ISO 31000
International guidelines for enterprise risk management
SQF
GFSI-benchmarked standard for food safety management systems.
Quick Verdict
ISO 31000 offers voluntary risk management guidelines for all organizations, enhancing decision-making universally. SQF mandates certifiable food safety systems for food sectors, ensuring GFSI compliance. Companies adopt ISO 31000 for broad resilience; SQF for market access and recall prevention.
ISO 31000
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines
Key Features
- Defines risk as effect of uncertainty on objectives
- Eight principles emphasizing integration and leadership commitment
- Framework for embedding risk into governance and operations
- Iterative six-step process for assessment and treatment
- Non-certifiable guidelines applicable to any organization
SQF
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular: Module 2 plus sector GMP modules
- HACCP-based food safety plans and verification
- GFSI-benchmarked for global market access
- Full-time SQF Practitioner requirement
- Annual graded audits with unannounced checks
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 31000 Details
What It Is
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines is an international standard providing non-certifiable guidance for systematic risk management. Its primary purpose is to help organizations of any size or sector manage uncertainty affecting objectives through principles, framework, and process.
Key Components
- **Three pillarsEight principles (integrated, structured, customized, inclusive, dynamic, best information, human factors, continual improvement); framework (leadership, integration, design, implementation, evaluation, improvement); iterative process (communication, scope/context/criteria, assessment, treatment, monitoring/review, recording/reporting).
- Built on PDCA cycle; no fixed controls.
- Guidelines only, no certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances decision-making, value creation/protection, resilience.
- Meets governance, regulatory expectations without mandates.
- Builds stakeholder trust, reduces losses, captures opportunities.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: leadership alignment, gap analysis, pilot, scale, monitor.
- Tailored to context; involves policy, roles, tools, training.
- Universal applicability; internal audits for assurance.
SQF Details
What It Is
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is a GFSI-benchmarked certification and HACCP-based management system standard. It ensures food safety and optional quality across the supply chain—from farm to retail. SQF uses a modular, risk-based approach grounded in Codex HACCP principles.
Key Components
- **Module 2 (System Elements)Universal requirements for management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, traceability, allergens, food defense.
- Sector-specific GMP modules (e.g., Module 11 for manufacturing).
- **Mandatory elementsSQF Practitioner, internal audits, recalls; ~20 core clauses.
- **Certification modelThird-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades).
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates, aligns with FSMA/EU regs.
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication; boosts market access.
- Enhances risk management, supplier controls, food safety culture.
- Builds stakeholder trust via global recognition.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Suits all sizes/industries (manufacturing, storage); global applicability.
- Annual audits, unannounced checks required. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 31000 | SQF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise-wide risk management guidelines | Food safety and quality management system |
| Industry | All industries, any organization worldwide | Food manufacturing, supply chain sectors globally |
| Nature | Voluntary non-certifiable guidelines | GFSI-benchmarked certifiable standard |
| Testing | Internal monitoring, reviews, no certification | Annual third-party audits, unannounced checks |
| Penalties | No formal penalties, loss of alignment benefits | Certification loss, market access denial |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 31000 and SQF
ISO 31000 FAQ
SQF FAQ
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