SQF
GFSI-benchmarked HACCP-based food safety certification standard
GRI
Global standards for sustainability impact reporting
Quick Verdict
SQF delivers HACCP-based food safety certification for supply chains, ensuring market access via audits. GRI provides impact materiality reporting for sustainability across industries. Companies adopt SQF for buyer compliance; GRI for stakeholder transparency and ESG credibility.
SQF
SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular architecture with universal Module 2 and sector GMPs
- HACCP-based food safety plans with validation and verification
- GFSI-benchmarked global certification for supply chains
- Mandates full-time on-site SQF Practitioner role
- Enforces 'say what you do, do it, prove it' triad
GRI
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards
Key Features
- Impact-based materiality via GRI 3 process
- Modular Universal, Sector, Topic Standards
- Mandatory GRI Content Index for traceability
- Value chain disclosures including suppliers
- Reporting principles ensuring balance, verifiability
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. Scope covers manufacturing, storage, distribution; primary approach is risk-based with modular structure.
Key Components
- **Module 2Universal system elements (management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, traceability).
- Sector modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs); ~mandatory clauses like policy, audits, recalls. Built on Codex HACCP; certification via third-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades).
Why Organizations Use It
Provides 'license to trade' for retailers; reduces audits, recalls; aligns with FSMA. Enhances due diligence, supplier trust; GFSI recognition boosts market access, resilience.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, document HACCP/PRPs, train (SQF Practitioner), internal audits, certify annually. Applies to all sizes/industries; unannounced audits ensure ongoing compliance. (178 words)
GRI Details
What It Is
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards are a modular framework for sustainability reporting, focusing on organizations' impacts on economy, environment, and people. They use an impact-centric materiality approach, requiring disclosure of significant actual and potential impacts via structured processes.
Key Components
- Universal Standards (GRI 1: Foundation, GRI 2: General Disclosures, GRI 3: Material Topics) for baseline requirements.
- Sector Standards for high-impact industries like oil & gas, mining.
- Topic Standards (e.g., GRI 403 Occupational Health & Safety, GRI 308 Supplier Environmental Assessment) with specific disclosures.
- Core principles: accuracy, balance, verifiability; mandatory GRI Content Index for traceability. Compliance via "in accordance" reporting, no formal certification.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives regulatory alignment (e.g., EU CSRD), risk management, benchmarking, and stakeholder trust. Enhances credibility, capital access, and operational efficiency; addresses investor and civil society demands.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: materiality assessment, data architecture, management disclosures, content index. Applies to all sizes/sectors globally; involves governance, stakeholder engagement, assurance readiness. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | SQF | GRI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management and quality across supply chain | Sustainability impacts on economy, environment, people |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, storage, distribution globally | All industries worldwide, sector-specific standards |
| Nature | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification program | Voluntary modular reporting standards framework |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits, unannounced audits | Self-reported disclosures, optional external assurance |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market access denial | No penalties, reputational and regulatory risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQF and GRI
SQF FAQ
GRI FAQ
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