Who is it for?

The ISO 22000 standard is aimed at all organisations involved in the food industry supply chain:

• farmers, fruit growers, livestock farmers,
• feed manufacturers,
• food manufacturers (processors),
• manufacturers of food additives (e.g. preservatives, colourings),
• wholesalers and retailers,
• food service providers (e.g. restaurant operators, catering companies).

The requirements of ISO 22000 may also be implemented by companies indirectly linked to the food industry, involved in:

• manufacturing machinery and equipment for the food industry,
• manufacturing packaging and other materials that come into contact with food,
• packaging, transport or distribution of food,
• storage of food,
• manufacturing cleaning and disinfection products,
• providing cleaning services for the food industry.

The requirements of ISO 22000 are general in nature. Consequently, they can be applied to all organisations involved in the food chain, regardless of their specialisation, size or complexity, as well as any quality standards already in place.

Information about the standard

The ISO 22000 standard was developed in response to the ongoing globalisation of the food industry. It sets out international standards for food safety management that can be applied throughout the food chain – from farming and livestock rearing to consumer service. ISO 22000 allows all entities operating in the food industry (and those indirectly related to it) to obtain uniform certification. Above all, however, it serves to implement a reliable operational system focused on delivering safe food to the customer.

The ISO 22000 standard is designed to enable an organisation to:

• plan, implement, operate and improve a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that ensures the provision of safe products and services to consumers,
• conduct internal audits – ensuring that the organisation complies with its established food safety policy,
• obtain FSMS certification or registration from an external organisation,
• demonstrate to interested parties that its standards comply with applicable food safety regulations,
• inform interested parties of issues that may affect the safety of the product being manufactured,
• agree on food safety requirements with interested parties.

The ISO 22000 standard is consistent with the requirements of the HACCP system, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practice (GHP). ISO 22000 can also be integrated with other systems in the ISO family, such as the ISO 9001 quality management system.

Benefits of implementation

Implementing FSMS involves introducing internationally recognised processes within the company. The direct benefits of complying with the requirements of the ISO 22000 standard include:

• improved quality and operational efficiency,
• reduced costs,
• the introduction of internal control measures,
• more effective risk management,
• a clear division of duties and responsibilities within the company,
• the ability to better assess consumer needs,
• increased customer satisfaction and opportunities to attract new customers.

By operating in accordance with the ISO 22000 standard, a company can apply for an internationally recognised certificate confirming the effective operation of an FSMS within the organisation. ISO 22000 certification has a positive impact on the company’s image in the eyes of customers (both current and potential), colleagues and shareholders. It increases the company’s market value, boosts its international recognition, and expands its scope of operations, for example, by granting the right to participate in tenders.