SQF
GFSI-benchmarked HACCP-based food safety certification standard
CMMI
Global framework for process maturity and improvement
Quick Verdict
SQF ensures food safety certification via HACCP and GMPs for global food chains, while CMMI drives process maturity through appraisals for software and services. Companies adopt SQF for retailer compliance and CMMI for predictable delivery and contracts.
SQF
SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular architecture: Module 2 plus sector-specific GMP modules
- Mandates full-time on-site SQF Practitioner role
- HACCP-based Food Safety Plan with PRPs
- GFSI-benchmarked global supply chain certification
- Graded audits with unannounced checks and scoring
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- Maturity levels 0-5 for organizational process progression
- 25 Practice Areas in 4 Category Areas (Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving)
- Staged and continuous representations for flexible adoption
- SCAMPI appraisals for official capability benchmarking
- Generic practices ensuring process institutionalization
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
SQF Details
What It Is
SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework administered by SQFI. It ensures food safety across supply chains via HACCP principles and sector-specific modules, from farm to retail.
Key Components
- **Module 2Universal system elements like management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, traceability.
- Sector modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs for manufacturing).
- Built on Codex HACCP; mandates SQF Practitioner, PRPs, audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades).
Why Organizations Use It
Provides market access as retailer prerequisite, reduces audits/recalls, aligns with FSMA/EU regs. Enhances due diligence, food safety culture, supply chain resilience.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification audit. Applies to manufacturers, storage, all sizes; annual surveillance/unannounced audits required. (178 words)
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a globally recognized process improvement framework, originally from the Software Engineering Institute and now governed by ISACA. It helps organizations enhance performance through structured maturity progression in development, services, and acquisition using staged or continuous representations.
Key Components
- 25 Practice Areas in v2.0, grouped into 4 Category Areas: Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving
- Maturity Levels 0-5 (Incomplete to Optimizing) and Capability Levels 0-3
- Generic Practices for institutionalization and Specific Practices per area
- SCAMPI appraisals (Classes A/B/C) for benchmarking
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives predictability, quality, and ROI (e.g., 34% cost reduction)
- Meets defense/contractual mandates
- Mitigates risks via standardized processes
- Boosts bidding success and stakeholder confidence
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, piloting, rollout, appraisal
- Suits mid-to-large IT/software firms globally
- Involves training, tooling, change management; Class A for official ratings
Key Differences
| Aspect | SQF | CMMI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management, HACCP, GMPs, supply chain | Process improvement, development, services, maturity levels |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, storage, distribution globally | Software, IT, defense, services cross-industry |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification | Process maturity model, voluntary appraisal |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits, unannounced audits | SCAMPI appraisals (A/B/C), lead appraiser-led |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market access denial | No formal penalties, lost contract eligibility |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQF and CMMI
SQF FAQ
CMMI FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
The Tool Landscape for Reaching and Maintaining ISO 27701 Compliance
Discover the top tools for ISO 27701 compliance. Compare functionality, complexity, costs, and benefits to choose the best solution for your privacy program. Ac
CIS Controls v8.1 Metrics That Matter: KPIs, KRIs, and Dashboards for Board-Ready Cyber Reporting
Quantify CIS Controls v8.1 success with KPIs, KRIs & dashboards. Learn what to measure, calculations, and executive presentations linking security to business r
NIST CSF 2.0: Key Enhancements and How They Address Evolving Cyber Threats
Explore NIST CSF 2.0 updates: Govern function, supply chain security, SME playbooks for ransomware & AI threats. Boost your cyber defenses now!
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 vs MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
Compare ISO/IEC 42001:2023 AI governance vs China's MLPS 2.0 cybersecurity scheme. Discover risks, controls & compliance strategies for global AI success. Dive in now!
BRC vs ISO 26000
Compare BRC vs ISO 26000: Certifiable food safety powerhouse meets non-certifiable SR guidance. Gain key insights on audits, HES, compliance & strategy to elevate your operations. Discover now!
GLBA vs BRC
Compare GLBA vs BRC: Financial privacy laws meet food safety standards. Key differences in rules, safeguards, enforcement & compliance strategies. Master both for risk-free operations—read now!