Our Dedication to Food Safety and Compliance

Food safety is one of the most important responsibilities in the food supply chain. Every pallet of food that moves through a temperature-controlled warehouse eventually reaches consumers, retailers, or restaurants. Maintaining the integrity of those products requires rigorous standards, disciplined operations, and constant attention to detail. 

At RealCold, food safety and regulatory compliance are foundational elements of how we operate. One of the best ways to measure that commitment is through Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, a globally recognized food safety standard used by leading retailers, manufacturers, and distributors around the world. 

Across our network, RealCold facilities consistently achieve strong SQF audit scores. 

Site	Date	Score
Clackamas, Oregon	05/20/25	97%
Clearfield, Utah	01/13/26	95%
Colton, California	10/29/25	97%
Denton, Texas	03/16/26	94%
Lakeland, Florida	01/28/26	97%
Lockhart, Texas	09/17/25	94%
Ormond Beacj, Florida	12/03/25	96%

These scores demonstrate a consistent level of excellence across multiple facilities and audit cycles. 

What SQF Certification Represents 

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is a comprehensive food safety certification scheme recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). GFSI benchmarking means that SQF meets internationally accepted food safety standards that many major food retailers and manufacturers require from their supply chain partners. 

SQF certification evaluates both the written food safety management system and how effectively it is implemented in day-to-day operations. Auditors review a wide range of areas including: 

• Management commitment to food safety 

• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs 

• Facility sanitation and maintenance 

• Employee training and operational procedures 

• Product traceability and documentation 

• Verification and Validation activities 

• Internal Auditing 

During the audit, inspectors examine documentation, observe warehouse operations, inspect equipment and storage areas, and speak directly with employees. The goal is to confirm that food safety practices are not just documented but fully integrated into everyday operations. 

Understanding SQF Scores 

SQF audits use a 100-point scoring system. Points are deducted for any non-conformances identified during the inspection. 

Scoring ranges include: 

• 96–100: Excellent 

• 86–95: Good 

• 70–85: Complies 

Scores in the mid-90s and above are considered top-tier performance. They indicate that the operation has only minor findings and that systems are well designed, well maintained, and consistently executed. 

RealCold’s network includes multiple facilities with scores of 95 percent or higher, and several with scores of 97 percent, placing them in the highest performance tier of SQF audits. 

Preparedness and Operational Discipline 

Strong SQF scores reflect the operational discipline of the teams running each facility. Successful audits require preparation that happens throughout the year, not just when an audit is scheduled. 

Every day, operators must maintain accurate documentation and follow established food safety procedures. Temperature monitoring logs, trailer inspections, sanitation records, equipment maintenance documentation, and employee training records all need to be consistently maintained and easily accessible. 

Auditors also evaluate how well employees understand food safety practices. Staff members may be asked to explain procedures for handling products, monitoring storage temperatures, or responding to potential safety concerns. These conversations help confirm that food safety is embedded within daily operations. 

This level of preparedness requires strong leadership, continuous training, and clear communication across every shift and department. 

HACCP-Based Risk Management 

SQF certification is built on the principles of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP). HACCP programs identify potential hazards in the food supply chain and establish controls to prevent them. 

In temperature-controlled logistics environments, these controls often include: 

• Monitoring freezer and cooler temperatures 

• Maintaining strict sanitation programs 

• Preventing cross contamination 

• Ensuring proper handling of refrigerated and frozen products 

These practices help ensure that products remain safe and compliant throughout storage and distribution. 

Documentation and Traceability 

Another critical component of SQF certification is traceability. Facilities must be able to track products throughout the entire handling process, from inbound receipt to outbound shipment. 

Accurate documentation ensures that products can be quickly identified and traced if a recall or food safety investigation ever occurs. This level of visibility protects both consumers and food brands. 

Facility and Equipment Standards 

Cold storage operations must maintain equipment and facilities in ways that protect product safety. Refrigeration systems, dock doors, flooring, lighting, and sanitation procedures are all evaluated during SQF audits. 

These physical standards play an important role in maintaining the environment necessary for safe food storage. 

A Team Commitment to Excellence 

Achieving high SQF scores requires collaboration across the entire organization. Food safety cannot be owned by a single department. 

Warehouse operators, quality managers, sanitation crews, maintenance teams, and facility leadership all contribute to maintaining safe operations. Each role plays a part in ensuring that procedures are followed and that standards remain consistent. 

Organizations that consistently achieve strong audit scores typically share several characteristics: 

• A culture that prioritizes food safety 

• Regular internal audits and inspections 

• Continuous employee training 

• Rapid response to potential issues 

When these elements are present, food safety becomes part of the daily rhythm of operations rather than a compliance exercise. 

What High Scores Mean for Customers 

For customers, strong SQF scores provide confidence that their products are handled in facilities that meet rigorous food safety standards. 

Retailers, food manufacturers, and foodservice distributors depend on cold chain partners to protect product integrity. Independent certification through SQF demonstrates that the facility operates according to recognized industry standards. 

High scores also signal consistency. They show that the organization has systems and processes that function reliably across multiple locations. 

Continuous Improvement 

SQF certification requires ongoing re-audits and continuous improvement. Each audit provides an opportunity to refine processes, strengthen controls, and enhance training programs. 

At RealCold, strong SQF scores reflect a broader commitment to operational excellence. From facility design to employee training to process management, food safety remains a core priority. 

Protecting the food supply requires discipline, preparation, and attention to detail. Our teams work every day to ensure that the products entrusted to our facilities are stored, handled, and distributed safely. 

That commitment to excellence is reflected in every audit score and in every shipment that moves through our network.