ISO 22000:2018 · Food safety management
ISO 22000 Food safety certification
For every link in the food chain, from primary production to consumption, and often required by export markets.
recognised through
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Overview
What is ISO 22000 certification?
ISO 22000 is the international standard for food safety management systems across the food chain. Businesses in this sector must meet strict requirements to keep food products safe and deliver high-quality products to consumers. The standard was developed with input from many public and private bodies in the food sector, and sets out a range of principles and procedures for producing and distributing food safely and efficiently.
ISO 22000 covers several key elements, including risk management, quality control, food safety assurance and hazard assessment. Together, these elements improve the flow of the supply chain and communication between the relevant functions within an organisation. ISO 22000 certification enhances an organisation's reputation and improves its access to global markets, as conformity with the standard is widely seen as a mark of quality and safety in the food industry.
Food safety control
Keeping food products safe at every stage of production and distribution.
Product quality assurance
Improving the quality of food products and ensuring they meet international standards.
Reducing food safety risks
Reducing the risk of food contamination and protecting consumers.
Opening doors to international markets
Expanding access to global markets through conformity with ISO 22000.
What does ISO 22000 bring your organisation?
The key benefits organisations gain from implementing the standard and achieving certification.
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Safer food for consumers
ISO 22000 certification ensures that food products meet high food safety standards, protecting consumer health.
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Better product quality
Certification improves the quality of food products through effective quality and process management.
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Greater brand trust
Conformity with ISO 22000 helps build consumer and customer trust in your brand.
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Meeting export requirements
Certification enables businesses to meet the requirements of international markets and expand their export opportunities.
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Reduced food safety risks
It helps reduce the risk of food contamination and keeps products safe.
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Better process management
It improves the efficiency and effectiveness of internal processes.
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Better internal and external communication
It strengthens communication between departments and with external parties.
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Strategic direction
It provides strategic direction for developing better practices in the food industry.
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Lower costs
It reduces the cost of rework and of dealing with problems and risks.
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Legal and regulatory compliance
Certification helps you comply with food safety and quality legislation and regulations.
How to get ISO 22000 certified
A clear path from first contact to receiving your certificate, with support afterwards.
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Step 1: Initial assessment
The organisation carries out an initial assessment of its needs and gains an understanding of the requirements of ISO 22000.
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Step 2: Hazard analysis
Potential hazards in food production processes are analysed and their impact on product safety is assessed.
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Step 3: System development
A food safety management system is developed and aligned with the requirements of ISO 22000.
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Step 4: Documentation and training
The organisation prepares the necessary documentation and trains its staff so they understand the procedures and requirements.
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Step 5: System implementation
The food safety management system is implemented and the procedures defined by the standard are put into practice.
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Step 6: Performance monitoring
The performance of the food safety management system is monitored and its effectiveness evaluated to ensure continual improvement.
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Step 7: Certification audit
Team Quality carries out the Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audits, then issues the certificate once conformity is verified.
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Step 8: Certificate issue
Once conformity with the standard has been demonstrated, the ISO 22000 certificate is issued to the organisation.
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Step 9: Follow-up and improvement
Ongoing follow-up and continued efforts to improve the food safety management system.
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Step 10: Sustained commitment
The organisation remains committed to the requirements of the standard and maintains compliance over the long term.
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ISO 22000 frequently asked questions
What is ISO 22000 and why does it matter in the food industry?
ISO 22000 is the international standard for food safety management systems across the food chain. It aims to keep food products safe and improve their quality, protecting consumer health and helping businesses meet the requirements of international markets.
What are the key steps to ISO 22000 certification?
The key steps are initial assessment, hazard analysis, system development, documentation and training, system implementation, performance monitoring, certification audit, certificate issue, and follow-up and improvement.
What is the difference between ISO 22000 and other schemes such as HACCP?
ISO 22000 is a comprehensive food safety management standard, whereas HACCP is a specific system for controlling food safety hazards. ISO 22000 also covers prerequisite programmes, management-system requirements and interactive communication along the food chain, while HACCP focuses mainly on controlling food safety hazards.
Can small businesses be certified to ISO 22000?
Yes. ISO 22000 certification is not limited to large companies and is suitable for organisations of every size.
What role do hazard analysis and risk management play in the standard?
Hazard analysis and risk management help identify and assess food safety hazards and determine the actions needed to control them and keep food products safe.
How can certification help businesses improve the quality of their food products?
Certification improves product quality through rigorous quality control procedures and by ensuring conformity with international standards.
What challenges do businesses commonly face when implementing a food safety management system?
Common challenges include implementation costs, allocating sufficient resources, staff training and keeping up with changing requirements.
Who issues ISO 22000 certificates, and how can a certificate be verified?
Certificates are usually issued by recognised bodies such as independent certification bodies. A certificate can be verified by confirming the credibility of the body that issued it.
Does certification require periodic reports or updates?
Yes. Organisations certified to ISO 22000 must provide periodic reports and updates to maintain ongoing compliance.
How can businesses maintain ongoing compliance with ISO 22000?
Ongoing compliance requires continuous follow-up, regular reviews and further development of the food safety management system to meet new challenges and keep improving performance.