What is ISO 22000?
ISO 22000:2018 requires organisations to take a risk-based approach to food safety. It follows the same High Level Structure as other ISO management system standards and combines ISO 9001 quality management principles with HACCP and internationally accepted prerequisite programmes.
It applies to any organisation in the food and beverage chain — farms, processors, packers, caterers, transporters and retailers — regardless of size.
Who needs ISO 22000?
- Food and beverage manufacturers and processors
- Caterers, hotels and food service businesses
- Farming and primary producers
- Packaging, storage and logistics providers
- Ingredient, additive and equipment suppliers
ISO 22000 requirements
- Clause 4 – Context: define the FSMS scope and interested parties
- Clause 5 – Leadership: top management commitment and food safety policy
- Clause 6 – Planning: risks, opportunities and food safety objectives
- Clause 7 – Support: resources, competence, communication and documented information
- Clause 8 – Operation: PRPs, HACCP study, CCPs/OPRPs, traceability and emergency preparedness
- Clause 9 – Performance evaluation: monitoring, internal audit and management review
- Clause 10 – Improvement: nonconformity, corrective action and continual improvement
- Risk assessments: vulnerability, zoning, allergen, raw & packing material, in-process and final product
Benefits of ISO 22000 certification
- Meets regulatory and customer requirements
- Stronger company profile, reputation and stakeholder confidence
- Greater market opportunities and higher profitability
- Fewer food safety incidents and stronger protection against false allegations
- Embedded food safety culture and empowered employees
- Integrates easily with other ISO management systems
How HL Associates gets you certified
- 1Gap analysis against ISO 22000:2018
- 2Food safety team formation and awareness training
- 3HACCP study, hazard analysis and CCP/OPRP definition
- 4FSMS manual, policies, procedures and records
- 5Implementation and departmental risk assessments
- 6Internal audit and management review
- 7Stage 1 & Stage 2 certification audit support
ISO 22000 — frequently asked questions
Is ISO 22000 recognised by GFSI?
No. ISO 22000 on its own is not GFSI-benchmarked. If your customers require GFSI certification, FSSC 22000 (which is built on ISO 22000) is the usual upgrade path.
How often are ISO 22000 audits conducted?
Certificates are valid for three years with annual surveillance audits. Nonconformities are typically closed within the period set by your certification body.
Can a small food business get ISO 22000?
Yes. ISO 22000 applies to organisations of any size. We scale the documentation to your operations so it stays practical.