ISO 22000
Certification
Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS)
ISO 22000
Certification
Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS)
Take control of hazards right through the supply chain with ISO 22000 certification.
- ISO 22000 is the international standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS).
- It provides a framework for implementing a structured management system to identify, control, and reduce food safety hazards throughout the food chain.
- The ISO 22000 standard complies with the Codex HACCP Principles to ensure consistent food safety performance and compliance.
- Achieving ISO 22000 certification helps build customer confidence and gives stakeholders confidence in your ability to control food safety hazards.
- ISOQAR is one of the world’s largest UKAS-accredited certification bodies. We have the expertise and resources to help you gain UKAS-accredited ISO 22000 certification with a simple approach and no hidden fees.
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Benefits of ISO 22000
- Protect your customers
- Build customer confidence
- Strengthen regulatory compliance
- Reduce risk and recalls
- Improve operational control
- Enhance supplier management
- Drive continual improvement
What is ISO 22000 certification?
ISO 22000:2018 is the internationally recognised Food Safety Management System (FSMS). The ISO 22000 framework:
- Helps ensure the quality, safety and reliability of products from ‘farm to fork’.
- Applies to all organisations in the food chain, from farmers and primary producers to processors, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers.
- Combines prerequisite programs, the HACCP principles and application steps as described by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and elements of the ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems standard.
If you operate in the food industry, you’re required by law to comply with established hygiene regulations in accordance with HACCP guidelines. ISO 22000 is based on HACCP guidelines, but looks at broader business processes and structures as well as food safety. This brings additional benefits to your business.
Why choose ISO 22000?
Becoming ISO 22000 certified:
- Allows you to identify and control food safety hazards at all stages of the food supply chain.
- Improves risk management along the supply chain.
- Provides confidence to others in the supply chain that you have the ability to control food safety hazards and provide safe products.
- Formalises systems in your organisation improving transparency, accountability and quality.
- Brings efficiency, continual improvement and cost savings.
- Enhances corporate profile as a quality supplier throughout the global food chain.
Learn more about ISO 22000 certification
ISO 22000 FAQs
We receive many questions from customers about ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System certification. Below, you’ll find some of the most common questions with answers written by our experts.
If you have any further queries, speak with our knowledgeable team on 0330 828 2752.
What are the pros and cons of ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 certification can improve customer confidence, strengthen regulatory compliance and support continual improvement. Implementing the standard does require time and commitment, particularly during the early stages, but many organisations find the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment.
Is ISO 22000 a legal requirement?
No. The ISO 22000 standard is voluntary, although many organisations choose to become certified because it demonstrates a robust approach to food safety management. While HACCP principles are a legal requirement for many food businesses, ISO 22000 builds on those principles and may be requested by customers, retailers or supply chain partners.
What is the difference between HACCP and ISO 22000?
HACCP and ISO 22000 both focus on food safety, but they are not the same. HACCP is a system for identifying and controlling food safety hazards and is often a legal requirement. ISO 22000 incorporates HACCP principles within a wider Food Safety Management System, adding requirements for leadership, risk management, communication and continual improvement.
Is ISO 22000 GFSI recognised?
No. ISO 22000 itself is not GFSI recognised. However, FSSC 22000, which is built on the ISO 22000 standard and includes additional sector-specific requirements, is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
What is the difference between ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000?
ISO 22000 provides the requirements for establishing a Food Safety Management System that can be applied by organisations throughout the food supply chain. FSSC 22000 is a certification scheme that incorporates ISO 22000 alongside additional prerequisite programmes and sector-specific requirements. Organisations supplying major retailers or global food manufacturers may find that FSSC 22000 is requested because of its GFSI recognition.
What kinds of organisations benefit from ISO 22000 certification?
ISO 22000 certification is suitable for any organisation involved in the food supply chain. This includes food manufacturers, processors, packaging companies, distributors, storage facilities, catering businesses, ingredient suppliers and retailers. Any organisation that wants to demonstrate effective ISO 22000 food safety management can benefit from certification.
Can you get ISO 22000 certification for individuals?
No. ISO 22000 certification applies to organisations rather than individuals. If you would like to develop your knowledge of the standard, an ISO 22000 course can provide valuable training, but only businesses can achieve certification.
How many ISO 22000 certified companies are there?
There is no definitive global register showing exactly how many ISO 22000 certified companies exist. However, the standard is used by tens of thousands of organisations worldwide and continues to be adopted across the food and drink sector as businesses seek to demonstrate effective food safety management.
What is the latest version of ISO 22000?
The current version is ISO 22000:2018, which introduced a revised structure aligned with other modern ISO management system standards. The update also placed greater emphasis on risk-based thinking and strengthened the links between operational controls and business processes.
What is the ISO 22000 food safety audit checklist?
An ISO 22000 food safety audit checklist is a tool used to assess whether a Food Safety Management System meets the requirements of the standard. It typically covers areas such as leadership, documented information, hazard analysis, prerequisite programmes, HACCP controls, internal audits and continual improvement. Organisations often use a checklist to prepare for certification audits and identify opportunities for improvement.
How many clauses are there in ISO 22000?
Like other modern ISO management system standards, ISO 22000 follows a 10-clause structure. Clauses 1 to 3 provide introductory information, while ISO 22000 clauses 4 to 10 contain the requirements for certification. These cover topics such as organisational context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation and continual improvement. For more detail, see our guide to the ISO 22000 requirements.
Are the ISO 9001 and 22000 management systems compatible?
Yes. ISO 9001 and 22000 share the same high-level structure, making them straightforward to integrate. Many organisations choose to combine their Quality Management System with their Food Safety Management System, helping to improve efficiency while reducing duplication across policies, procedures and audits.
How much does ISO 22000 certification cost?
The cost of ISO 22000 certification depends on the size of your organisation, the scope of your Food Safety Management System and the complexity of your operations. Businesses with multiple sites or more extensive food safety processes may require additional audit time. Contact ISOQAR to discuss your requirements and receive a quotation tailored to your organisation.
How do I apply for ISO 22000 certification?
If you’re ready to apply for ISO 22000 certification, contact ISOQAR to discuss your organisation and your Food Safety Management System. Our team will explain the certification process, answer your questions and provide a quotation to help you begin your certification journey.
Who issues the ISO 22000 certificate?
An ISO 22000 certificate is awarded by an independent certification body following a successful certification audit. Choosing an experienced provider such as ISOQAR gives confidence that your Food Safety Management System has been assessed against the requirements of the standard.
What should I look for in an ISO 22000 certification company?
When comparing ISO 22000 certification companies, choose a provider with UKAS accreditation, experienced food safety auditors and a strong understanding of the food industry. It’s also worth considering how clearly they explain the certification process and the level of support they provide before, during and after your audit.
ISO 22000 requirements
Wondering how to get ISO 22000 certification? If you’re new to the standard, our guide to ISO 22000 requirements will give you a clear understanding of the system and how to implement it. Think of it as your free ISO 22000 checklist.
This guide is for you if:
- You’re planning to implement ISO 22000 and want a plain English explanation of the requirements
- You’re currently implementing ISO 22000 and need to know what else must be done to achieve certification
- You already have food safety controls in place and want to formalise them into a certified FSMS
Download guide to ISO 22000 certification requirements
Discover the key requirements for successful ISO 22000 accreditation.
ISO 22000 implementation
7 steps to becoming ISO 22000 certified
Implementing ISO 22000 is simple, and we are here to support you at every stage. Just follow these 7 straightforward steps.
Step 1 - Read the Standard
It’s what you will be audited against.
Step 2 - Build Your Team
Get support from colleagues – you can’t do it all on your own.
Step 3 - Get the Skills
Book onto Academy training
Step 4 - Develop Your Management System
Do it yourself or consider using a consultant from the ISOQAR Associate Network (IAN)
Step 5 - Implement Your Management System
Make sure everyone is buying into it.
Step 6 - Check Everything
Carry out an internal audit – we can perform a pre-assessment audit for you.
Step 7 - Get Certified
Shout about your success! We give you logos to display your achievement on your website, stationery and vehicles.
How to implement ISO 22000
ISOQAR is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), the government-recognised accreditation body for the UK. As with other UKAS-accredited ISO 22000 certification companies, we have a duty to remain impartial; we can’t help you implement the standard if we will also be carrying out the audit.
Don’t worry, though – we’ve got you covered. Here are two methods you can use to implement ISO 22000 in your organisation:
Use an ISO consultant
There are many consultants available to help you. You can find them on our online database.
A consultant will take you from the beginning right through to certification. Consultants bring a wealth of experience and can share best practice from their work with other organisations.
Do it yourself
We will put together a package of support to help you through the complete journey.
A good starting point is to go on a foundation training course with the Academy. They deliver exceptional training whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Most of the courses are CQI IRCA accredited and are run by our own trainers.
ISO 22000 FAQs
We receive many questions from customers about ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System certification. Below, you’ll find some of the most common questions with answers written by our experts.
If you have any further queries, speak with our knowledgeable team on 0330 828 2752.
What are the pros and cons of ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 certification can improve customer confidence, strengthen regulatory compliance and support continual improvement. Implementing the standard does require time and commitment, particularly during the early stages, but many organisations find the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment.
Is ISO 22000 a legal requirement?
No. The ISO 22000 standard is voluntary, although many organisations choose to become certified because it demonstrates a robust approach to food safety management. While HACCP principles are a legal requirement for many food businesses, ISO 22000 builds on those principles and may be requested by customers, retailers or supply chain partners.
What is the difference between HACCP and ISO 22000?
HACCP and ISO 22000 both focus on food safety, but they are not the same. HACCP is a system for identifying and controlling food safety hazards and is often a legal requirement. ISO 22000 incorporates HACCP principles within a wider Food Safety Management System, adding requirements for leadership, risk management, communication and continual improvement.
Is ISO 22000 GFSI recognised?
No. ISO 22000 itself is not GFSI recognised. However, FSSC 22000, which is built on the ISO 22000 standard and includes additional sector-specific requirements, is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
What is the difference between ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000?
ISO 22000 provides the requirements for establishing a Food Safety Management System that can be applied by organisations throughout the food supply chain. FSSC 22000 is a certification scheme that incorporates ISO 22000 alongside additional prerequisite programmes and sector-specific requirements. Organisations supplying major retailers or global food manufacturers may find that FSSC 22000 is requested because of its GFSI recognition.
What kinds of organisations benefit from ISO 22000 certification?
ISO 22000 certification is suitable for any organisation involved in the food supply chain. This includes food manufacturers, processors, packaging companies, distributors, storage facilities, catering businesses, ingredient suppliers and retailers. Any organisation that wants to demonstrate effective ISO 22000 food safety management can benefit from certification.
Can you get ISO 22000 certification for individuals?
No. ISO 22000 certification applies to organisations rather than individuals. If you would like to develop your knowledge of the standard, an ISO 22000 course can provide valuable training, but only businesses can achieve certification.
How many ISO 22000 certified companies are there?
There is no definitive global register showing exactly how many ISO 22000 certified companies exist. However, the standard is used by tens of thousands of organisations worldwide and continues to be adopted across the food and drink sector as businesses seek to demonstrate effective food safety management.
What is the latest version of ISO 22000?
The current version is ISO 22000:2018, which introduced a revised structure aligned with other modern ISO management system standards. The update also placed greater emphasis on risk-based thinking and strengthened the links between operational controls and business processes.
What is the ISO 22000 food safety audit checklist?
An ISO 22000 food safety audit checklist is a tool used to assess whether a Food Safety Management System meets the requirements of the standard. It typically covers areas such as leadership, documented information, hazard analysis, prerequisite programmes, HACCP controls, internal audits and continual improvement. Organisations often use a checklist to prepare for certification audits and identify opportunities for improvement.
How many clauses are there in ISO 22000?
Like other modern ISO management system standards, ISO 22000 follows a 10-clause structure. Clauses 1 to 3 provide introductory information, while ISO 22000 clauses 4 to 10 contain the requirements for certification. These cover topics such as organisational context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation and continual improvement. For more detail, see our guide to the ISO 22000 requirements.
Are the ISO 9001 and 22000 management systems compatible?
Yes. ISO 9001 and 22000 share the same high-level structure, making them straightforward to integrate. Many organisations choose to combine their Quality Management System with their Food Safety Management System, helping to improve efficiency while reducing duplication across policies, procedures and audits.
How much does ISO 22000 certification cost?
The cost of ISO 22000 certification depends on the size of your organisation, the scope of your Food Safety Management System and the complexity of your operations. Businesses with multiple sites or more extensive food safety processes may require additional audit time. Contact ISOQAR to discuss your requirements and receive a quotation tailored to your organisation.
How do I apply for ISO 22000 certification?
If you’re ready to apply for ISO 22000 certification, contact ISOQAR to discuss your organisation and your Food Safety Management System. Our team will explain the certification process, answer your questions and provide a quotation to help you begin your certification journey.
Who issues the ISO 22000 certificate?
An ISO 22000 certificate is awarded by an independent certification body following a successful certification audit. Choosing an experienced provider such as ISOQAR gives confidence that your Food Safety Management System has been assessed against the requirements of the standard.
What should I look for in an ISO 22000 certification company?
When comparing ISO 22000 certification companies, choose a provider with UKAS accreditation, experienced food safety auditors and a strong understanding of the food industry. It’s also worth considering how clearly they explain the certification process and the level of support they provide before, during and after your audit.
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