Introduction to ISO 22000:2018

ISO 22000 sets out the criteria for a food safety management system and can be certified to it. It maps out what an organization needs to do to demonstrate its ability to control food safety hazards in order to ensure that food is safe. It can be used by any organization regardless of its size or position in the food chain.

What is ISO 22000?

What are the benefits of ISO 22000?

Implementing a FSMS certified to ISO 22000 allows an organization to:

 

• Plan, implement, operate, maintain, and update a FSMS providing products and services that are safe, according to their intended use.
• Demonstrate compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory food safety requirements.
• Evaluate and assess customer requirements and demonstrate conformity with those mutually agreed customer requirements that relate to food safety, in order to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Effectively communicate food safety issues to interested parties within the food chain.
• Ensure that the organization conforms to its stated food safety policy.
• Demonstrate such conformity to relevant interested parties.
• Seek certification or registration of its food safety management system by an external organization, or make a self-assessment or self-declaration of conformity to ISO 22000.

Steps to getting ISO 22000 certification

• Understanding ISO 22000: Familiarize with the requirements and principles of the standard.
• Gap Analysis: Evaluate current practices against ISO 22000 requirements.
• Implementation Planning: Develop a plan to align your FSMS with the standard.
• Training and Awareness: Educate your team on the FSMS and their role in it.
• Developing Documentation: Create comprehensive documentation for your FSMS.
• Putting FSMS into Action: Implement the management system across your operations.
• Internal Audits and Reviews: Conduct regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Choosing a Certification Body: Find an appropriate body to conduct the external audit.
• Certification Audit: Successfully complete the audit and address any findings.
• Continuous Improvement: Maintain and continuously improve your FSMS.

Why PCONNECT Management Systems?

PConnect Management Systems delivers specialized consultancy services that ensure your FSMS not only meets the ISO 22000 standard but also supports your commitment to food safety. Our experts guide you through each step, from planning to certification, ensuring your systems are robust, compliant, and effective at managing food safety risks.

How can ISO Consultants help your business?

Our ISO consultants bring depth of knowledge and industry best practices to your FSMS development. We help you understand and manage the complexities of food safety, align your processes with the standard, and ensure a culture of continuous improvement, quality, and safety is maintained within your food chain operations.

FAQs

Q: How does ISO 22000 certification benefit my customers?

A: ISO 22000 certification reassures your customers that you have a systematic approach to managing food safety. It can enhance trust and confidence in your brand and open up new market opportunities.

 

Q: Can any organization in the food chain implement ISO 22000?

A: Yes, ISO 22000 is applicable to any organization within the food chain, regardless of its size or complexity.

 

Q: What is the duration of ISO 22000 certification?

A: The certification typically lasts three years, subject to successful annual surveillance audits.

 

Q: How does ISO 22000 integrate with other ISO management standards?

A: ISO 22000 integrates smoothly with other management system standards, especially ISO 9001, due to the similar structure of the standards, allowing organizations to create a comprehensive, integrated management system.