SQF
GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification across supply chain
ISO 27701
International standard for privacy information management systems
Quick Verdict
SQF ensures food safety certification for supply chains, while ISO 27701 certifies privacy management for PII handlers. Food firms adopt SQF for GFSI compliance and market access; data processors use ISO 27701 for GDPR accountability and trust.
SQF
SQF Food Safety Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular structure: Module 2 plus sector-specific GMP modules
- GFSI-benchmarked for global retailer recognition
- HACCP-based food safety plans with PRPs
- Mandatory full-time on-site SQF Practitioner role
- "Say what you do, do what you say, prove it"
ISO 27701
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management
Key Features
- Establishes Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
- Role-specific controls for PII controllers and processors
- Risk-based assessments and PDCA continual improvement
- Mappings to GDPR and ISO 27001 frameworks
- Auditable certification demonstrating privacy accountability
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 standard for food safety management. It applies across the supply chain from farm to fork, using a HACCP-based, risk-oriented approach with modular structure.
Key Components
- **Module 2Universal system elements (management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, traceability).
- Sector modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs for manufacturing).
- Built on Codex HACCP principles; includes food defense, allergens, training.
- Third-party audits with graded scoring (E/G/C/F) and certification via licensed bodies.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates for market access.
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication; aligns with FSMA/EU regs.
- Enhances resilience, supplier controls, food safety culture.
- Builds buyer trust as global "license to trade".
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification audit.
- Suits all sizes/industries; requires SQF Practitioner.
- Timelines 6-12 months typical; annual surveillance audits.
ISO 27701 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is the international standard providing requirements and guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It focuses on managing personally identifiable information (PII) throughout its lifecycle, emphasizing accountability, risk management, and alignment with privacy laws like GDPR. It adopts a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) methodology.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10 extend management system structures for privacy context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
- Annex A (PII controllers) and Annex B (PII processors) provide role-specific controls on consent, data subject rights, transfers, and vendor management.
- Built on ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and 27002:2022; includes mappings to GDPR and other frameworks.
- Certification model via accredited bodies with 3-year cycles and annual surveillance audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates regulatory fines, breach risks, and supply-chain exclusions.
- Demonstrates compliance, builds trust, differentiates in B2B markets.
- Harmonizes multi-jurisdictional efforts, reduces costs via data minimization.
Implementation Overview
- Phased PDCA approach: discover/scope, design/plan, implement/operate, validate/improve.
- Involves PII inventory, gap analysis, training, DPIAs; suits all sizes/industries.
- Certification optional but recommended for audit-ready evidence. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | SQF | ISO 27701 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management and quality across supply chain | Privacy information management system for PII lifecycle |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, storage, distribution globally | All sectors handling PII worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification | Voluntary privacy management certification |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits, unannounced checks | Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market access denial | Loss of certification, no direct fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQF and ISO 27701
SQF FAQ
ISO 27701 FAQ
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