SQF
GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification for supply chain
ISO 28000
International standard for supply chain security management systems
Quick Verdict
SQF ensures food safety via HACCP and GMPs for food supply chains, while ISO 28000 builds security management systems against threats and disruptions. Food companies adopt SQF for GFSI recognition and market access; others use ISO 28000 for resilient supply chains.
SQF
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9
Key Features
- Modular architecture pairing Module 2 with sector GMPs
- HACCP-based food safety plan with validation
- GFSI-benchmarked for global retailer recognition
- Requires full-time onsite SQF Practitioner
- Mandates senior management commitment and reviews
ISO 28000
ISO 28000:2022 Security management systems — Requirements
Key Features
- Risk-based supply chain security management
- PDCA cycle for continual improvement
- Supplier interdependency and third-party controls
- Integration with ISO 27001 and 22301
- Certification and external assurance pathways
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
SQF Details
What It Is
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 9 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food safety and quality 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 including management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, traceability, food defense, allergens, training.
- Sector-specific modules (e.g., Module 11 GMPs for manufacturing).
- Built on Codex HACCP principles; over 20 mandatory elements.
- Third-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades) and certification by licensed bodies.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer/brand requirements as 'license to trade'.
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication, enhances resilience.
- Builds food safety culture via leadership accountability.
- Aligns with FSMA/EU regs for due diligence.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Designate SQF Practitioner; 'say-do-prove' triad.
- Suits all sizes/industries; 6-12 months typical; annual surveillance audits.
ISO 28000 Details
What It Is
ISO 28000:2022 is an international management system standard defining requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a security management system (SMS) for supply chain security. It provides a risk-based framework using the PDCA cycle to protect people, assets, and operations across supply chains.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement
- Structured risk assessment and treatment (Clause 8.3, aligned with ISO 31000)
- Core principles: proportionality, systems thinking, continual improvement
- Aligned with ISO High Level Structure for integration; supports third-party certification via accredited bodies (ISO 28003)
Why Organizations Use It
- Addresses risks like theft, sabotage, disruptions for resilience
- Meets contractual, regulatory drivers (e.g., C-TPAT equivalents)
- Reduces incidents, insurance costs; enables trade facilitation
- Provides competitive advantage in procurement, builds stakeholder trust
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, risk strategy, deployment, audits
- Scalable for all sizes/industries (logistics, manufacturing, pharma)
- 6-36 months; internal audits, management reviews, optional certification
Key Differences
| Aspect | SQF | ISO 28000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety, HACCP, GMPs, quality across supply chain | Supply chain security risks, resilience, management system |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, storage, distribution, global | Logistics, manufacturing, retail, any supply chain sector |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification standard | Voluntary ISO management system standard |
| Testing | Annual third-party audits, unannounced, scoring system | Internal audits, management review, optional certification audits |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial | No legal penalties, certification withdrawal possible |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SQF and ISO 28000
SQF FAQ
ISO 28000 FAQ
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