SQF
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management systems
ISO 17025
International standard for testing and calibration laboratory competence.
Quick Verdict
SQF ensures food safety certification for supply chains via HACCP and GMPs, while ISO 17025 accredits lab competence for valid testing results. Food companies adopt SQF for GFSI recognition and market access; labs pursue 17025 for result credibility and regulatory acceptance.
SQF
SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9
Key Features
- GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety supply chain
- Modular architecture: Module 2 plus sector GMP modules
- Mandatory full-time onsite HACCP-trained SQF Practitioner
- HACCP-based Food Safety Plan with validation verification
- 'Say what you do, do what you say, prove it'
ISO 17025
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General requirements for testing laboratories
Key Features
- Ensures impartiality and objectivity in lab operations
- Requires metrological traceability to SI units
- Mandates measurement uncertainty evaluation
- Personnel competence lifecycle with authorization
- Risk-based method validation and proficiency testing
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
SQF Details
What It Is
SQF (Safe Quality Food) Code Edition 9 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework administered by SQFI. It ensures food safety and quality across supply chains from farm to fork via HACCP-based, risk-oriented management systems. Scope covers manufacturing, storage, distribution using modular codes.
Key Components
- **Module 2Universal system elements (management commitment, HACCP plan, verification, traceability).
- Sector modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs for processing).
- ~Mandatory elements like SQF Practitioner, CAPA, internal audits. Built on Codex HACCP; certification via annual third-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades).
Why Organizations Use It
Provides market access to retailers, reduces audit duplication, aligns with FSMA/EU regs. Mitigates recall risks, builds food safety culture, enhances resilience via supplier controls and crisis planning. Boosts stakeholder trust and operational efficiency.
Implementation Overview
Phased PDCA approach: gap analysis, document HACCP/PRPs, train staff, internal audits, certify. Applies to all sizes/industries; 6-12 months typical. Requires licensed CB audits, unannounced checks.
ISO 17025 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 17025:2017, titled "General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories," is an international accreditation standard specifying competence, impartiality, and consistent operation. It adopts a risk-based, performance-oriented approach, restructuring from 2005's management-technical split into eight elements emphasizing technical validity.
Key Components
- Eight core clauses: general (impartiality/confidentiality), structural, resource (personnel, facilities, equipment, traceability), process (methods, sampling, uncertainty, reporting), and management system (Option A/B).
- Focuses on metrological traceability, measurement uncertainty, method validation, and proficiency testing.
- Built on risk-based thinking aligned with ISO 9001; accreditation attests technical competence within scope.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enables global acceptance of results via ILAC mutual recognition, market access, regulatory compliance.
- Mitigates risks of invalid results, enhances trust, reduces rework; competitive edge in tenders.
Implementation Overview
- Phased PDCA: gap analysis, documentation, training, validation, audits.
- Suits labs of all sizes/industries; requires accreditation body assessment with witnessed testing.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SQF | ISO 17025 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management and GMPs across supply chain | Laboratory competence for testing and calibration |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, storage, distribution globally | Testing/calibration labs across industries worldwide |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification | Accreditation standard for technical competence |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits, unannounced audits | Accreditation body assessments, proficiency testing |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market access denial | Loss of accreditation, results non-acceptance |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQF and ISO 17025
SQF FAQ
ISO 17025 FAQ
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