ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Certification

What is ISO 22000:2018?

ISO 22000:2018 is an internationally recognized Food Safety Management System (FSMS) standard that specifies requirements for organizations involved in the food chain. The standard provides a systematic framework for identifying, controlling, and managing food safety hazards to ensure the production and delivery of safe food products.

ISO 22000 certification demonstrates an organization’s ability to consistently control food safety risks and meet applicable food safety requirements throughout the food supply chain.

Scope of ISO 22000 Certification

ISO 22000 certification is applicable to organizations operating within the food chain, including:

  • Food Manufacturers

  • Food Processing Facilities

  • Food Packaging Manufacturers

  • Storage and Warehousing Facilities

  • Transportation and Logistics Providers

  • Catering Services

  • Restaurants and Food Service Operations

  • Agricultural Producers

  • Ingredient and Additive Suppliers

  • Retail and Distribution Organizations

The certification can be applied to any organization directly or indirectly involved in food-related activities.

Objectives of ISO 22000

The ISO 22000 standard aims to:

  • Ensure food safety throughout the food chain

  • Identify and control food safety hazards

  • Strengthen food safety management practices

  • Improve communication across the food supply chain

  • Enhance consumer confidence in food products

  • Support compliance with food safety requirements

  • Promote continual improvement in food safety performance

  • Reduce risks associated with food contamination

Key Requirements

Food Safety Management System

Organizations must establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an effective Food Safety Management System.

Hazard Analysis and Risk Control

Food safety hazards must be identified, assessed, and controlled through appropriate preventive measures.

Prerequisite Programmes (PRPs)

Organizations must implement prerequisite programmes that support hygienic and safe food production environments.

Operational Planning and Control

Processes affecting food safety must be planned, monitored, and controlled to ensure consistent product safety.

Traceability System

Organizations must establish traceability systems capable of tracking products and materials throughout the supply chain.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

Procedures must be in place to manage incidents that could impact food safety.

Performance Evaluation and Improvement

Food safety performance must be monitored, evaluated, and continually improved.

Certification Process

1. Application

The organization submits an application outlining its operations, products, services, facilities, and food safety activities.

2. Documentation Review

Food safety management system documentation and records are reviewed to assess conformity with ISO 22000 requirements.

3. Stage 1 Audit

An initial assessment is conducted to evaluate readiness for certification and review the management system framework.

4. Stage 2 Audit

A comprehensive on-site audit is performed to verify implementation and effectiveness of the Food Safety Management System.

5. Certification Decision

Upon successful completion of the audit process, ISO 22000 certification is issued.

6. Surveillance Audits

Periodic surveillance audits are conducted to verify continued compliance and effective implementation of the management system.

7. Recertification Audit

Organizations undergo recertification audits at defined intervals to maintain certification status.

Benefits of ISO 22000 Certification

  • Internationally recognized food safety certification

  • Enhanced food safety management and control

  • Improved consumer confidence and trust

  • Better identification and management of food safety risks

  • Strengthened supply chain communication and traceability

  • Increased operational efficiency

  • Improved regulatory and customer confidence

  • Support for continual improvement in food safety performance

Who Can Be Certified?

ISO 22000 certification is suitable for:

  • Food Manufacturers

  • Food Processing Companies

  • Beverage Manufacturers

  • Catering and Food Service Providers

  • Food Storage and Distribution Facilities

  • Packaging Manufacturers

  • Agricultural Producers

  • Ingredient Suppliers

  • Retailers and Distributors

  • Organizations Operating Within the Food Supply Chain

Maintaining Certification

Certified organizations must maintain compliance with ISO 22000 requirements and successfully complete surveillance and recertification audits to retain certification status. Continuous monitoring and periodic assessments help ensure the effectiveness of the Food Safety Management System and support ongoing improvement in food safety performance.