The SQF Code, Edition 8 Appendix 1: Food Sector Categories

First published May 1995

Appendix 1: SQF Food Sector Categories

Category GFSI
Applicable SQF Code
FSC (Site Scope of Industry Description Example of Products Level of Risk
Modules
Certification) Scopes

1 Production, Al: Farming of System elements Applies to the capture, transport, holding, Includes: Low risk
Capture and Animals Module 5: GAP for farming of intensive animal husbandry and free range Deer, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs,
Harvesting of animal products farming of animals, but does not include poultry, ostrich, emu, etc.
Livestock and seafood.
Game Animals: Cattle, veal, lamb, pigs, poultry, eggs
Cattle, sheep and goats
Free Range Animal
Production Buffalo, wild pigs, emu
Intensive Animal
Production
Dairy farming
Game Animals
Egg Production
2 Not in use

3 Growing and Bl: Farming of System elements Applies to the production, harvesting, All fruit and vegetable and nut Generally low risk.
Production of Fresh Plant Products Module 7: GAP for farming of plant preparation, field packing, transport and varieties including: Some products are
Produce and Nuts: products controlled temperature storage of fresh Tropical and temperate tree fruits, classified as high risk
Fresh fruit, whole fruit, vegetables and nuts. Includes carrots, beets, potatoes, wine grapes
vegetables and nuts all products grown under broad acre and
intensive horticulture production system, Table grapes, strawberries,
Ready-to-Eat (RTE) including orchards, viticulture, and raspberries, blueberries, all forms of
Produce and nuts hydroponics production and nursery leafy greens, spring mix, tomatoes,
operations. peppers, herbs and spices and
tomatoes, green onions, baby spinach,
lettuce, melons, etc.

4 Fresh Produce and D: Pre- System elements Applies to the cleaning, shelling, packing, Includes all fruit, vegetable and nut Low risk
Nuts Pack house processing of Module 10: GMP for pre-processing sorting, grading, controlled atmosphere varieties which are packed in pack
Operations Plant Products of plant products temperature storage and transport of fresh houses and which may undergo
and pre-packaged whole unprocessed fruits, controlled atmosphere storage and
vegetables and nuts for retail sale or further transport.
processing.

5 Extensive Broad Bll: Farming of System elements Applies to the production, harvesting, All grain and cereal varieties for human Generally low risk,
Acre Agriculture Grains and Module 8: GAP for farming of preparation, transport and storage of broad- consumption and animal feed including although some
Operations Pulses grains and pulses acre crops including pulses, cereal and other but not limited to wheat, oats, pulse products and
grains. crops, soy, legumes, maize, corn, processes are
Also includes growing and harvesting of cotton, pasture, silage and hay. classified as high
animal feed crops. risk.

6 Harvest and All: Farming of System elements Applies to the harvest and wild capture and All fresh and salt water fish and Generally low risk,
Intensive Farming Fish and Seafood Module 6: GAP for farming of intensive farming of freshwater and marine shellfish species including: although some
of Seafood seafood fishes and shellfish, including purification, Tuna, salmon, snapper, bass, catfish products and
Wild Caught Fish transport and storage and extends to gilling, and other fish spp. processes are
gutting, shucking and chilling operations at classified as high
Aquaculture and RTE sea. Oysters, mussels, shrimp, lobster, risk.
seafood. crab, and other shellfish spp.
The SQF Code, Edition 8 Appendix 1: Food Sector Categories
First published May 1995

Category GFSI
Applicable SQF Code
FSC (Site Scope of Industry Description Example of Products Level of Risk
Modules
Certification) Scopes

7 Slaughterhouse, C: pre-process System elements Applies to the slaughtering, dressing, Includes uncooked poultry, pork and Low risk
Boning and handling of Module 9: GMP for pre-processing processing, transport, storage, chilling, red meat animal species prepared in
Butchery animal products of animal products freezing and wholesaling of all animal retail butcher shops, boning rooms and
Operations: species and game animals for consumption meat wholesale markets, including
Red Meat and extends to all meat cuts. ground (minced) meats.

Poultry Meat Bone in and whole muscle fillet for

pork and red meat species including
ground (minced) red meat.
Bone in and whole muscle poultry fillet
and ground (minced) poultry meat.

8 Processing of El: Processing of System elements Applies to the processing, manufacture, Includes poultry, pork and red meats High risk product and
Manufactured Perishable Animal Module 11: GMP for processing of transport and storage operations where blends and raw heat-treated and process knowledge
Meats and Poultry Products food products meat (all red meat species and poultry) is fermented poultry, pork and red meats required
the major ingredient including all value- including salami, hot dogs, sausages,
adding operations (i.e. cook-chill, crumbing, bacon, pepperoni, and meat pastes etc.
curing, smoking, cooking, drying, fermenting
and vacuum packing) and chilling and
freezing operations, but not canning of meat
or poultry product.

9 Seafood El: Processing of System elements Applies to the processing, manufacture, Includes: Some products are
Processing: Perishable Animal Module 11: GMP for processing of transport and storage of all fish and seafood Whole fish, fish fillets, reformed fish classified high risk.
Raw seafood and Products food products species and extends to value-adding cakes, coated fish portions uncooked Uncooked RTE
seafood products operations including dismembering, fish product. sashimi, sushi and raw product is high risk
fermenting, crumbing, smoking, cooking uncooked shellfish such as oyster and and process
Uncooked RTE freezing, chilling, drying and vacuum mussels, surimi smoked cooked fish
seafood knowledge required
packing, but not canning of seafood product. products chilled or frozen that require
Cooked RTE seafood no further cooking prior to
consumption.

10 Dairy Food El: Processing of System elements Applies to the processing, transport and Includes all milk collection and includes High risk product and
Processing Perishable Animal Module 11: GMP for processing of storage of food products from all species milk and cream, butter, cottage process knowledge
Products food products used for milk collection and extends to all cheese, sour cream, all forms of required
value-adding operations including freezing, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and dried
pasteurizing, ultra-filtration, milk.
evaporation/concentration, fermentation, Also includes milk substitutes such as
clarification, culturing and spray drying of soymilk and tofu, and infant formula.
milk but not UHT operations. (refer to FSC
15).
Includes milk substitutes where the
technology is essentially the same.

11 Apiculture and El: Processing of System elements Applies to apiculture and the processing, Includes apiculture, honey, Some high risk
Honey Processing Perishable Animal Module 11: GMP for processing of transport and storage of food products from honeycomb; pollen and royal jelly.  process knowledge
Products food products all species used for honey collection required
including value-added operations. Includes
clarifying and treatment operations.

12 Egg Processing El: Processing of System elements Applies to the, grading, cleaning, processing, Fresh shell eggs including value-added High risk product;
Perishable Animal Module 11: GMP for processing of transport and storage of food products from products where egg is the major Generally low risk
The SQF Code, Edition 8 Appendix 1: Food Sector Categories
First published May 1995

Category GFSI
Applicable SQF Code
FSC (Site Scope of Industry Description Example of Products Level of Risk
Modules
Certification) Scopes

Products food products all species used for egg collection and ingredient. process
processing.

13 Bakery and Snack ElV: Processing System elements Applies to the processing, transport and Includes baked items such as meat Some high risk
Food Processing of Ambient Module 11: GMP for processing of storage of extruded snack foods and cake pies, custard pies, bread, cookies, process knowledge
Stable Products food products mix formulations and extends to all bakery cakes and mixes and all varieties of required
operations. snack food.

14 Fruit, Vegetable Ell: Processing or System elements Applies to the processing, transport, storage Includes frozen. fermented, dried, Some high risk
and Nut Perishable Plant Module 11: GMP for processing of and distribution of all processed fruit and sliced, diced, cut, and modified process knowledge
Processing, and Products food products vegetable varieties including freezing, atmosphere packaged (MAP) fruit, required
Fruit Juices fermenting drying, slicing, dicing, cutting, vegetable and nut products including
and modified atmosphere processing of all prepared and deli salads.
fruits and vegetables, and the roasting, Includes fresh and pasteurized fruit
drying, and cutting of nuts. and vegetable juices.
Does not include canning of fruits and
vegetables. 

15 Canning, UHT and ElV: Processing System elements Applies to the processing, of low acid canned Includes: High risk product and
Aseptic Operations of Ambient Module 11: GMP for processing of foods, and sterilization (retorting) UHT, or The commercial sterilization of fish, process knowledge
Stable Products food products other high temperature or high pressure meats, fruits and vegetables and other required
processes (HPP) not covered elsewhere and low acid soups and sauces in metal or
the manufacture of the associated glass containers or retort pouches.
hermetically sealed containers.
Does not include pasteurization of
dairy, fruit or vegetable juices, but
does include UHT treatment of
 Pasteurized canned and
chilled crab meat;
 Milk or milk products; or
 Egg or egg products; or
 Fruit or vegetable juices.
 Canned pet food

16 Ice, Drink and ElV: Processing System elements Applies to fermentation, concentration Includes carbonated soft drinks, Some high risk
Beverage of Ambient Module 11: GMP for processing of aseptic filling or drying operations carbonated and non-carbonated process knowledge
Processing Stable Products food products processes. waters, mineral water, ice, wine, beer required
Does not include powdered milk and and other alcoholic beverages.
pasteurization and UHT treatment of milk or
milk products or fruit and vegetable juicing
operations.
Does not apply to dry beverage ingredients
(e.g. tea, coffee).

17 Confectionary ElV: Processing System elements Applies to the preparation, transport and Includes all confectionary products Some high risk
Manufacturing of Ambient Module 11: GMP for processing of storage of all types of confectionary and which undergo refining, conching, process knowledge
Stable Products food products extends to all chocolate and imitation starch molding, compression, required
chocolate-based processing. extrusion and vacuum cooking.

18 Preserved Foods ElV: Processing System elements Applies to the processing, transport and Includes dressings, mayonnaise, Some high risk
Manufacture of Ambient Module 11: GMP for processing of storage of all foods preserved under high sauces, marinades, pickled foods, process knowledge
Stable Products temperature processes not covered peanut butter, mustards, jams and required
The SQF Code, Edition 8 Appendix 1: Food Sector Categories
First published May 1995

Category GFSI
Applicable SQF Code
FSC (Site Scope of Industry Description Example of Products Level of Risk
Modules
Certification) Scopes

food products elsewhere, compositionally preserved foods fillings.

that are not high temperature processed or
other alternative acceptable methods not
covered elsewhere.

19 Food Ingredient L: Production of System elements Applies to the processing, blending, re- Includes starter cultures used in Some high risk
Manufacture Bio-chemicals Module 11: GMP for processing of packaging transport and storage of dry food cheese, yogurt and wine manufacture process knowledge
food products ingredients, cultures and yeast, but does not and cultures used in the baking required
include dairy products, fermented meats or industry and other products such as
other fermented products mentioned vinegar used for the preservation of
elsewhere. foods. Other additional products
include additives, preservatives,
flavorings, colorings, soup mixes,
sauces, dehydrated culinary products,
salt, sugar, spices and other
condiments.
Applies to dried tea and coffee
products.

20 Recipe Meals Elll: Processing of System elements Applies to the processing, receipt, controlled Includes RTE chilled meals and High risk product and
Manufacture Perishable Animal Module 11: GMP for processing of temperature storage and transport of foods deserts, frozen meals, pizza, frozen process knowledge
and Plant food products prepared from a range of ingredients (mixed pasta, soups, and meal solutions, sous required
Products foods) that require cooking, heating, vide products, and freeze-dried and
freezing, or refrigerated storage prior to dehydrated meals.
serving. Includes sandwiches, wraps, and high-
Includes sandwiches, wraps, and high-risk risk desserts for distribution to food
desserts for distribution to food service (If service.
they are made on site and RTE, then fsc 23
applies).

21 Oils, Fats, and the Elll: Processing of System elements Applies to the manufacture of all animal and Includes shortening (animal and Low risk
Manufacture of oil Perishable Animal Module 11: GMP for processing of vegetable oils and fats and to the vegetable), oils (olive, peanut, corn,
or fat-based and Plant food products manufacture of margarine. Includes vegetable, sunflower, safflower,
spreads Products clarifying and refining processes. canola, nut, seed), and oil-based
spreads such as margarine and oil
based spreads.

22 Processing of Ell: Processing or System elements Applies to the processing of cereals of all Includes wheat, maize, rice, barley, Some high risk
Cereal Grains Perishable Plant Module 11: GMP for processing of varieties, including sorting, grading, picking, oats, millet, pasta, breakfast cereals. process knowledge
Products food products handling of bulk grains, milling, and required
extruding.  

23 Food Catering and G: Catering System Elements Applies to all on-site food preparation and Includes food service caterers, retail High risk product and
Food Service Module 15: GRP for Retail service activities, including transport, delicatessen/self-serve facilities, process knowledge
Operations storage, and distribution undertaken with restaurants, fast food outlets, required
mixed foods that are ready-to-eat and do delicatessens, school cafeterias
not require further treatment or processing (canteens), hospital/institution meal
by the consumer. services, childcare centers, and mobile
Only applies to products prepared on site and home delivery food services.
that are RTE. Includes sandwiches, wraps, and high-
risk desserts that are prepared on site
and are RTE.
The SQF Code, Edition 8 Appendix 1: Food Sector Categories
First published May 1995

Category GFSI
Applicable SQF Code
FSC (Site Scope of Industry Description Example of Products Level of Risk
Modules
Certification) Scopes

24 Food Retailing H: Retail/ System Elements Applies to the receipt, handling, storage and Includes all foods distributed and sold Low risk
Wholesale Module 15: GRP for Retail display at retail level of stable or pre- through retail outlets.
processed and packaged foods and/or food Does not include foods that are
intended for further preparation by the prepared on site and are RTE.
consumer.
Retailers that prepare RTE foods shall
include fsc 23 as well.

25 Repackaging of ElV: Processing System elements Assembling of whole produce and packaged Includes gift baskets, Christmas Low risk
products not of Ambient Module 11: GMP for processing of products (e.g. nuts, hard candy, dried fruit, hampers, and presentation packs.
manufactured on Stable Products food products and beef jerky) that are manufactured
site. elsewhere (e.g. gift baskets, etc.).
Applies to products not covered elsewhere.

26 Food Storage and Jll: Provision of System elements Applies to the receipt, storage, display, Includes all transportation, storage Low risk
Distribution Transport and Module 12: GDP for transport and consolidation and distribution of perishable and delivery of perishable and shelf-
Storage Services distribution of food products fresh produce and general food lines stable foods sold through markets,
– Ambient Stable including chilled, frozen, dry goods, stable or retail and foodservice facilities..
Food and Feed pre-processed and packaged foods and/or Includes transportation, storage and
food intended for further preparation by the delivery of all varieties of fresh
consumer at wholesale level. unprocessed fruit, vegetable and nut
products.

27 Manufacture of M: Production of System elements Applies to the manufacture, storage and Includes all food-grade packaging Low risk
Food Packaging Food Packaging Module 13: GMP for manufacture transport of food sector packaging materials including flexible films,
of food packaging materials. paperboard based containers, metal
Includes items that may be used in food containers, flexible pouches, glass
manufacturing or food service facilities, containers, plastic and foam
including paper towel, napkins, disposable containers (PET, polystyrene, etc.),
food containers, straws, stirrers. and single-use foodservice products
(eg paper towel, napkins, disposable
food containers, straws, stirrers).

28 Not in use

29 Not in use

30 Not in use

31 Manufacture of L: Production of System elements Applies to the manufacture, blending, Includes vitamins, probiotics and label High risk product and
Dietary Bio-chemicals Module 11: GMP for processing of transport and storage of dietary supplements. process knowledge
Supplements food products supplements. required

32 Manufacture of Pet Fll: Production of System elements Applies to the manufacture, of pet food Includes dry and moist pet foods and Some high risk
Food Compound Feed Module 4: GMP for processing of intended for consumption by domestic treats, semi-raw, chilled, or frozen process knowledge
pet food products animals and specialty pets. product. required
Does not include canned pet food.

33 Manufacture of L: Production of System elements Applies to the manufacture, storage and Includes food grade lubricants, Low risk
Food Processing Bio-chemicals Module 11: GMP for processing of transport of chemicals and aides used in processing aides, and chemicals for
Aides food products the food processing sectors. clean-in-place systems.

34 Manufacture of Fl: Production of System elements Applies to the manufacture, blending, Includes compounded and medicated Some high risk
The SQF Code, Edition 8 Appendix 1: Food Sector Categories
First published May 1995

Category GFSI
Applicable SQF Code
FSC (Site Scope of Industry Description Example of Products Level of Risk
Modules
Certification) Scopes

Animal Feed Single Ingredient Module 3: GMP for animal feed transport and storage of animal feeds. feeds. process knowledge
Feed production required

35 Not in use
The SQF Code, Edition 8 Appendix 4: Requirements for SQF Multi-
First published May 1995 site Certification