SQF
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management
ISO 22301
International standard for business continuity management systems
Quick Verdict
SQF ensures food safety via HACCP and GMPs for supply chains, while ISO 22301 builds business continuity resilience against disruptions. Food companies adopt SQF for GFSI recognition and market access; all organizations use 22301 for recovery planning and risk mitigation.
SQF
SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular architecture: universal Module 2 plus sector GMPs
- GFSI-benchmarked for global retailer acceptance
- HACCP-based food safety plans with validation
- Mandatory onsite SQF Practitioner role
- Graded scoring with unannounced audits
ISO 22301
ISO 22301:2019 Business continuity management systems
Key Features
- PDCA cycle for continual BCMS improvement
- Business Impact Analysis (BIA) for critical functions
- Risk assessment and recovery strategies
- Leadership commitment and policy requirements
- Seamless integration with ISO 27001
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 ensures food safety across supply chains from farm to fork via HACCP-based risk management and modular Good Practices.
Key Components
- **Module 2Universal system elements (management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, traceability, food defense, allergens, training).
- Sector modules (e.g., Module 11 for manufacturing GMPs).
- Mandatory elements like SQF Practitioner, internal audits, CAPA.
- **Audit modelGraded scoring (E/G/C/F), unannounced audits, third-party certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates for market access.
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication via GFSI recognition.
- Enhances food safety culture, supplier controls, resilience.
- Builds stakeholder trust, aligns with FSMA/EU regs.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Applies to manufacturing, storage, all sizes; 6-12 months typical.
- Requires SQF Practitioner, records proving "say-do-prove" triad.
ISO 22301 Details
What It Is
ISO 22301:2019 is an international standard specifying requirements for a Business Continuity Management System (BCMS). It provides a framework to protect against, reduce likelihood of, respond to, and recover from disruptions, ensuring continuity of critical products and services. Built on a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach using Annex SL high-level structure.
Key Components
- 10 clauses (4-10 core): context, leadership, planning (BIA/RA), support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- No fixed controls; flexible, tailored to organization.
- Core principles: resilience, continual improvement, integration with standards like ISO 27001.
- Certification model: 3-year validity with annual surveillance audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances resilience, minimizes downtime/financial losses.
- Meets regulatory needs (e.g., NIS Directive, NIST).
- Builds stakeholder trust, competitive edge, lower insurance.
- Proactive risk management against cyber, natural disasters.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, BIA, training, testing, audits.
- 60 days to 6 months typical; suits all sizes/sectors.
- Two-stage certification audit process.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SQF | ISO 22301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety, HACCP, GMPs, quality across supply chain | Business continuity, resilience against all disruptions |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, storage, distribution globally | All sectors, sizes worldwide |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification | Voluntary international management system standard |
| Testing | Annual audits, unannounced, internal verification | BIA, exercises, internal audits, management reviews |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial | No legal penalties, operational disruption risk |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQF and ISO 22301
SQF FAQ
ISO 22301 FAQ
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