product traces back to its ingredients but not to the packaging lot it used. When a defect turns up, the result is a total recall instead of a targeted one.

FDA Food Contact Requirements (21 CFR Parts 174 to 178)

CFR part What it covers
Part 174 General provisions for indirect food additives (packaging materials)
Part 175 Adhesives and coatings for food-contact applications
Part 176 Paper and paperboard components for food contact
Part 177 Polymers for food-contact packaging (HDPE, PP, PET), the part most cited for plastic containers
Part 178 Adjuvants, production aids and sanitizers

For example, HDPE buckets and pails should reference 21 CFR 177.1520, the regulation that covers olefin polymers for food contact. Outside Parts 174 to 178, labels must comply with 21 CFR Part 101, and facilities must follow 21 CFR Part 117 (CGMP).

How to Prepare for an SQF Packaging Audit

  1. 6 to 12 months before

    Appoint an SQF practitioner, run a gap assessment with this tool and start corrective actions on critical gaps.

  2. 3 to 6 months before

    Update packaging specs, supplier files and SOPs. Train staff on the updated procedures and run internal audits.

  3. 1 to 3 months before

    Run a mock recall that includes packaging traceability, and confirm all documentation is current.

  4. 2 weeks before

    Organize documents for the auditor, brief key staff, and check cleaning, training and monitoring records.

  5. Audit day

    Have your SQF practitioner available and every document within reach. Auditors want to see your systems working live.

How Much Does SQF Certification Cost?

Item Estimated cost
SQFI registration fee $1,100 to $2,200 per year
Certification body audit fees $3,000 to $10,000+
SQF practitioner training $1,500 to $3,000
Consulting (optional) $5,000 to $25,000+
Total first-year investment $10,000 to $40,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Changing for Packaging in SQF Edition 10?

SQFI released Edition 10 in March 2026. Audits to Edition 10 are expected to start on January 2, 2027, pending GFSI benchmarking, and audits before that date stay on Edition 9. The key changes for packaging are enhanced food safety culture requirements, a new change management clause (2.3.5) for supplier, material, equipment and process changes, cybersecurity requirements for networked equipment such as automated labeling and SCADA, and documented root cause analysis methods for corrective action.

How Long Does It Take to Get SQF Certified?

SQF Food Safety Fundamentals usually takes 3 to 6 months, the Food Safety Code 6 to 12 months, and the Quality Code 9 to 18 months. Add 3 to 6 months if you are starting from scratch.

How Often Are SQF Audits Conducted?

Once a year. Initial certification is a two-stage audit: a documentation review, then on-site verification. After that, annual re-certification audits keep the certificate current, and unannounced audits can also occur.

What Happens If I Fail an SQF Audit?

Under Edition 9, audits are rated Excellent (96 to 100), Good (86 to 95), Complies (70 to 85) or Fails to comply (below 70, or any critical non-conformance). Critical findings give you 14 days to submit a corrective action plan. A fail means no certificate is issued until you fix the gaps and are re-audited.

Can I Use This Checklist for BRC or FSSC 22000?

This tool is mapped to SQF clauses, but many packaging requirements overlap across GFSI standards. Supplier management, traceability, labeling, GMP and allergen control are consistent across all programs, so you can use it as a general assessment.

Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and audit preparation purposes only and does not constitute professional SQF consultation. Verify requirements against the current official SQF code at sqfi.com.

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