IFS Food
GFSI standard for food safety, quality in manufacturing
SQF
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management
Quick Verdict
IFS Food emphasizes product/process audits for European retailers via PPA and KO criteria, while SQF delivers HACCP-based systems with modular GMPs for global chains. Companies adopt them for GFSI recognition, market access, and supply chain trust.
IFS Food
IFS Food Standard Version 8
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach with risk-based sampling
- Minimum 50% audit time on-site in production
- Risk-based HACCP with food fraud and defense
- Annual audits including unannounced every third
- KO requirements and scored certification levels
SQF
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular architecture: Module 2 plus sector GMPs
- Mandatory full-time HACCP-trained SQF Practitioner
- HACCP-based Food Safety Plan with validation
- Traceability, recall, crisis management requirements
- GFSI-benchmarked annual audits with unannounced
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
IFS Food Details
What It Is
IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification standard for auditing food manufacturers' product and process compliance. It ensures safe, legal, authentic products meeting customer specs via a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA), emphasizing on-site verification.
Key Components
- 10 Knock-Out (KO) requirements like governance, CCP monitoring, traceability.
- Structured into governance, HACCP/PRPs, operations (e.g., allergens, fraud/defense), performance monitoring.
- Scoring system (A/B/C/D) with Higher/Foundation levels; annual audits.
- Built on HACCP, integrated pest management, food integrity controls.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets European retailer demands for private-label supply.
- Reduces audit duplication, enhances supply chain trust.
- Manages risks like recalls, fraud; boosts resilience, efficiency.
- Provides competitive edge via Star status for unannounced audits.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, validation, certification.
- Applies to food processors globally, site-specific.
- Requires accredited body audits; 6-12 months typical timeline.
SQF Details
What It Is
Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-recognized certification program and HACCP-based management system assuring food safety and quality across the supply chain—from farm to fork. It applies a risk-based, modular approach grounded in Codex/NACMCF HACCP principles, covering manufacturing, storage, distribution, and more via Food Sector Categories (FSCs).
Key Components
- **Module 2Universal system elements including management commitment, document control, HACCP Food Safety Plan, verification, traceability, food defense, allergens, training.
- Sector-specific Good Practices modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs for processing).
- 20+ mandatory elements; third-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades), unannounced audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Essential for retailer/brand supplier approval and market access.
- Aligns with FSMA/EU regs, reduces recalls/duplicative audits.
- Builds food safety culture, supplier resilience, operational efficiency.
- Enhances trust, due diligence, competitive edge globally.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, designate SQF Practitioner, document/implement PRPs/HACCP, internal audits, certification audit.
- Suits all sizes/industries; annual surveillance by licensed CBs.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IFS Food | SQF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Product/process compliance, food safety/quality | Food safety system + sector GMP modules |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, Europe-focused retailers | Food supply chain, global manufacturing/distribution |
| Nature | GFSI certification, retailer-driven checklist | GFSI certification, HACCP-based management system |
| Testing | Annual audits, product sampling/traceability | Annual audits, internal verification/recalls |
| Penalties | Certification denial, KO failures block | Score-based grades, critical NCRs fail |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IFS Food and SQF
IFS Food FAQ
SQF FAQ
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