What is ISO 22000:2018?
ISO 22000:2018 is an internationally recognized standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that focuses on establishing and implementing a Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
The standard aims to ensure food safety across all stages of the food chain, from suppliers to the delivery of the final product to the consumer.
Importance of Implementing ISO 22000:2018
Applying this standard provides food organizations with a structured framework to control food safety hazards and comply with legal and regulatory requirements, which enhances customer confidence and increases competitiveness in local and global markets.
Key Requirements of ISO 22000:2018
1. Context of the Organization
Analyzing the internal and external environment of the organization and identifying interested parties and their food safety–related requirements.
2. Leadership
Top management commitment to implementing the Food Safety Management System, with clear definition of policies, roles, and responsibilities.
3. Planning
Identifying risks and opportunities that may affect food safety and developing effective plans to address them.
4. Support
Providing the necessary resources, training, awareness, and internal and external communication to ensure the effectiveness of the system.
5. Operation
Implementing Prerequisite Programs (PRPs), hazard analysis, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) to ensure control of food safety hazards.
6. Performance Evaluation and Improvement
Monitoring and measuring performance, conducting internal audits, and implementing continual improvement actions.
Benefits of ISO 22000:2018 Certification
- Improving food safety levels and reducing risks
- Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
- Enhancing customer and consumer confidence
- Improving operational efficiency and reducing waste
- Facilitating export and access to global markets
Who Can Apply ISO 22000:2018?
The standard can be applied to all organizations involved in the food chain, such as:
- Food and beverage manufacturing plants
- Packaging companies
- Restaurants and hotels
- Food transportation and storage companies
- Raw material suppliers
Steps to Obtain ISO 22000:2018 Certification
Application Form Submission
The process of obtaining ISO 22000:2018 certification begins with completing the certification application form with the certification body. This form includes basic information about the organization such as the nature of its activities, number of employees, sites, and the scope of the environmental management system to be certified.
Audit Plan Preparation
After reviewing the application, an audit plan is prepared outlining the audit schedule, scope, covered processes, and the audit team members. The purpose of this plan is to organize the audit process and ensure that all standard requirements are fully covered.
Audit – Stage One (Audit Stage 1)
The purpose of the Stage One audit is to assess the organization’s readiness for certification. This stage includes reviewing environmental documentation and policies, verifying understanding of ISO 22000:2018 requirements, and confirming their initial implementation, while identifying any gaps that need to be addressed before moving to the next stage.
Audit – Stage Two (Audit Stage 2)
In this stage, the on-site audit is conducted, where auditors review the actual implementation of the environmental management system within the organization and verify full compliance with ISO 22000:2018 requirements. If no major nonconformities are found, or after they are closed, a recommendation is made to grant the certification.
Difference Between ISO 22000:2018 and HACCP
ISO 22000:2018 is an integrated management system that includes HACCP principles within a broader framework focused on management and continual improvement, while HACCP focuses only on hazard analysis and critical control points.
Frequently Asked Questions About ISO 22000:2018
The duration depends on the size and readiness of the organization and usually ranges from 3 to 6 Days.
The certification is not legally mandatory, but it is required by many markets and customers.
Yes, it can be easily integrated with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 as they share a common structure.
The certificate is usually valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits.
Summary
ISO 22000:2018 is an essential standard for any organization seeking to ensure food safety and achieve trust and sustainability in its operations. Its implementation goes beyond compliance and represents a real investment in product quality and customer satisfaction.
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