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