EPA
U.S. federal regulations for air, water, waste protection
SQF
GFSI-recognized certification for food safety and quality management
Quick Verdict
EPA enforces mandatory environmental regulations for industrial compliance via monitoring and penalties, while SQF provides voluntary GFSI certification for food safety. Companies adopt EPA to avoid legal risks; SQF for market access and supply chain trust.
EPA
Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR)
Key Features
- Multi-layered systems: standards, permits, monitoring, enforcement
- Evidence-driven compliance via defensible data governance
- Federal-state partnership for permitting and implementation
- Hybrid technology-based and health-protective standards
- Dynamic rulemaking tracked via Federal Register, Regulations.gov
SQF
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9
Key Features
- HACCP-based food safety plan with validation
- Modular structure: Module 2 plus sector GMPs
- GFSI-benchmarked global certification
- Mandatory full-time SQF Practitioner role
- Graded audits with unannounced checks
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
EPA Details
What It Is
EPA standards are a family of legally binding U.S. federal regulations implementing major statutes like the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), codified in Title 40 CFR. This regulatory framework establishes comprehensive compliance systems to protect public health and the environment. Primary purpose: operationalize risk management through health-based endpoints, technology-based controls, and evidence-driven enforcement across air, water, and waste media.
Key Components
- Statutory authorities, 40 CFR performance requirements (numeric limits, thresholds).
- Permitting mechanisms (NPDES, Title V, RCRA permits).
- Monitoring, recordkeeping, reporting for defensible data.
- Enforcement pathways with civil/criminal penalties. Built on federal-state implementation; no formal certification, but strict compliance mandatory for regulated entities.
Why Organizations Use It
Essential for legal compliance to avoid multimillion-dollar penalties, shutdowns, and liabilities. Provides risk reduction, operational efficiencies, ESG alignment, and stakeholder trust via transparent data tools like ECHO/ICIS-NPDES.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: governance setup, gap analysis, controls deployment, training, audits. Applies to industrial sectors (energy, manufacturing); U.S.-focused with state variations; requires ongoing monitoring, no certification but inspections/enforcement audits.
SQF Details
What It Is
Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program administered by SQFI, focusing on food safety and optional quality across the supply chain. It employs a HACCP-based, risk-oriented approach with modular codes for sectors like manufacturing and storage.
Key Components
- Module 2 (universal system elements: management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, traceability).
- Sector-specific GMP/PRP modules (e.g., Module 11 for processing).
- Built on Codex HACCP principles; ~mandatory clauses plus risk-based controls.
- Third-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades) and certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer/brand market access requirements; reduces duplicate audits.
- Enhances risk management (recalls, contamination); aligns with FSMA/EU regs.
- Builds stakeholder trust via GFSI recognition; improves efficiency/culture.
Implementation Overview
- **Phased PDCA approachgap analysis, documentation, training, audits.
- Applies to food manufacturers, storage; all sizes via FSC tailoring.
- Requires SQF Practitioner, annual audits (incl. unannounced); 6-12 months typical.
Key Differences
| Aspect | EPA | SQF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Environmental protection across air/water/waste | Food safety/quality management systems |
| Industry | All industrial sectors, US-focused | Food manufacturing/supply chain, global |
| Nature | Mandatory federal regulations/enforced | Voluntary GFSI certification scheme |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring/inspections/DMRs | Annual third-party audits/unannounced |
| Penalties | Civil/criminal fines/injunctive relief | Certification loss/no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about EPA and SQF
EPA FAQ
SQF FAQ
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