ISO 9001
International standard for quality management systems
SQF
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management.
Quick Verdict
ISO 9001 provides universal QMS for all industries via PDCA and risk thinking, while SQF delivers HACCP-based food safety certification for supply chains. Companies adopt ISO 9001 for broad efficiency and SQF for retailer-mandated compliance.
ISO 9001
ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems Requirements
Key Features
- Process-based framework using PDCA cycle
- Risk-based thinking integrated throughout clauses
- Seven quality management principles foundation
- High-Level Structure for standards integration
- Only certifiable ISO 9000 family standard
SQF
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular structure: Module 2 plus sector GMPs
- HACCP-based Food Safety Plan mandatory
- Designated full-time SQF Practitioner role
- Annual audits with unannounced options
- GFSI benchmarking for global recognition
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 9001 Details
What It Is
ISO 9001:2015 is the international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS). It specifies requirements for organizations to consistently meet customer and regulatory needs through a process-based approach using the PDCA cycle and risk-based thinking.
Key Components
- 10 clauses (4-10 auditable): context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement
- Built on **7 quality management principlescustomer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decisions, relationship management
- High-Level Structure (Annex SL) for integration with other ISO standards
- Voluntary third-party certification with audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances customer satisfaction, efficiency, and competitiveness
- Reduces risks, waste, and costs; over 1M certifications worldwide
- Meets market/contractual demands; builds stakeholder trust
- Drives continual improvement and brand reputation
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, process mapping, training, internal audits
- Applicable to all sizes/sectors; 6-12 months typical
- Certification via accredited bodies; ongoing surveillance audits
SQF Details
What It Is
Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program and management system standard administered by SQFI. Its primary purpose is to ensure food safety and quality across the supply chain, from farm to fork, using a HACCP-based, risk-oriented approach with modular structure for various sectors.
Key Components
- **Module 2 (System Elements)Universal governance including management commitment, HACCP Food Safety Plan, verification, traceability, food defense, allergens, training.
- Sector-specific modules (e.g., Module 11 for manufacturing GMPs).
- Built on Codex HACCP principles; ~mandatory clauses across modules.
- Third-party certification via annual audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades).
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer/brand requirements as "license to trade".
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication; aligns with FSMA/EU regs.
- Enhances risk management, supplier control, food safety culture.
- Builds stakeholder trust, market access, operational efficiency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Applies to manufacturers, storage, distributors; all sizes.
- Requires SQF Practitioner, PRPs, mock recalls; GFSI-recognized audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 9001 | SQF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | General QMS for all products/services | Food safety/quality with HACCP/GMPs |
| Industry | All sectors worldwide, any size | Food supply chain, manufacturing/distribution |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable standard | GFSI-benchmarked food certification |
| Testing | Internal/external audits, PDCA reviews | Annual audits, unannounced, HACCP validation |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market exclusion | Certification failure, supply chain rejection |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 9001 and SQF
ISO 9001 FAQ
SQF FAQ
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