SQF
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management systems
ISO 27018
International code of practice for PII protection in public clouds.
Quick Verdict
SQF ensures food safety certification for supply chains, while ISO 27018 provides privacy controls for cloud PII processors. Food companies adopt SQF for GFSI recognition and market access; cloud providers use ISO 27018 to build customer trust and meet regulatory demands.
SQF
SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular architecture pairing Module 2 with sector GMPs
- GFSI-benchmarked for global retailer supply chain acceptance
- HACCP-based food safety plan with validation requirements
- Mandatory full-time on-site SQF Practitioner role
- Graded nonconformity scoring and unannounced audits
ISO 27018
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 Code of practice for PII protection
Key Features
- Tailored PII controls for public cloud processors
- Subprocessor transparency and location disclosure
- Prohibits PII use for marketing without consent
- Mandates timely customer breach notifications
- Supports data subject rights like erasure
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 for food safety across supply chains, from farm to fork, using modular structure with universal Module 2 system elements and sector-specific Good Practices.
Key Components
- Module 2 foundation: management commitment, HACCP plan, verification, traceability, food defense, allergens, training.
- Sector modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs for manufacturing).
- Built on Codex HACCP principles; over 20 mandatory elements.
- Third-party audits with graded scoring (E/G/C/F) and unannounced checks.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates for market access.
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication, regulatory risks.
- Builds food safety culture via leadership accountability.
- Enhances supplier trust, operational efficiency, GFSI equivalence.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Requires SQF Practitioner, cross-functional teams.
- Applies to manufacturing, storage, all sizes; annual audits via licensed CBs.
ISO 27018 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27018 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 for protecting personally identifiable information (PII) in public cloud services where providers act as PII processors. Published in 2014, revised 2019 and 2025, it addresses cloud-specific privacy risks via risk-based controls integrated into an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Key Components
- ~25–30 additional privacy-specific controls on consent, transparency, data minimization, retention, and breach notification.
- Built on principles like purpose limitation, accountability, and security safeguards.
- Mapped to ISO 27001 Annex A; assessed during ISO 27001 audits, not standalone certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances customer trust and accelerates procurement via Statement of Applicability.
- Aligns with GDPR Article 28, HIPAA for processor obligations.
- Reduces risk, supports cyber insurance, differentiates CSPs competitively.
Implementation Overview
- Conduct gap analysis on existing ISMS; update policies, contracts, technical controls.
- Implement subprocessors disclosure, rights support; third-party audit.
- Applicable to CSPs of all sizes globally, incremental if ISO 27001-certified.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SQF | ISO 27018 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management across supply chain | PII protection in public cloud processing |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, storage, distribution globally | Cloud service providers worldwide |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification | Privacy code of practice, ISO 27001 extension |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits, unannounced options | ISO 27001 audits with privacy control review |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial | No direct penalties, audit nonconformities |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQF and ISO 27018
SQF FAQ
ISO 27018 FAQ
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