Our Monroe, Ohio, location recently completed its 2026 Safe Quality Foods audit with an Outstanding score. It is a great milestone, but more importantly, it reflects the level of discipline and consistency required to operate at the highest food safety standards.
What is SQF?
Safe Quality Foods, or SQF, is a globally recognized food safety and quality certification program benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative.
It goes far beyond basic compliance. An SQF audit evaluates how a facility operates every single day, including:
- Food safety plans and hazard controls
- Sanitation and facility conditions
- Traceability and recall readiness
- Employee training and accountability
- Process controls and documentation
This is not about passing a one-time inspection. It is about proving that systems are in place and working consistently.
Why SQF matters
For food and beverage brands, SQF plays a critical role in protecting both product and reputation.
Retailers, distributors, and consumers expect a high level of accountability. SQF certification helps ensure:
- Products are handled safely from inbound to outbound
- Risks are identified and controlled before they become issues
- Inventory can be traced quickly and accurately
- Standards are followed consistently across teams and shifts
It builds trust across the entire supply chain.
What it takes to earn an Outstanding score
SQF is a rigorous audit with very little margin for error. Earning an Outstanding score requires more than strong documentation. It requires execution.
That includes:
- Clear and repeatable processes
- Clean and controlled environments
- Well-trained teams that take ownership
- Ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement
It reflects a culture where quality and accountability are part of daily operations, not just something reviewed during an audit.
What this means for customers
Working with an SQF-certified partner provides confidence that your products are being handled with care and consistency.
At Taylor, we take food safety seriously and care for our customers’ inventory as if it were our own. That commitment shows up in how we manage processes, train our teams, and maintain our facilities.
For customers, that means:
- Reliable handling and storage
- Clear standards and expectations
- Visibility into inventory and operations
- A partner that is prepared for audits and growth
Setting the standard
Earning an Outstanding score does not happen by chance. It is the result of strong teams, disciplined execution, and a commitment to doing things the right way every day.
Our Monroe team set the standard with this achievement, and it reflects the level of performance we aim to deliver across every Taylor location.
