ISO 22000
International standard for food safety management systems
SQF
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management.
Quick Verdict
ISO 22000 provides a global FSMS standard integrating HACCP with management systems for food chain organizations, while SQF is a GFSI-benchmarked certification emphasizing modular GMPs and audits. Companies adopt ISO for integration and SQF for retailer market access.
ISO 22000
ISO 22000:2018 Food safety management systems
Key Features
- Adopts High-Level Structure for integrated management systems
- Dual PDCA cycles for organizational and operational control
- Integrates HACCP principles with PRPs, OPRPs, CCPs
- Risk-based thinking distinguishing enterprise and hazard risks
- Interactive communication as core hazard control mechanism
SQF
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular structure: Module 2 plus sector GMP modules
- HACCP-based Food Safety Plan with validation
- Mandatory on-site SQF Practitioner role
- GFSI-benchmarked with annual audits
- Traceability, recall, and crisis management requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 22000 Details
What It Is
ISO 22000:2018 is an international certification standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It provides a framework for organizations in the food chain to ensure safe products through hazard prevention, regulatory compliance, and chain communication. Adopts risk-based thinking and High-Level Structure (HLS) with dual PDCA cycles for governance and operations.
Key Components
- **Clauses 4-10Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Integrates Codex HACCP, PRPs, OPRPs, CCPs in hazard control plans.
- Emphasizes traceability, emergency preparedness, verification.
- Voluntary certification via accredited bodies with staged audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets customer/regulatory demands, enables market access.
- Reduces recalls, enhances resilience, builds stakeholder trust.
- Supports GFSI schemes like FSSC 22000 for competitive edge.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, PRPs, hazard plans, training, audits.
- Scalable for all sizes across food chain; 6-18 months typical.
- Requires leadership commitment, cross-functional teams, continual improvement.
SQF Details
What It Is
Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program administered by the SQF Institute. It provides a HACCP-based framework for food safety and quality management across the supply chain, from farm to fork, covering manufacturing, storage, distribution, and more.
Key Components
- **Modular architectureUniversal Module 2 (System Elements) paired with sector-specific GMP modules (e.g., Module 11 for processing).
- Core elements: Management commitment, HACCP Food Safety Plan, PRPs, verification/validation, traceability, allergen management, food defense.
- Built on Codex HACCP principles; requires SQF Practitioner designation.
- Annual third-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades) and unannounced options.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer/brand requirements for market access.
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication, and supply chain risks.
- Enhances food safety culture, due diligence, and GFSI recognition.
- Builds stakeholder trust and operational resilience.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: Gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Applies to all sizes, food sectors globally.
- Involves cross-functional teams, digital tools for records/traceability.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 22000 | SQF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Full FSMS with HLS, dual PDCA, hazard control | HACCP-based with modular GMP/PRPs, quality optional |
| Industry | All food chain globally, any size | Food sectors via FSCs, manufacturing to retail |
| Nature | Voluntary ISO certification standard | GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme |
| Testing | Internal audits, management review, certification | Annual audits, unannounced, scored nonconformities |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Certification failure, market access loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 22000 and SQF
ISO 22000 FAQ
SQF FAQ
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