<p>By: Carey Allen, Vice President, SQFI Business Development and Strategy, FMI</p><div><p paraid="1961946542" paraeid="{bb8d065a-c83b-4c57-a521-f07e6cfd0b4b}{179}"><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/sqf-unites-timeline.tmb-large-350-.png?Culture=en&sfvrsn=1ee890db_1" style="float:right;margin-right:10px;margin-left:10px;" alt="SQF Unites Timeline" class="-align-right" sf-size="196186" />For over three decades, the Safe Quality Food (SQF) program, developed by the <a href="https://www.sqfi.com/home">Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI)</a>, a division of FMI, has set the gold standard for food safety and quality across the global food supply chain. Recognized by retailers, regulators, and consumers worldwide, SQF certification is a mark of trust, ensuring the highest standards from farm to table. With 12 industry scopes and 27 food sector categories, the SQF program covers every aspect of food safety management, from primary plant production to food manufacturing. </p></div><div><p paraid="1146838339" paraeid="{bb8d065a-c83b-4c57-a521-f07e6cfd0b4b}{185}">Global companies such as Amazon, McDonald’s, Yum! Brands, and Costco rely on SQF certification to maintain rigorous safety standards across their supply chains. Walmart, for instance, has adopted SQF’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Sustainability Addendum to protect pollinator health—an essential component of sustainable food production. </p></div><div><h5 paraid="1477397759" paraeid="{bb8d065a-c83b-4c57-a521-f07e6cfd0b4b}{191}">SQF Unites: A Premier Event for Food Safety Professionals </h5></div><div><p paraid="931912884" paraeid="{bb8d065a-c83b-4c57-a521-f07e6cfd0b4b}{197}">Each year, <a href="https://www.sqfi.com/sqf-unites">SQF Unites</a> serves as the key event that brings together more than 600 food safety management professionals from across the globe. Auditors, consultants, suppliers, trainers, and industry leaders gather to exchange insights, learn about emerging trends, and explore the latest updates to the SQF program. The event features workshops, keynotes, and panel discussions, providing a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. </p></div><div><p paraid="1651801885" paraeid="{bb8d065a-c83b-4c57-a521-f07e6cfd0b4b}{203}">Being held in Orlando in 2025, SQF Unites is designed to keep attendees informed about the latest regulatory changes, innovations, and food safety best practices, while inspiring new leaders to drive food safety culture at their companies. </p></div><div><h5 paraid="310116851" paraeid="{bb8d065a-c83b-4c57-a521-f07e6cfd0b4b}{231}">Looking Ahead: SQF Code Edition 10 </h5></div><div><p paraid="371451746" paraeid="{bb8d065a-c83b-4c57-a521-f07e6cfd0b4b}{237}">The next big development for the SQF program is the release of SQF Code Edition 10 in July 2025. This update will reflect the latest food safety challenges and incorporate feedback from over 170 industry representatives. SQF Unites will play a critical role in introducing these changes and discussing how the updated standards will impact food safety management. </p></div><div><h5 paraid="1098434189" paraeid="{bb8d065a-c83b-4c57-a521-f07e6cfd0b4b}{247}">FMI Foundation Scholarships for Aspiring Food Safety Professionals </h5></div><div><p paraid="1271018104" paraeid="{bb8d065a-c83b-4c57-a521-f07e6cfd0b4b}{253}">In support of fostering the next generation of food safety experts, the FMI Foundation hosts a <a href="https://www.sqfi.com/sqf-professionals/scholarships" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">scholarship program</a> for food safety students currently enrolled in food and agricultural science programs. This initiative financially supports students pursuing food safety auditing, consulting, and training careers. <a href="https://www.sqfi.com/sqf-professionals/scholarships" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">The application deadline is October 11, 2024</a>, offering aspiring professionals a chance to further their education and make meaningful contributions to the industry. </p></div><div><h5 paraid="851576434" paraeid="{b21c7763-de92-4c7e-b2b6-81f4e7907845}{32}">Collaboration Across the Food Supply Chain </h5></div><div><p paraid="1960430198" paraeid="{b21c7763-de92-4c7e-b2b6-81f4e7907845}{40}">SQF Unites supports collaboration among food safety professionals, helping them meet the evolving demands of the global food industry while maintaining the highest standards of safety. Retailers, in particular, benefit from attending the event, as it provides them with direct access to industry leaders and experts who can help them strengthen their supply chains and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. </p></div><div><p paraid="1080559430" paraeid="{b21c7763-de92-4c7e-b2b6-81f4e7907845}{46}">With the SQF Unites Expo, the attendees have a valuable opportunity to engage with suppliers and professionals who are leading the charge in food safety innovation. </p></div><div><h5 paraid="2114963550" paraeid="{b21c7763-de92-4c7e-b2b6-81f4e7907845}{64}">Join the Future of Food Safety </h5></div><div><p paraid="1404126179" paraeid="{b21c7763-de92-4c7e-b2b6-81f4e7907845}{70}">SQF Unites is more than just a conference—it’s a gathering point where the future of food safety is shaped. With participation from every sector of the supply chain, including primary producers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, the event offers a unique chance to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and drive food safety forward. </p></div><div><p paraid="979362173" paraeid="{b21c7763-de92-4c7e-b2b6-81f4e7907845}{84}">We invite food safety professionals to attend SQF Unites, March 2-5, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando. Be part of the conversation that will define the next 30 years of food safety innovation! </p></div><p><a href="https://www.sqfi.com/sqf-unites" class="button">Register Now</a></p>
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