SQF CERTIFIED
At The Leaf and Cup, we're committed to providing teas and herbal products that meet high standards for food safety, quality, and consistency. That's why we work with partners who operate under the Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification program, one of the world's most recognized food safety standards.
Whether you're purchasing loose-leaf tea for personal enjoyment or sourcing products for your business, SQF certification provides added confidence that ingredients are handled according to rigorous food safety practices.
What Is SQF Certification?
SQF (Safe Quality Food) is a globally recognized food safety and quality certification program designed for the food manufacturing and distribution industry. It is benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), meaning it meets internationally recognized standards for food safety management.
SQF certification verifies that facilities maintain comprehensive systems for food safety, quality control, traceability, sanitation, and continuous improvement through regular third-party audits.
Why SQF Certification Matters
Food safety begins long before your tea reaches your cup.
SQF Certified facilities follow documented procedures designed to help ensure products are sourced, processed, packaged, and stored according to strict food safety requirements.
This includes:
Comprehensive food safety management systems
Ingredient traceability throughout the supply chain
Strict sanitation and handling procedures
Ongoing quality monitoring
Regular third-party certification audits
Continuous improvement of food safety practices
These standards help provide consistency and reliability from sourcing through fulfillment.
What It Means for Our Customers
When you purchase from The Leaf and Cup, you can shop with confidence knowing our products are handled through facilities committed to internationally recognized food safety standards.
Our commitment includes:
Carefully handled loose-leaf teas and herbal ingredients
Reliable sourcing practices
Quality-focused manufacturing
Ingredient traceability
Consistent product quality
Whether you're brewing a single cup at home or purchasing larger quantities, our goal is to provide products you can trust.
Our Commitment to Quality
Food safety is only one part of delivering exceptional tea.
At The Leaf and Cup, we're equally committed to sourcing quality ingredients, maintaining freshness, and providing handcrafted teas that meet the expectations of both everyday tea drinkers and wholesale customers.
To learn more about another important part of our quality standards, visit our Certified Organic page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does SQF Certified mean?
A: SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certified means a facility has been independently audited and certified to meet internationally recognized food safety and quality management standards.
Q: Is SQF certification the same as organic certification?
A: No. SQF certification focuses on food safety, handling, and quality management systems, while Certified Organic standards relate to how agricultural products are grown and processed.
Q: Why is SQF certification important?
A: SQF certification helps ensure products are produced, processed, packaged, and stored according to rigorous food safety standards, providing greater confidence in product quality and consistency.
Q: Does SQF certification apply to The Leaf and Cup products?
A: The Leaf and Cup works with SQF Certified partners committed to maintaining high standards for food safety, ingredient handling, storage, and quality throughout the supply chain.