ISO 22000 – FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
What is ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for a food safety management system. It provides a framework for organizations involved in the food industry to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve their food safety management systems. ISO 22000 is designed to ensure the safety of food products throughout the entire food supply chain, from farm to fork.
The main objectives of ISO 22000 are to prevent foodborne hazards, minimize risks, and ensure the production of safe and high-quality food products. It incorporates the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle for continual improvement.
It emphasizes the need for organizations to identify and control food safety hazards, establish and maintain effective communication with relevant stakeholders, and demonstrate compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
By implementing ISO 22000, organizations can enhance their food safety practices, gain customer confidence, and improve their overall performance in the food industry. It provides a systematic approach to managing food safety risks and helps organizations ensure the safety and quality of their products, thereby protecting consumers’ health and interests.
Standard Version
ISO standards are periodically revised, typically every five years, to align with current trends. The most recent version of ISO 22000 was released in 2018.
2005
ISO 22000:2005
2018
ISO 22000:2018
Why was the standard created?
The ISO 22000 standard was created to address the need for a globally recognized and harmonized standard for food safety management systems. The development of ISO 22000 was driven by several factors and objectives, including:
- Ensuring Food Safety: One of the primary reasons for creating ISO 22000 was to enhance and ensure food safety throughout the entire food supply chain. The standard provides a framework for organizations to identify and control food safety hazards, reducing the risk of foodborne diseases and ensuring the production of safe food products.
- Global Harmonization: Prior to the development of ISO 22000, various countries and regions had their own food safety standards and requirements. This lack of harmonization created barriers to international trade and made it challenging for organizations to operate in multiple markets. ISO 22000 aimed to provide a globally recognized standard that could be adopted and implemented by organizations worldwide, promoting consistency and facilitating international trade.
- Integration and Compatibility: ISO 22000 was designed to be compatible with other ISO management system standards, such as ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management. This compatibility allows organizations to integrate their food safety management system with other management systems, streamlining processes and achieving greater efficiency.
- Continuous Improvement: ISO 22000 promotes the concept of continuous improvement in food safety performance. By establishing a structured management system based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, organizations are encouraged to regularly assess their processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions. This focus on continuous improvement helps organizations stay proactive in managing food safety risks and meeting changing customer expectations.
- Stakeholder Confidence: ISO 22000 provides a recognized framework for organizations to demonstrate their commitment to food safety and gain the confidence of customers, consumers, and other stakeholders. Compliance with the standard can help organizations establish a positive reputation, build trust, and enhance their competitiveness in the food industry.
Overall, the creation of ISO 22000 aimed to improve food safety practices, promote global harmonization, and provide a systematic approach to managing food safety risks throughout the food supply chain.
Benefits of Implementing ISO 22000
Implementing ISO 22000 can bring several benefits to organizations involved in the food industry. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Enhanced Food Safety: ISO 22000 provides a comprehensive framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling food safety hazards. By implementing the standard, organizations can improve their food safety practices, minimize the risk of foodborne disease, and ensure the production of safe and high-quality food products.
- Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements: ISO 22000 helps organizations establish processes to ensure compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements related to food safety. By adhering to these requirements, organizations can avoid legal issues and potential penalties, ensuring their operations are in line with legal obligations.
- Improved Efficiency and Effectiveness: ISO 22000 promotes a systematic approach to managing food safety. It helps organizations streamline their processes, identify areas for improvement, and enhance operational efficiency. By implementing standardized procedures and controls, organizations can optimize resource utilization, reduce waste, and improve overall productivity.
- Enhanced Customer Confidence: ISO 22000 certification is recognized globally and demonstrates an organization’s commitment to food safety. By implementing the standard, organizations can build trust and confidence among customers, consumers, and other stakeholders. Certification can serve as a competitive advantage, attracting customers who prioritize food safety and quality.
- International Market Access: ISO 22000 provides a globally recognized framework for food safety management. Implementing the standard can facilitate market access, especially in international trade. Many countries and importers require suppliers to have robust food safety management systems in place, and ISO 22000 certification can fulfill those requirements.
- Integrated Management Systems: ISO 22000 follows the High-Level Structure (HLS) common to other ISO management system standards. This allows for easier integration and compatibility with other management systems like ISO 9001 for quality management or ISO 14001 for environmental management. Organizations can benefit from streamlined processes, reduced duplication of efforts, and improved overall management efficiency.
- Continuous Improvement: ISO 22000 emphasizes a culture of continuous improvement. By implementing the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, organizations can regularly review their food safety management system, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions. This proactive approach helps organizations stay ahead of emerging risks, adapt to changes, and continuously enhance their food safety performance.
It’s important to note that the specific benefits may vary depending on the organization’s context, industry sector, and the level of commitment to implementing ISO 22000 effectively.
Who can obtain the certificate?
ISO 22000 certification is open to any organization, regardless of its size or position in the food supply chain, that meets the requirements of the standard. It is applicable to organizations involved in food manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, catering, and other related activities. It is also compatible with other management systems. The ISO 22000 certificate is issued to the organization or company; it is not awarded to individuals. Nevertheless, individuals can pursue lead auditor certification in this field.
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Ensure food safety, gain customer trust, and elevate your organization's reputation with ISO 22000 certification. Request a quote from the Georgian Certification Organization and take the first step towards achieving excellence in food safety management.
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Developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
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CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Essential steps to ISO certification
PRE-AGREEMENT PERIOD
Negotiate and agree on contract terms.
Sign the contract.
Make a 50% payment of the first year's fee for consulting services.
GAP ANALYSIS
Appoint a contact person responsible for providing information to the consulting team.
Schedule a comprehensive analysis visit by the consulting team to the client's production facility.
TRAINING
Conduct an introductory training session for designated company personnel.
Discuss the results of the gap analysis.
Form working groups.
Agree on the work plan and schedule.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STANDARD
Define the organizational structure.
Identify key processes and supporting processes.
Develop procedures and instructions to align documentation with international standards.
INTERNAL AUDIT
Provide training on planning and conducting internal audits.
Offer consulting support throughout the internal audit process.
CERTIFICATION
Assist company representatives during the external audit.
Analyze the results of the external audit.
Provide recommendations for future audit preparations.