ISO 22000 - Food Safety (FSMS)
Protect Consumers, Safeguard Your Brand
Food safety is non-negotiable. Foodborne illnesses affect millions globally each year, causing illness, death, and massive economic losses. A single food safety incident can destroy decades of brand reputation and result in devastating recalls. Whether you're a producer, processor, distributor, or food service provider, systematic food safety management is essential. At Glocert International, we specialize in providing independent third-party ISO 22000 certification that validates your organization's Food Safety Management System (FSMS). As a leader in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry, we conduct thorough ISO 22000 audits that verify your FSMS meets international standards, helping you ensure food safety throughout the chain, prevent contamination, and build consumer trust.
What is ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 is the international standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 22000:2018 specifies requirements for any organization in the food chain to demonstrate its ability to control food safety hazards in order to ensure that food is safe at the time of human consumption.
The standard is based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles defined by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and integrates them with prerequisite programs (PRPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). ISO 22000 is applicable to all organizations in the food chain, from farm to fork, including primary producers, food manufacturers, processors, storage and distribution, retailers, food service, and organizations providing equipment, packaging, cleaning agents, and ingredients.
Key Components of ISO 22000
- Interactive Communication: Communication throughout the food chain to ensure food safety hazards are identified and controlled
- System Management: Integration of FSMS into overall business management
- Prerequisite Programs (PRPs): Basic conditions and activities necessary to maintain hygienic environment
- HACCP Principles: Systematic approach to identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards
- Operational PRPs: Control measures identified through hazard analysis
- Critical Control Points (CCPs): Steps where control is essential to prevent or eliminate food safety hazards
- Traceability: Ability to trace food products throughout the supply chain
- Emergency Preparedness: Plans for handling food safety incidents and recalls
Why is ISO 22000 Important?
ISO 22000 is essential for organizations in the food chain seeking to demonstrate commitment to food safety. Here's why this standard is crucial:
1. Consumer Protection
ISO 22000 helps organizations:
- Prevent foodborne illnesses and protect public health
- Control biological, chemical, and physical food safety hazards
- Ensure food safety throughout the chain from farm to fork
- Systematically identify and manage allergens
- Maintain food integrity and authenticity
2. Brand Protection and Recalls
Implementing ISO 22000 enables organizations to:
- Prevent costly food recalls and product withdrawals
- Protect brand reputation and consumer trust
- Respond effectively when incidents occur through traceability
- Reduce financial losses from contamination incidents
- Maintain business continuity after food safety events
3. Regulatory Compliance and Market Access
ISO 22000 helps organizations:
- Comply with food safety regulations globally
- Meet requirements of retailers and food service companies
- Gain acceptance by GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative)
- Access international markets requiring FSMS certification
- Satisfy customer food safety requirements
- Demonstrate due diligence in food safety management
4. Operational Efficiency
ISO 22000 certification provides operational advantages including reduced waste from contamination, improved process control and consistency, lower food safety incident costs, enhanced supplier management, and streamlined audits (single FSMS replacing multiple customer audits).
ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System Framework
ISO 22000 combines HACCP principles with prerequisite programs and management system approach:
Core FSMS Elements
Context & Scope
Understanding food chain context and FSMS boundaries
Leadership & Policy
Management commitment to food safety
Prerequisite Programs
Basic conditions for hygienic food production
HACCP Planning
Hazard analysis and critical control points
Traceability System
Product identification and trace ability
Emergency Response
Incident handling and recall procedures
Monitoring & Verification
FSMS performance measurement
Continuous Improvement
Ongoing enhancement of food safety
Food Safety Hazard Categories
- Biological Hazards: Bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria), viruses (Norovirus, Hepatitis A), parasites, fungi, toxins
- Chemical Hazards: Pesticides, cleaning agents, allergens, mycotoxins, heavy metals, food additives
- Physical Hazards: Glass, metal, plastic, wood, stones, bone fragments
- Allergen Hazards: Milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans
- Radiological Hazards: Radioactive contamination (less common)
Benefits of ISO 22000 Certification
Achieving ISO 22000 certification provides organizations with numerous strategic, operational, and reputational benefits:
Enhanced Food Safety
Systematically prevent food safety hazards and protect consumers.
Brand Protection
Prevent costly recalls and protect brand reputation.
Market Access
Meet retailer requirements and access global markets.
Regulatory Compliance
Demonstrate compliance with food safety regulations.
Consumer Confidence
Build trust through recognized food safety credentials.
Operational Efficiency
Reduce waste and improve process control.
Streamlined Audits
Single certification replacing multiple customer audits.
Global Recognition
Internationally recognized food safety certification.
Our ISO 22000 Certification Process
At Glocert International, we follow a structured and systematic approach to conduct ISO 22000 certification audits. Our audit process is designed to be transparent, thorough, and supportive, verifying that your FSMS meets all ISO 22000 requirements:
Application Process
Submit your application with required documentation. We review your organization's scope and readiness for certification.
Initial Audit (Stage 1)
Documentation review and readiness assessment. Our auditors verify that your FSMS documentation, HACCP plan, and PRPs meet ISO 22000 requirements.
Initial Audit (Stage 2)
On-site audit to verify FSMS implementation. Our auditors assess food safety controls, traceability, and effectiveness of HACCP implementation.
Technical Review
Independent review of audit findings by our technical committee to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Decision and Approval
Certification decision based on audit findings. Upon successful completion, certification is approved.
Certification Issuance
Receive your ISO 22000 certificate, valid for three years, with international recognition.
Surveillance Audits
Annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness of your FSMS.
Re-certification Audit
Comprehensive audit before certificate expiry to renew certification for another three-year period.
Steps in Obtaining ISO 22000 Certification
While obtaining ISO 22000 certification may seem daunting, following a structured approach makes the process manageable. Here's the path your organization should take:
- Gap Analysis and Readiness Assessment: Assess your current food safety practices against ISO 22000 requirements. (Note: This should be conducted by an independent consultant, as certification bodies cannot provide consultation services.)
- Top Management Commitment: Secure leadership commitment to food safety management.
- Define Context and Scope: Understand organizational context in the food chain and define FSMS scope.
- Food Safety Team: Establish multidisciplinary food safety team with appropriate knowledge and experience.
- Develop Food Safety Policy: Create food safety policy expressing organizational commitment.
- Implement Prerequisite Programs: Establish PRPs including infrastructure, cleaning and sanitation, pest control, personnel hygiene, supplier control.
- Product and Process Characterization: Describe all products, intended use, and production processes.
- Hazard Analysis: Conduct comprehensive hazard analysis to identify food safety hazards (biological, chemical, physical, allergens).
- Determine Control Measures: Identify control measures for each significant hazard.
- Categorize Control Measures: Categorize controls as PRPs, Operational PRPs, or CCPs based on their importance.
- Establish Critical Limits: Define critical limits for each CCP.
- Develop Monitoring System: Establish monitoring procedures for PRPs, Operational PRPs, and CCPs.
- Develop HACCP Plan: Document complete HACCP plan including all control measures.
- Establish Traceability System: Implement one-step-forward, one-step-back traceability for all products.
- Emergency Preparedness: Develop incident response and recall procedures.
- Develop FSMS Documentation: Create comprehensive documentation including procedures, work instructions, and records.
- Training and Competence: Provide food safety training to all personnel.
- Implement Verification Activities: Establish verification procedures including internal audits, testing, and validation.
- Internal Audit and Management Review: Conduct internal audits and management reviews.
- Pre-assessment Audit (Optional): Consider a pre-assessment audit to identify any remaining issues.
- Final Assessment and Certification: Undergo the formal certification audit conducted by Glocert International's accredited food safety auditors.
- Surveillance Audits and Recertification: Maintain certification through annual surveillance audits and recertification every three years.
Typical Timeline: The certification process typically takes 6-12 months from application to certificate issuance, depending on your organization's size, complexity, and current food safety maturity level.
ISO 22000 Certification Pricing
Our ISO 22000 certification pricing is transparent and based on your organization's size, complexity, and scope. We offer competitive rates with no hidden fees. Contact us for a customized quote tailored to your specific needs.
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Get a personalized estimate based on your organization's size, food category, and food safety management requirements.
Contact Us for PricingWhat's Included in ISO 22000 Certification Pricing:
- Documentation review and FSMS assessment
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit days (calculated per IAF MD 5)
- HACCP plan verification
- Technical review by food safety experts
- Certification decision
- ISO 22000 certificate (valid 3 years)
- Certificate listing on our public register
- First year surveillance audit
- Ongoing audit services and support
Note: ISO 22000 pricing may vary based on food category complexity, number of sites, seasonal variations, and additional services. Small food businesses typically start from $3,500, medium organizations from $6,500. Contact us for a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common questions about ISO 22000 certification:
ISO 22000 is the international standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). You need it to systematically ensure food safety throughout your operations, prevent foodborne illnesses, comply with food safety regulations, meet retailer and customer requirements, protect your brand from recalls, demonstrate food safety commitment, and access global markets.
ISO 22000 incorporates HACCP principles (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) within a full management system framework. While HACCP focuses specifically on identifying and controlling food safety hazards at critical control points, ISO 22000 combines HACCP with prerequisite programs (PRPs), management system requirements, interactive communication, and continuous improvement. ISO 22000 provides a complete, auditable system while HACCP is the hazard analysis methodology at its core.
ISO 22000:2018 is the current version, published in June 2018. Key changes include: adoption of High Level Structure (HLS) for integration with other standards, clearer distinction between PRPs, Operational PRPs, and CCPs, enhanced focus on risk-based thinking, stronger requirements for communication, and more flexible approach to HACCP. Organizations certified to ISO 22000:2005 had until June 2021 to transition.
The timeline varies based on your organization's size, food category complexity, and current food safety maturity. Typically, the ISO 22000 certification process takes 6-12 months from application to certificate issuance. This includes gap analysis, HACCP team formation, hazard analysis, HACCP plan development, PRP implementation, traceability system establishment, internal audits, and the formal certification audit (Stage 1 and Stage 2).
ISO 22000 applies to any organization in the food chain regardless of size or position in the chain. This includes: farmers and primary producers, food processors and manufacturers, food packaging producers, ingredient and additive suppliers, equipment manufacturers, cleaning and sanitation providers, storage and distribution companies, retailers and food service, catering companies, and organizations producing materials in contact with food. The standard is designed for the entire food chain from farm to fork.
ISO 22000 certification costs vary based on organization size, food category, number of sites, and complexity. Small food businesses typically start from $3,500, medium organizations from $6,500, and large multi-site food companies require custom pricing. Costs include audit days (considering seasonal variations in production), HACCP verification, technical review, certificate issuance, and first-year surveillance. Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your food business.
ISO 22000 itself is not a GFSI-benchmarked scheme, but it provides the foundation for several GFSI-recognized schemes. The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognizes schemes like FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000), which combines ISO 22000 with additional sector-specific prerequisite programs. FSSC 22000 is fully recognized by GFSI and meets retailer requirements. Many organizations implement ISO 22000 as a stepping stone to FSSC 22000.
No, ISO 22000 includes HACCP as an integral component. ISO 22000 certification demonstrates that your organization has implemented HACCP principles within a full management system framework. You do not need separate HACCP certification if you're ISO 22000 certified, as the standard requires a complete HACCP plan including hazard analysis, critical control points, critical limits, monitoring, corrective actions, and verification. ISO 22000 goes beyond basic HACCP by integrating it with prerequisite programs and management system requirements.
After certification, your ISO 22000 certificate is valid for three years. You'll undergo annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance. You must continue operating and improving your FSMS, monitoring food safety controls, maintaining HACCP plan effectiveness, updating hazard analysis as needed, demonstrating continuous improvement, and responding to any food safety incidents. During the third year, you'll complete a recertification audit to renew your certificate.
ISO 22000 prevents recalls through systematic hazard identification and control, prerequisite programs, HACCP-based critical control, traceability systems, verification activities, and continuous monitoring. By identifying and controlling food safety hazards before they reach consumers, ISO 22000 significantly reduces the risk of contamination incidents. The standard also requires robust traceability (one-step-forward, one-step-back) and recall procedures, enabling rapid, effective response if incidents do occur, minimizing impact and protecting your brand.
Yes, ISO 22000 can be integrated with other management system standards. It uses the High Level Structure (HLS), making it compatible with ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety). Many food organizations implement integrated management systems for efficiency, combining food safety, quality, environmental, and safety management.
Why Choose Glocert for ISO 22000 Certification?
Accreditations
Glocert International is a globally accredited Conformity Assessment Body for ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 by IAS Inc, USA, a member of the IAF (International Accreditation Forum) and signatory to a number of bilateral, regional and international agreements.
This provides international recognition and acceptance to certificates issued by Glocert International in the following schemes:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems (QMS)
- ISO 20000-1 – Information Technology Service Management Systems (ITSMS)
- ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS)
- ISO 27001 – Information Security Management Systems (ISMS)
- ISO/IEC 27701 – Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS)
- ISO 55001 – Asset Management Systems (AMS)
Expertise in Food Safety Auditing
Our team of experienced auditors possess in-depth knowledge of ISO 22000, HACCP principles, food microbiology, food processing, and industry best practices across diverse food sectors. Our food safety auditors understand different food categories and their specific hazards. We understand that every food organization is unique, which is why we conduct thorough ISO 22000 certification audits that assess your specific food safety hazards, HACCP implementation, and effectiveness of your FSMS.
Continuous Audit Support
Beyond ISO 22000 certification, we provide ongoing audit services through surveillance audits to help you maintain food safety compliance and demonstrate continuous improvement of your FSMS. We pride ourselves in providing the highest standard of audit services in the industry and it is a major reason why more and more food organizations choose us as their certification partner for their ISO 22000 certification needs.
Related Certifications
Many food organizations combine ISO 22000 with other certifications for comprehensive management system governance. Consider pairing ISO 22000 with ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, or FSSC 22000 for GFSI recognition to create an integrated management system framework.
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Organization
Contact us today to learn more about our ISO 22000 certification and audit services and how we can verify your organization's food safety management system.
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