The Total Quality Food Association (TQF), headquartered in Taipei City, Taiwan, is a leading non-profit certification body dedicated to enhancing food safety, quality, and consumer trust in the Taiwanese food industry. Established as a collaborative effort between government, industry, and academia, TQF plays a pivotal role in supporting Taiwan's food safety infrastructure and advancing the standards of the nation’s food production.
Brief History
Formally established over three decades ago, the Total Quality Food Association emerged in response to the need for a standardized and credible certification mechanism for food safety in Taiwan. Under the leadership of Peter Chou (Neng-Chuan Chou), the organization has expanded its influence beyond certification to include training, testing, and regulatory advisory, becoming the cornerstone of Taiwan’s national food safety ecosystem.
Core Business
TQF functions across several operational pillars:
- Certification of Food Safety and Quality Systems
- Educational Training and Capacity Building
- Technical and Regulatory Consultation
- Food Ingredient and Process Testing
- Promotion of Clean Label and Natural Ingredient Use
Its certification schemes are recognized by both government agencies and industry players, ensuring widespread acceptance and integration into supply chains.
Product and Service Offerings
Certification Programs:
- TQF Level 1: Focused on core food safety management systems and hygiene practices
- TQF Level 2: Encompasses safety, quality, traceability, and consumer transparency
Training Services:
- Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS)
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Consultation Services:
- Regulatory Compliance and Labeling
- Ingredient Analysis and Risk Assessment
- Food Safety System Design
Testing Services:
- Residue Analysis and Allergen Testing (through TQF partners)
- Shelf-life, nutrient, and microbiological testing
- Joint lab testing with national and academic institutions
Programs:
- TQF Clean Program: Encourages reduced use of additives and preservatives, and promotes natural ingredients. Products achieving this certification carry the "TQF Clean" logo.
Specialization and Core USP
TQF’s core strengths include:
- National Recognition: Officially supported by Taiwanese government bodies and trade groups
- Multi-Tier Certification: Adaptable certification levels that cater to companies of different sizes and risk levels
- Comprehensive Services: End-to-end support for compliance, from audit to advisory
- Consumer Trust: The TQF mark on products is recognized and trusted by Taiwanese consumers as a symbol of quality and safety
The association’s Clean Program is also a trend-setting initiative promoting clean label and natural formulation strategies.
Financials and Market Reach
As a non-profit organization, TQF’s financials are not publicly disclosed. However:
- Over 1,500 food companies have received TQF certification
- Annual Training Programs: More than 100 workshops conducted with thousands of participants
- Cross-sector reach: Collaborations with agricultural cooperatives, manufacturers, retailers, and food exporters
The TQF mark is now visible across retail and foodservice products throughout Taiwan and recognized by international importers of Taiwanese goods.
Shipment and Export Support
Although TQF does not export products itself, its certifications facilitate Taiwanese food exports by:
- Meeting international buyer requirements for documented safety systems
- Enabling faster customs and import clearance in various countries
- Providing dual-language certification and documentation to meet global labeling and traceability regulations
Many exporters use TQF Level 2 certification as part of their standard export dossier.
Target Market
TQF services are tailored to:
- Food and Beverage Manufacturers
- Agricultural Cooperatives and Processors
- Export-Oriented Food Enterprises
- Retail and Convenience Store Chains
- Food Tech and Startups looking to meet compliance early
Its flexible certification and training structures appeal to both SMEs and large corporations.
Capabilities
- Multi-disciplinary Expertise: Teams in microbiology, nutrition, chemistry, and food engineering
- Digital Integration: Online training modules and certification portals
- On-site Auditing Team: Nationwide audit and consultancy deployment
- Collaborative Research: Joint initiatives with Taiwanese universities on food safety innovation
Certifications and Compliance
TQF certifications are:
- Aligned with International Standards: Based on Codex Alimentarius, ISO 22000, and HACCP
- Compliant with Taiwanese FDA (TFDA) regulations
- Recognized by Export Promotion Agencies for trade facilitation
The TQF Clean Program also aligns with global clean label movements in Europe and North America.
Customer Testimonials
- “The TQF logo adds value and credibility to our ready-to-eat meals in retail.” – Taiwanese FMCG Manufacturer
- “TQF helped us understand and fix gaps in our labeling and allergen control systems.” – SME Snack Exporter
Major Achievements
- Certified over 1,500 food manufacturers in Taiwan
- 30th Anniversary celebrated with cross-sector exhibitions and policy roundtables
- Development of the TQF Clean Label Program, making Taiwan one of the leaders in Asia’s clean food movement
- International collaboration with food safety councils in Japan, Korea, and the EU
