SQF
GFSI-benchmarked HACCP-based food safety certification standard
ISO 19600
International guidelines for compliance management systems
Quick Verdict
SQF delivers GFSI-recognized food safety certification for supply chains, ensuring market access via rigorous audits. ISO 19600 provides flexible CMS guidelines for all sectors. Food firms adopt SQF for buyer mandates; others use ISO 19600 for risk-based compliance foundations.
SQF
SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular structure with universal Module 2 and sector GMPs
- GFSI-benchmarked for global retailer recognition
- HACCP-based Food Safety Plan mandatory
- Full-time on-site SQF Practitioner required
- Graded nonconformity audits with unannounced checks
ISO 19600
ISO 19600:2014 Compliance management systems — Guidelines
Key Features
- Risk-based CMS guidelines for all organizations
- Principles of good governance and proportionality
- PDCA cycle mirroring Annex SL structure
- Scalable integration with existing management systems
- Leadership commitment and continual improvement focus
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 program administered by SQFI. It provides a HACCP-based management system framework for food safety across the supply chain, from farm to retail. Scope covers manufacturing, storage, distribution via modular codes tailored to Food Sector Categories.
Key Components
- **Module 2Universal system elements (management commitment, HACCP plan, verification, traceability).
- Sector-specific GMP modules (e.g., Module 11 for processing).
- 20+ mandatory elements like SQF Practitioner, recalls, allergens. Built on Codex HACCP; certification via third-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades).
Why Organizations Use It
Meets retailer mandates as 'license to trade'; reduces audits, recalls; aligns with FSMA/EU regs. Enhances resilience, supplier controls, culture; boosts market access, efficiency.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, document HACCP/PRPs, train staff, internal audits, certify annually. Applies to all sizes/industries globally; requires SQF Practitioner, unannounced audits.
ISO 19600 Details
What It Is
ISO 19600:2014, titled Compliance management systems — Guidelines, is a Type B guidance standard from the International Organization for Standardization. It provides recommendations for establishing, implementing, evaluating, maintaining, and improving a Compliance Management System (CMS). The risk-based approach follows the Annex SL structure with 10 clauses and PDCA cycle.
Key Components
- Core clauses: Context, Leadership, Planning, Support, Operation, Performance Evaluation, Improvement.
- **PrinciplesGood governance, proportionality, transparency, sustainability.
- No fixed controls; scalable guidance, not certifiable (predecessor to ISO 37301).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates regulatory penalties, operational risks, reputational damage.
- Drives efficiency (10-20% cost savings), market access, cultural integrity.
- Enhances decision-making, integrates with ISO 9001/14001, builds stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased roadmap: Commitment, gap analysis, design, rollout, continuous improvement.
- Applicable to all sizes/sectors; no certification, self-benchmarking via audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SQF | ISO 19600 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management across supply chain | General compliance obligations and risks |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, storage, distribution globally | All industries and organization types worldwide |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked certification standard | Non-certifiable guidelines (withdrawn 2021) |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits, unannounced audits | Internal audits, management reviews recommended |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market access denial | No direct penalties (guidance only) |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQF and ISO 19600
SQF FAQ
ISO 19600 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
5 Ways Modern Compliance Software Makes Evolving Regulations Your Strategic Advantage
Discover 5 ways modern compliance software turns evolving regulations into strategic advantage. Automate monitoring, cut 3x non-compliance costs, stay audit-rea
Beyond the Checkbox: Why Maturity Assessments are the Secret to Sustainable Compliance
Discover why maturity assessments beat binary compliance checks by uncovering hidden gaps and enabling continuous improvement for sustainable success. Read now!
Using CIS Controls v8.1 as a ‘Compliance On-Ramp’: Map One Security Program to NIST CSF, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and NIS2
Use CIS Controls v8.1 as your compliance on-ramp. Map one security program to NIST CSF, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and NIS2 without duplicating work via practical mapp
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
HIPAA vs GLBA
Compare HIPAA vs GLBA: HIPAA protects health data via Privacy, Security & Breach Rules; GLBA safeguards financial info with Privacy & Safeguards. Key diffs, tips. Ensure compliance now!
NIS2 vs NIST 800-53
Compare NIS2 vs NIST 800-53: EU directive's broad scope, 24/72h reporting & 2% fines vs US 20-family controls, RMF baselines. Align compliance strategies now!
NIS2 vs ISO 27701
Compare NIS2 vs ISO 27701: Cybersecurity risk mgmt & reporting vs privacy PIMS controls. Align for EU compliance, cut fines up to 2% turnover—expert guide now.