ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Certification in India

ISO 22000:2018 is an internationally recognized standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It helps organizations involved in the food chain identify, prevent, and control food safety hazards to ensure safe food at every stage.

ISO 22000 certification is applicable to organizations of all sizes involved in food production, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, and distribution. Implementing this standard demonstrates a strong commitment to food safety and regulatory compliance.

What is ISO 22000:2018?

ISO 22000:2018 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving a Food Safety Management System (FSMS).

The standard integrates key food safety principles such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), prerequisite programs (PRPs), and risk-based thinking to manage food safety hazards effectively.

Why is ISO 22000 Certification Important for Businesses?

• Ensures food safety across the entire food supply chain
• Helps comply with food safety laws and regulatory requirements
• Reduces the risk of food contamination and recalls
• Enhances customer confidence and brand reputation
• Supports international trade and market access

Who Should Get ISO 22000 Certification?

• Food manufacturers and processors
• Food packaging and labeling companies
• Food storage, warehousing, and logistics providers
• Catering services, restaurants, and hotels
• Food wholesalers, distributors, and retailers
• Agriculture and dairy-related businesses

ISO 22000 Certification Requirements

• Food safety policy and objectives
• Hazard analysis and food safety risk assessment
• Implementation of prerequisite programs (PRPs)
• HACCP plan and operational controls
• Traceability and emergency preparedness procedures
• Internal audits and management review

ISO 22000 Certification Process

1. Food safety gap analysis
2. FSMS documentation preparation
3. Implementation of food safety controls
4. Internal audit and corrective actions
5. Certification audit by an accredited certification body

Documents Required for ISO 22000 Certification

• Food safety policy
• Hazard analysis and HACCP plan
• Prerequisite program (PRP) records
• Traceability and recall procedures
• Internal audit and management review records

Validity of ISO 22000 Certificate

ISO 22000 certification is valid for three years, subject to annual surveillance audits. A recertification audit is required at the end of the three-year certification cycle.

Difference Between IAF and Non-IAF ISO 22000 Certification

• IAF Certification: Globally recognized and suitable for international trade, exports, and regulatory acceptance.
• Non-IAF Certification: Generally used for internal food safety management or limited business requirements.

ISO 22000 Standard Clauses (Overview)

ISO 22000:2018 follows the Annex SL structure and includes clauses from Clause 4 to Clause 10, covering organizational context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and continual improvement.

History of ISO 22000 Standard

ISO 22000 was first published in 2005 to provide a unified food safety management framework. The current version, ISO 22000:2018, aligns food safety management with other ISO management system standards and modern food safety practices.

ISO 22000 Certification FAQs

Is ISO 22000 certification mandatory?

No, it is voluntary, but often required by regulators, buyers, and export markets.

Is ISO 22000 applicable to small food businesses?

Yes, ISO 22000 is suitable for organizations of all sizes in the food chain.

Is ISO 22000 based on HACCP?

Yes, ISO 22000 incorporates HACCP principles along with prerequisite programs and management system requirements.

Need guidance on ISO 22000 certification or food safety management documentation? Explore our ISO Certification Consultant services.