Summary
In short
- A sqf readiness audit is an audit used in KnowQuality that audits your site against the SQF code before the certification body arrives. It is built against SQF Code Ed.9 and forms part of the Scheme Certification Readiness programme.
- Run twice a year, or before recertification. Carried out internally or by a consultant.
- The template holds 59 fields across 5 sections, with modules audited repeating for each entry.
- Scoring is weighted percent, where high is good.
- SQF Code Ed.9 is safe Quality Food Code edition 9. A GFSI recognised food safety and quality certification scheme.
- It connects to the rest of the library: links Clause Register; feeds Finding.
What it is
What it is
What is a sqf readiness audit?
A sqf readiness audit is an audit used in KnowQuality that audits your site against the SQF code before the certification body arrives. It is built against SQF Code Ed.9 and forms part of the Scheme Certification Readiness programme.
When is a sqf readiness audit completed?
A sqf readiness audit is completed on the audit schedule, and wherever a finding elsewhere suggests a systemic gap. Run twice a year, or before recertification.
When to use it
When to use it, and when not to
This audit is one step in a larger programme. Using it for work that belongs to a neighbouring template produces records that are hard to report on later.
Use it for
- The event or activity this audit covers has occurred, or is about to
- A new record is needed; each one gets its own ID in the form AUD-2026-000
- You are running the Scheme Certification Readiness programme and this is one of its steps
- A linked record needs this one to exist: links clause register; feeds finding
Not for
- BRC Readiness Audit, which audits your site against the BRCGS standard ahead of certification.
- ISO 9001 Readiness Audit, which audits your quality management system against ISO 9001 ahead of certification or surveillance.
- Anything outside KnowQuality, which belongs in the workspace that owns that process
Standards
What it is built against
SQF Code Ed.9Safe Quality Food Code edition 9
A GFSI recognised food safety and quality certification scheme.
SQFSafe Quality Food
A GFSI recognised certification scheme. Module 2 covers system elements, module 11 good manufacturing practice.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the sqf readiness audit template based on?+
It is built against SQF Code Ed.9. SQF Code Ed.9 is safe Quality Food Code edition 9. A GFSI recognised food safety and quality certification scheme. SQF is safe Quality Food. A GFSI recognised certification scheme. Module 2 covers system elements, module 11 good manufacturing practice.
What sections does the sqf readiness audit contain?+
There are 5 sections: header, modules audited, practice versus paperwork, sqf specific, result. Together they hold 59 fields, 44 of which are required.
How often is a sqf readiness audit raised?+
A new record is raised on the audit schedule, and wherever a finding elsewhere suggests a systemic gap. Each one is given an ID in the form AUD-2026-000, so it can be traced and referenced from other records.
Which programme does the sqf readiness audit belong to?+
It is part of Scheme Certification Readiness. Readiness held continuously rather than assembled in the fortnight before the auditor arrives.
How is a sqf readiness audit scored?+
Scoring is weighted percent. High is good. Scores exist to make the form tell you something, not to produce a percentage for its own sake.
Can the sqf readiness audit template be changed?+
Yes. Every field, option, score and conditional rule is editable, and the links to other templates come with it. Most teams install it as it is, run it for a cycle, then adjust.
The agents
What the agents do with it
The form is the easy part. Keeping it current, routing it to the right owner and holding the evidence together is the work that actually slips.
Holds the sqf readiness audit library against your registers, routes each record to its owner, and keeps the evidence trail together.
Coordinates the crew, rolls completion and exceptions into one view, and holds every write for your approval before it touches a record.
This template lives in KnowQuality — quality and food safety. HACCP, nonconformance, traceability, laboratory and customer complaints.
Sources
Sources
- SQF Code Ed.9 — Safe Quality Food Code edition 9
- SQF — Safe Quality Food