What is ISO 22000?

Have you ever wondered how organisations ensure the food you eat is safe, from farm to fork? ISO 22000 is the global gold standard that helps businesses in the food chain keep safety in check. It provides a framework to identify risks, follow hygiene practices, and build trust in food products. In this blog, we discuss the steps to certification and how it transforms food safety into a trusted promise for customers worldwide. From understanding its core principles to exploring its practical applications, we guide you through everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

1) Understanding What is ISO 22000

2) ISO 22000 Requirements 

3) Steps to Achieve ISO 22000 Certification

4) Benefits of ISO 22000 Certification

5) What are the 4 Pillars of ISO 22000? 

6) How does the Standard Work?

7) Conclusion

Understanding What is ISO 22000  

It is a global standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) that any organisation in the food supply chain can use. Getting ISO 22000 certified shows customers that a company takes food safety seriously and has a system in place to ensure it. This builds trust in the products, which is increasingly important as people and businesses demand safer food.

It was initiated by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and integrates the principles of Quality Management Systems (QMS) with food safety practices, offering the benefits of ISO 27701. This standard incorporates well-established methods such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which are included under "Prerequisite Programs" in the framework.

 

 

ISO 22000 Requirements  

ISO 22000 outlines the steps to create an FSMS that ensures food safety across the organisation. Key requirements include: 

1) Food Safety Policy: Develop a clear policy to guide food safety efforts.

2) Set Targets: Create goals to ensure compliance with the policy.

3) Plan and Document: Design and document the FSMS to manage food safety processes.

4) Food Safety Team: Form a team of qualified individuals and assign clear roles and responsibilities.

5) Communication Procedures: Set up systems for internal communication and communication with customers, suppliers, and regulators.

6) Emergency Plan: Prepare a plan to handle emergencies effectively.

7) Performance Reviews: Regularly check how well the FSMS is working.

8) Adequate Resources: Ensure there are trained staff, proper infrastructure, and a safe work environment to support food safety.

9) HACCP Principles: Follow HACCP principles to identify and manage food safety risks.

10) Traceability System: Have a system to track and identify products.

11) Nonconformity Control: Manage and fix issues with unsafe products.

12) Product Withdrawal Procedure: Create a documented plan for recalling products if necessary.

13) Internal Audits: Regularly audit the FSMS to ensure it works properly.

14) Continuous Improvement: Update and improve the FSMS to keep it effective.

15) Prerequisite Programs: Implement basic programs to maintain hygiene and safety standards.

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Steps to Achieve ISO 22000 Certification  

You don’t need certification to use ISO 22000 principles, but getting certified shows others, like customers and suppliers, that your organization follows the standard, as outlined in the ISO 22000 Guide. Here are the key steps to gain this certification: 

1) Application Process

a) Fill out a quote request form to provide details about your organisation

b) Receive a quote for the certification process from the certification body

c) Submit your application to start the certification process

d) Get guidance on preparing for the assessment and audits

e) Ensure your Food Safety Management System (FSMS) is ready for review

2) Assessment Process

a) Operate your FSMS for at least three months before the audit

b) Complete a full internal audit cycle of the FSMS before the external audit

c) The certification audit has two stages:

i) Stage 1: Check if your FSMS meets the basic requirements and is ready for a detailed audit

ii) Stage 2: Conduct a thorough review of all processes and activities

d) Address any issues or improvements identified by the auditor

e) Fix major issues within 14 days if they arise during the second stage

3) Certification and Maintenance

a) Receive your ISO 22000 Certification once the FSMS fully meets the requirements

b) Undergo annual surveillance audits to ensure compliance

c) Continuously improve your FSMS as required by the standard

d) Get recertified after three years with a full audit

e) Update your FSMS if your organisation undergoes significant changes, like expansion or entering new markets, to maintain certification

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Benefits of ISO 22000 Certification  

ISO 22000 helps organisations minimise food risks and enhance food safety performance by offering a framework for building a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). This systematic method addresses food safety issues and offers numerous benefits:  

1) Improved Response to Risks   

The Food Safety Management System (FSMS) permits organisations to respond to issues related to food safety before they become contaminated. ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 follow a step-by-step guide that enables businesses to detect and overcome risks early. This action minimises risks and contributes to food safety improvements. Now, organisations reduce issues like foodborne illnesses and costly recalls.

2) Enhanced Transparency   

ISO 22000 makes products easily traceable. However, organisations need documentation to build trust among consumers and stakeholders. By adding transparency, issues are spotted early. The only thing organisations need to remember is the regulatory requirements imposed by FSMS. Thus, the quality and safety of food are assured.   

3) Better Health and Safety   

Minimising food hazards improves consumer health and safety. ISO 22000 sets strict hygiene and food processing guidelines to avoid contaminants. Organisations follow these standards to overcome foodborne illnesses. In addition, the health and safety initiative promotes a safer work environment for workers.    

4) Higher Customer Satisfaction   

An FSMS provides regular follow-up of products to satisfy customer expectations. When a company is ISO-certified, customers trust the products more. This also builds customer confidence and loyalty. In addition to this, word-of-mouth contributes to the organisation's reputation.   

5) Global Recognition   

Since ISO 22000 is globally recognised, it is most trusted by investors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies worldwide. Certification means a commitment to sustaining high food quality standards in the global market. It tells the organisation that it is fully dedicated to following best practices in this sector. With recognition comes increased trust and engagement from stakeholders.   

6) Increased Business Opportunities   

ISO 22000 opens new opportunities for collaboration with businesses. Once certified, the company can grow through tender and contract allocations. Also, the ISO 22000 Certification attracts new partners and clients from the international market. Companies can build a long-term reputation with cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency.    

What are the 4 Pillars of ISO 22000? 

It is built on four key pillars:

1) System Management: Setting up a clear, organised system with written procedures to manage food safety.

2) Communication: Keeping good communication within the organisation and with suppliers, customers, and others about food safety.

3) Prerequisite Programs (PRPs): Maintaining basic hygiene and safety practices throughout the food process.

4) HACCP Principles: Using this principles to find and control food safety risks.

How does the Standard Work?

ISO 22000 offers a flexible framework for organisations to build and implement FSMS. While compliance is voluntary, some businesses may require ISO 22000 Certification before working with a partner. Organisations can choose to fully certify their FSMS or apply parts of the standard without seeking certification. ISO 22000 shares common elements with other ISO management standards. It makes it easier to manage multiple standards together.

A key feature of ISO 22000 is the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Cycle, which promotes continuous improvement. This approach can be adapted to the entire FSMS or specific parts of it. The steps include:

1) Plan: Set objectives, provide resources, and address risks and opportunities

2) Do: Carry out the planned processes

3) Check: Monitor results, review data, and report findings

4) Act: Take steps to improve processes based on findings

This structured approach helps organisations maintain and enhance food safety performance over time.

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Conclusion

We hope you have gained a clear understanding of What is ISO 22000 and how it helps ensure food safety. By following its principles or achieving certification, organisations can build trust, improve food safety practices, and meet global standards. ISO 22000 provides the tools you need to create a safer, more reliable food supply chain.

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