ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management Systems

Safety and security of food is a worldwide concern – such a concern that companies and consumers can no longer strictly rely on the FDA or USDA to manage.

ISO 22000 is a preventative and HACCP-based system that is adaptable to any size business participating in the food chain supply. It is applicable to feed producers, food manufacturers, transport and storage operators, and subcontractors to retail and food service outlets. ISO 22000 articulates specific requirements for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that will enable organizations that are directly or indirectly involved in the food chain to control, manage and improve food safety.

Established in 2005, ISO 22000 was designed as an accessible, globally accepted standard, and is applicable to organizations of all sizes involved in any aspect of the food supply chain. The standard covers the key components for ensuring food safety including interactive communication, system management, implementation of pre-requisite programs and the continual review and improvement of the system.

ISO 22000 combines several national food safety standards into one simple, internationally recognized set of responsibilities and requirements. ISO 22000 also integrates elements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and other leading preventive procedures. As such, an ISO 22000 FSMS is more rigorous than those typically required by regulatory bodies. Furthermore, FSSC 22000, a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification required by many of the world’s major retailers and manufacturers, is based on ISO 22000.

Benefits to ISO 22000 certification for your organization

  • Demonstrates your ongoing commitment to food safety
  • Proves your integrity to the market
  • Enhances consumer confidence in your brand

Core sections of ISO 22000

  • Terms and Definitions
  • Context of the Organization
  • Leadership
  • Planning
  • Support
  • Operation
  • Performance Evaluation of the Food Safety Management System
  • Improvement

ISO 22000 requires that you design and document a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). The standard contains the specific requirements to be addressed by the FSMS. Generally, the standard addresses:

  • Having an overall Food Safety Policy for your organization, developed by top management
  • Setting objectives that will drive your company’s efforts to comply with this policy
  • Planning and designing a management system and documenting the system
  • Maintaining records of the performance of the system
  • Establishing a group of qualified individuals to make up a Food Safety Team
  • Defining communication procedures to ensure effective communication with important contacts outside the company (regulatory, customers, suppliers and others) and for effective internal communication
  • Having an emergency plan
  • Holding management review meetings to evaluate the performance of the FSMS
  • Providing adequate resources for the effective operation of the FSMS including appropriately trained and qualified personnel, sufficient infrastructure and appropriate work environment to ensure food safety
  • Following HACCP principles
  • Establish a traceability system for identification of products
  • Establishing a corrective action system and control of nonconforming products
  • Maintaining a documented procedure for handling withdrawal of product
  • Controlling monitoring and measuring devices
  • Establishing and maintaining an internal audit program
  • Continually updating and improving the FSMS

Following are the steps of ISO 22000:2018 consultancy followed by QSG to implement food safety management systems and ISO 22000 certification:

  • Initial gap analysis and survey of the existing system
  • Conduct awareness program for all the employees on quality and food safety management system
  • Form a steering committee and task-force for documentation
  • Identify food safety team, carry out hazard analysis and prepare HACCP plan
  • Define policy and establish food safety objectives
  • Prepare ISO 22000:2018 documents of food safety management system
  • Implementation and training of all personnel in the use of procedures and formats
  • Train internal auditors for ISO 22000:2018 certification
  • Assess the system through first internal audit
  • Carry out management review meeting
  • Take corrective actions for non-conformities
  • Apply for ISO 22000:2018 certification
  • Assess the system through second round of internal audit
  • Facilitate pre-ISO 22000 certification audit by certifying body

As a leader in professional training, QSG draws on years of global experience. Our training courses are delivered in multiple languages and locations by approved tutors and specialists in the area who can support you on your professional journey.

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