What are the requirements of the ISO 22000 standard?
ISO 22000 is an international food safety management system (FSMS) standard. It specifies the requirements for a FSMS which allows an organization to:
- Ensuring food safety throughout the food chain
- Comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements
- Continually improve food safety performance
The ISO 22000 standard is divided into 10 chapters (clauses). The 451 requirements are in chapters 4 to 10. The chapters cover the following areas:
1. Scope: This chapter defines the purpose and scope of the standard.
2. Normative references: This chapter identifies the normative documents that are used by the standard.
3. Terms and definitions: This chapter defines the terms used in the standard, see also the ISO 9000 standard.
4. Context of the organization
The organization shall:
- Identify its external and internal issues that are relevant to its purpose and its strategic direction, and that affect its ability to achieve the intended outcomes of its food safety management system
- Understand the needs and expectations of its stakeholders
- Determine the scope of its food safety management system
- Establish and maintain its FSMS and processes concerned
5. Leadership
Top management shall:
- Demonstrate leadership and commitment to the food safety management system
- Ensure that the food safety policy is established and communicated throughout the organization
- Appoint a person who shall have authority and responsibility for the development, implementation, and improvement of the food safety management system
6. Planning
The organization shall:
- Establish objectives and processes related to risks and opportunities
- Plan actions to achieve these objectives
- Plan the changes
7. Support
The organization shall:
- Provide resources necessary to support the implementation and improvement of its food safety management system
- Train, and provide the necessary competence for all personnel performing work affecting product conformity
- Make aware the personnel performing work affecting product conformity
- Communicate relevant information within and outside the organization
- Control the FSMS documentation
8. Operation
The organization shall:
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- Plan and control operational activities
- Establish and maintain Prerequisite Programs (PRP)
- Define the traceability system
- Prepare for and respond to emergency situations
- Control food safety hazards
- Select control measures
- Determine the hazard control plan (HACCP plan)
- Master monitoring and measurement activities
- Check PRPs
- Control nonconformities
9. Performance evaluation
The organization shall:
- Monitor, measure, analyze, and evaluate the performance of the food safety management system
- Conduct internal audits in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the food safety management system
- Realize management reviews at planned interval
10. Improvement
The organization shall:
- Identify and control nonconforming products and services
- Take corrective actions
- Continually improve the food safety management system
- Update the FSMS
Organizations that can demonstrate compliance with these requirements can obtain ISO 22000 certification.
ISO 22000 certification can provide numerous benefits to organizations involved in the food industry, including:
- Improved food safety: ISO 22000 helps organizations implement a comprehensive food safety management system that identifies, evaluates, and controls food safety hazards throughout the supply chain. This can lead to a reduction in foodborne illness outbreaks and a more consistent level of food safety across the organization
- Enhanced customer satisfaction: By demonstrating a commitment to food safety through ISO 22000 certification, organizations can build trust and confidence among their customers. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, as well as improved brand reputation
- Simplified market access: ISO 22000 is recognized globally as a leading standard for food safety management. Having this certification can make it easier for organizations to access new markets, as many food retailers, restaurants, and other organizations require their suppliers to be ISO 22000 certified
- Reduced risk of recalls: ISO 22000 helps organizations identify and prevent food safety hazards, which can reduce the risk of product recalls. This can save organizations money and reputational damage
- Compliance with food safety regulations: ISO 22000 aligns with many international food safety regulations, such as those of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. This can help organizations demonstrate compliance with these regulations and avoid potential legal issues
- Improved operational efficiency: ISO 22000 can help organizations streamline their food safety processes and improve operational efficiency. This can lead to cost savings and reduced waste
- Enhanced employee morale: Employees who work for organizations with ISO 22000 certification may have a greater sense of pride in their work and a stronger commitment to food safety. This can lead to improved employee morale and productivity
- Increased market share: ISO 22000 certification can give organizations a competitive edge in the food industry. This can lead to increased market share and profitability
