WHAT IS ISO 22000:2018 (Food safety management systems)

This standard specifies requirements for a food safety management system (FSMS) to enable an organization that is directly or indirectly involved in the food chain:

a) To plan, implement, operate, maintain and update a FSMS providing products and services that are safe, in accordance with their intended use;

b) To demonstrate compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory food safety requirements;

c) To evaluate and assess mutually agreed customer food safety requirements and to demonstrate conformity with them;

d) To effectively communicate food safety issues to interested parties within the food chain;

e) To ensure that the organization conforms to its stated food safety policy;

f) To demonstrate conformity to relevant interested parties;

g) To seek certification or registration of its FSMS by an external organization, or make a self-assessment or self-declaration of conformity to this document.

All requirements of this standard are generic and are intended to be applicable to all organizations in the food chain, regardless of size and complexity. Organizations that are directly or indirectly involved include, but are not limited to, feed producers, animal food producers, harvesters of wild plants and animals, farmers, producers of ingredients, food manufacturers, retailers, and organizations providing food services, catering services, cleaning and sanitation services, transportation, storage and distribution services, suppliers of equipment, cleaning and disinfectants, packaging materials and other food contact materials.

The standard allows any organization, including small and/or less developed organizations (e.g. a small farm, a small packer-distributor, a small retail or food service outlet) to implement externally-developed elements in their FSMS.

Internal and/or external resources can be used to meet the requirements of this document.

BENEFITS OF ISO 22000:2018 (Food safety management systems)

If you are involved in the food industry, then you should be aware of the benefits that ISO 22000:2018 has on the processing, manufacturing, storage and distribution of edible products.

• Enhanced utilization of resources in the world level

• Improved profits in companies

• Greater quality jobs in the food industry

• Improved economic growth

• Safer food insurance

• Reduced rates in food borne disease

• Effective documentation of techniques, procedures and methods

• A potential harmonization of national food standards is provided

• This is an effective international standard

• For regulators, it is the most appropriate system

• It is suitable for regulators.

• Reduces barriers to international trade.

• It helps in meeting food safety legal compliance and corporate requirement.

Consuming unsafe food leads to many complications and legal consequences. ISO’s food safety management standards aid organizations in identifying and controlling food safety.

This standard contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 2.0 Zero Hunger

• SDG 3.0 Good Health and Well-being

• SDG 12.0 Responsible Consumption and Production