WCAG
Global standard for accessible web content guidelines
SQF
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management
Quick Verdict
WCAG ensures web accessibility for disabled users via testable criteria, adopted for legal compliance and inclusivity. SQF certifies food safety systems through audits, pursued for GFSI recognition and retailer requirements. Companies choose WCAG for digital equity, SQF for supply chain trust.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
Key Features
- Four POUR principles organize accessibility requirements
- Testable success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels
- Technology-agnostic for all web content platforms
- Backward-compatible additive versioning preserves compliance
- Full pages and complete processes conformance
SQF
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Food Safety Code
Key Features
- Modular architecture: Module 2 plus sector GMP modules
- HACCP-based food safety plan with validation
- Mandatory full-time SQF Practitioner role
- GFSI-benchmarked for global retailer recognition
- Annual audits with unannounced options and scoring
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 is the W3C's technology-agnostic standard for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. Its primary purpose is to provide testable requirements across visual, auditory, motor, cognitive needs via layered structure: principles, guidelines, success criteria.
Key Components
- **POUR principlesPerceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
- 13 guidelines, ~80 success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels.
- Informative techniques separate from normative criteria.
- Conformance requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
Meets legal references (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549); reduces litigation risk; expands market reach; improves UX/SEO. Builds stakeholder trust, enables procurement.
Implementation Overview
Phased: policy, assessment, remediation via design systems/CI tools/training. Applies universally; no certification but VPAT/ACR for claims. Hybrid testing (automated/manual/user).
SQF Details
What It Is
Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program administered by SQFI for food safety and quality across the supply chain. It employs a HACCP-based, modular framework focusing on preventive controls from primary production to retail.
Key Components
- **Module 2Universal system elements including management commitment, HACCP plans, verification, traceability.
- Sector-specific modules (e.g., Module 11 for manufacturing GMPs).
- Built on Codex HACCP principles; ~mandatory elements like SQF Practitioner, internal audits.
- Annual third-party audits with scoring (E/G/C/F grades).
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer/brand requirements as license to trade.
- Reduces recalls, audit duplication; aligns with FSMA/EU regs.
- Enhances risk management, supplier controls, food safety culture.
- Builds stakeholder trust, market access, operational efficiency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
- Applies to manufacturers, storage, all sizes; global scope.
- Requires SQF Practitioner, mock recalls, continuous improvement via PDCA.
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | SQF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Food safety and quality management systems |
| Industry | All digital/web industries worldwide | Food manufacturing, storage, distribution globally |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C technical guidelines | GFSI-benchmarked certification program |
| Testing | Automated/manual/AT testing, no certification | Annual third-party audits, certification required |
| Penalties | Litigation risk, no direct penalties | Loss of certification, market access denial |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and SQF
WCAG FAQ
SQF FAQ
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