What Is Food Safety Management ISO 22000 certification?
All food producers have a responsibility to control food safety hazards. They must ensure that consumers do not fall ill by consuming their products. This is necessary for the foods to cross borders and for consumers to eat them without worries. From farm products to processed foods, a certain level of food safety management standards (FSMS) has to be maintained. This ensures trust and confidence in the industry, stakeholders, and among governments.
What is ISO 22000:2018?
ISO 22000: 2018 is a set of Food Safety Management Standards published by the Geneva-based International Society for Standardization (ISO) on June 19, 2018. It replaces the ISO 22000: 2005. Organizations that had ISO 22000: 2005 certification were given 3 years to transition to the ISO 22000: 2018 standards.
To ensure the highest levels of food safety management standards, ISO 22000 lays down an exhaustive list of limits, controls, monitoring, and standards across the food production and supply chain. It also incorporates elements of ISO 9001 which is a set of standards to ensure quality across all organizations and sectors. ISO 22000 also incorporates principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).
How is ISO 22000 certification obtained?
ISO formulates the standards for different industries and sectors but it does not engage in certification. Organizations that wish to have ISO 22000 certification need to approach accredited ISO certification bodies, usually private companies. At the formal request of an organization, the certification body will conduct an audit of the food safety management standards of the organization, and give its report.
Based on the report the organization will bring in necessary changes across the production and supply chain to meet the ISO 22000: 2018 standard compliance requirements. The certification body will conduct another audit and if it is satisfied with the implemented food safety management standard of the organization, it will award the ISO 22000: 2018 certification. The certification is an assurance that the organization adheres to the food safety standards set out in ISO 22000: 2018.
Benefits of ISO 22000
There are many apparent benefits of ISO 22000 certification. This FSMS certification is a global benchmark in food safety standards. If a company has obtained this prestigious certificate, its products will be accepted globally. People can consume and refer to others’ products without any concern of getting sick or harmed by them. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to maintaining and adhering to the highest standards of food safety standards. Some of the other benefits include the following:
- Enhances the prestige and recognition of the brand and Company
- Gets entry to high-value high standard foreign markets
- Stays ahead of national and international laws on food safety compliance
- This leads to cost savings by adopting safer and more modern production and supply chain
- Reduces the chances of public liability suits
- Can work with leading brands that seek partners to be ISO 22000 Compliant
Concluding Thoughts
ISO 22000: 2018 is a body of standards for food safety management. Businesses engaged in food production and supply can seek this coveted certification to demonstrate their commitment to food safety standards. However, seeking ISO 22000: 2018 is voluntary and an organization may implement the standards without seeking the certificate.
To know more about ISO 22000 Certification Process, how to apply for ISO 22000 Certification, and How to get ISO 22000 Certified, kindly watch the video provided below