ISO 27001
International standard for information security management systems
SQF
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management.
Quick Verdict
ISO 27001 establishes ISMS for information security across industries, while SQF ensures HACCP-based food safety in manufacturing. Companies adopt ISO 27001 for cyber resilience and SQF for GFSI-recognized supply chain compliance and market access.
ISO 27001
ISO/IEC 27001:2022
Key Features
- Risk-based ISMS framework with PDCA cycle
- 93 Annex A controls in four themes
- Internationally certifiable management standard
- Technology-agnostic and scalable implementation
- Continual improvement via audits and reviews
SQF
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular structure: Module 2 plus sector-specific GMPs
- HACCP-based Food Safety Plan with validation
- Mandatory full-time SQF Practitioner role
- Graded nonconformity audits with unannounced checks
- Traceability, recall, and crisis management requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 27001 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is the international certification standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It uses a risk-based approach to manage information assets across confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Key Components
- **Clauses 4-10Mandatory requirements for context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
- **Annex A93 controls in four themes (Organizational: 37, People: 8, Physical: 14, Technological: 34).
- Built on PDCA cycle for continual improvement.
- Certification via accredited auditors with Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance, and recertification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances resilience against breaches, reduces costs (e.g., 30% fewer incidents).
- Meets regulatory/contractual needs (GDPR, NIS2 alignments).
- Builds trust, wins bids (20-30% more in finance/tech), lowers insurance premiums.
Implementation Overview
Phased: initiation, risk assessment, deployment (6-18 months). Scalable for SMEs to enterprises; all industries. Requires audits for certification.
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 ensuring food safety across the supply chain, from farm to fork, with optional quality extensions. Its risk-based approach emphasizes preventive controls via modular codes.
Key Components
- **Module 2Universal system elements (management commitment, HACCP plan, verification, traceability).
- Sector modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs for manufacturing): ~400 auditable requirements.
- Built on Codex HACCP principles; includes PRPs, food defense, allergens.
- **Certification modelAnnual third-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades).
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer/brand requirements as a "license to trade".
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication; aligns with FSMA/EU regs.
- Enhances risk management, supplier assurance, resilience.
- Builds stakeholder trust via public certification directory.
Implementation Overview
- **Phased approachGap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Applies to manufacturers, storage, distributors globally.
- Requires SQF Practitioner, cross-functional teams; 6-12 months typical.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 27001 | SQF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Information security management across all assets | Food safety and quality in supply chain |
| Industry | All industries, technology-agnostic globally | Food manufacturing, processing, distribution |
| Nature | Voluntary ISMS certification standard | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked food certification |
| Testing | Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance | Annual audits, periodic unannounced |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no direct fines | Loss of certification, market access denial |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 27001 and SQF
ISO 27001 FAQ
SQF FAQ
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