Overview of ISO 22000 FSMS

Food safety is a global concern, and all food producers, regardless of size or product, are responsible for ensuring their products' safety for consumer health. ISO 22000 outlines the requirements for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) to manage food safety risks effectively.

Key Elements of ISO 22000 FSMS

ISO 22000 FSMS consists of the following essential components:

• Interactive Communication
• System Management
• Pre-requisite Programs (PRPs)
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Principles

ISO 22000 aligns with ISO 9001 for better compatibility, allowing independent implementation or integration with other management systems. It consolidates HACCP principles with auditable requirements, ensuring that hazards within the food chain are identified, assessed, and controlled.

The ISO 22000 standard ensures that food safety hazards are identified and managed efficiently. Organizations conduct hazard analyses to determine which hazards need control and establish control measures through PRPs and HACCP plans.

ISO 22000 and Global Food Safety Standards

ISO 22000 is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is part of the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) Scheme FS22000. The FSSC 22000 certification scheme provides auditing and certification for FSMS and QMS (FSSC 22000-Quality).

ISO 22000 FSMS Certification

ISO 22000 FSMS Certification ensures that all food safety principles are implemented across the entire food chain to guarantee food safety and quality.

Reasons to Obtain ISO 22000 Certification

• Builds consumer and producer trust
• Ensures food supply chain integrity
• Recognizes trustworthy food products
• Serves as an effective marketing tool
• Enhances product pricing and competitiveness

ISO 22000 Series

The ISO 22000 Series consists of the following specifications:

• ISO 22000 – FSMS Requirements for any organization in a food chain
• ISO 22001 – Guidelines on applying ISO 9001:2000 to food-related industries
• ISO/TS 22002 – PRP requirements for food safety
• ISO TS 22003 – FSMS auditing and certification guidelines
• ISO TS 22004 – Guidance on applying ISO 22000:2005
• ISO 22005 – Traceability in food and feed supply chains
• ISO 22006 – QMS guidance for crop production

Components of ISO 22000 FSMS

Scope

Processes and control measures to ensure compliance with food safety legal requirements.

Normative Reference

Documents defining the terms and phrases used in ISO 22000.

Terms & Definitions

Standardized terms derived from ISO 9001 to ensure consistency.

Food Safety Management System

Implementation, documentation, and maintenance of FSMS for continuous improvement.

Management Responsibility

• Assigning food safety responsibilities
• Establishing communication processes
• Setting goals, policies, and contingency plans
• Regular management reviews for improvement

Resource Management

• Budgeting and personnel management
• Regular staff training and evaluation
• Ensuring a safe work environment

Safe Product Planning & Realization

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs) for food hygiene, legal compliance, traceability, and defective product control

Validation & Continuous Improvement

• Scientific validation of food safety principles
• Periodic testing and evaluation of FSMS performance

Pre-Requisites for ISO 22000 FSMS

A comprehensive set of pre-requisites ensures food safety compliance:

• Hygiene & Housekeeping Management
• Pest Control Management
• Contractor & Visitor Control
• Cleaning & Maintenance Procedures
• Despatch & Distribution Management
• Allergen Control Procedures
• Glass & Brittle Material Control
• Metal Detection & Foreign Body Control
• Nut Handling & Storage Procedures
• Food Defense Systems & HACCP Pre-Requisites

Benefits of ISO 22000 FSMS

The implementation of ISO 22000 FSMS and obtaining certification provides organizations with the following advantages:

• Compliance with ISO 22000 FSMS principles
• Assurance of quality, safety, and reliability
• Ensures conformity with ISO 22000 FSMS requirements
• Helps organizations achieve food safety objectives
• Improved food safety management
• Reduced costs from product withdrawals or recalls
• Guidance for organizations in food safety performance
• Understanding of best practices in food safety
• Adequate control measures across the food chain
• Reduction in food-borne diseases
• Increased transparency and confidence in disclosure
• Better quality and safer jobs in the food industry
• Optimized utilization of resources
• Efficient hazard control for food safety
• Prevention and reduction of contamination risks
• Systematic management of pre-requisite programs
• Provides a strong foundation for decision-making
• Reduces duplication, saving time and resources
• Prioritized control for critical food safety aspects
• Establishes an effective traceability system
• Supports value creation and protection
• Better planning, reducing the need for post-process verification
• Development and continuous improvement of FSMS
• Competitive advantage in the food industry

Documents Required for ISO 22000 FSMS Certification

The following documents are required for obtaining an ISO 22000 FSMS Certificate:

• Business Registration Proof
• Official Letterhead with Address
• Sales and Purchase Invoice or GST Registration Certificate
• Business Description
• Desired Scope of Certification
• Organization’s Name and Address
• Details of Processes, Operations, and Legal Obligations
• Information on the Organization’s Activities
• Human and Technical Resource Details
• Functions and Responsibilities within the Organization
• Relationship with a Parent Corporation (if applicable)
• Details of Outsourced Processes Impacting FSMS Compliance
• Information on Consultancy Services Related to FSMS
• Applicable Standards or Other Regulatory Requirements

Procedure for ISO 22000 FSMS Certification

The certification process for ISO 22000 FSMS follows these key stages:

Stage 1 Audit

An initial audit is conducted to assess whether the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) meets all ISO 22000 requirements. This stage verifies:

• The design and scope of the FSMS.
• Compliance with food safety policies and objectives.
• The system’s ability to meet statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements.
• Documentation review and validation of the management system design.
• Internal audits and management review processes.

If any clarifications are needed, they must be addressed before proceeding to Stage 2 Audit. The gap between Stage 1 and Stage 2 cannot exceed six months.

Stage 2 Audit (Certification Audit)

This stage confirms the full implementation and effectiveness of the FSMS, ensuring:

• Compliance with all ISO 22000 FSMS requirements.
• Verification of evidence and conformity with food safety standards.
• Evaluation of FSMS capabilities in managing statutory and regulatory obligations.
• Assessment of whether the FSMS achieves the organization’s food safety goals, policies, and objectives.

Certification

Once both audit stages are successfully completed, the audit report is reviewed. If approved:

• The audit conclusion and recommendations are submitted to the reviewer.
• Upon approval, the report is forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Director.
• The final certification is granted upon the signing authority's confirmation.

Fastzeal Assistance for ISO 22000 FSMS

Steps to Obtain ISO 22000 FSMS Certification with Fastzeal:

1. Purchase a Plan for Expert Assistance – Select a suitable plan for professional guidance.
2. Add Queries Regarding ISO 22000 FSMS – Submit any questions or clarifications required.
3. Provide Required Documents to Fastzeal Expert – Submit necessary documentation for review.
4. Complete All Admissibility Criteria for Preliminary Screening – Ensure compliance with initial screening requirements.
5. Complete All Procedural Actions – Follow the certification process as guided.
6. Get Your Work Done – Receive your ISO 22000 FSMS Certification efficiently.