What is ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). It integrates key elements of food safety, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and management system processes to ensure safe food handling across the supply chain.
Why is ISO 22000 Important?
Food safety is critical to protecting consumers and maintaining trust in your brand. ISO 22000 provides a globally recognized framework for identifying, preventing, and controlling food safety hazards. It helps organizations comply with legal requirements, reduce risks, and strengthen their reputation for delivering safe, high-quality food products.
Benefits of ISO 22000
- Enhanced food safety through systematic risk management.
- Global recognition, improving market access and competitiveness.
- Improved stakeholder confidence—from regulators to customers.
- Operational efficiency by aligning food safety with business processes.
- Continuous improvement through monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
How to Implement ISO 22000
Implementation typically follows these steps:
- Gap analysis to compare current practices with ISO 22000 requirements.
- Developing documentation for policies, procedures, and controls.
- Training employees to understand food safety roles and responsibilities.
- Conducting internal audits and management reviews.
- Certification audit by an accredited body to achieve ISO 22000 certification.
Who needs the ISO 22000 certification
ISO 22000 applies to any organisation involved in the food chain-producers, processors, packaging manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and even food service providers. It’s suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to multinational corporations.
Common Challenges of ISO 22000
Common difficulties include inadequate documentation, limited staff training, inconsistent monitoring, and integrating ISO 22000 with existing quality systems such as ISO 9001.
How APLISO-Plus Can Help with you Quality Management System
The use of the APLISO-Plus ISO Management System is key in any ISO Compliance implementation and specifically in Food Safety Management. APLISO-Plus allows you to not only control all the important process and policy requirement but allows for regular checks to be completed using our custom designed checklists that can be completed remotely and automatically updated to your management system. Realtime dashboards give you a view on your compliance status as well as the ability to proactively manage food related hazards and risks
From Setup to Certification – Begin Your Journey Now
Frequently Asked Questions: ISO 9001
1. Is ISO 22000 mandatory?
No, it’s voluntary but widely recognized as best practice in food safety.
2. How long does certification take?
Typically 6–12 months, depending on organization size and readiness.
3. Does it replace HACCP?
No, it builds on HACCP principles within a management system structure.
4. Can small businesses implement ISO 22000?
Yes, the standard is scalable and adaptable to smaller operations.
5. How often must certification be renewed?
Usually every three years, with annual surveillance audits.
