ISO 22000:2018 is the international standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), providing a framework for managing food safety risks throughout the food chain. It integrates principles from the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system and aligns with other management system standards for consistency across business operations.

1. Structure of ISO 22000:2018

• Context of the Organization: Understanding internal and external factors that may impact the FSMS, considering the needs of stakeholders and legal requirements.
• Leadership: Top management must demonstrate a commitment to food safety, setting a clear policy and objectives for the FSMS.
• Planning: Identifies risks and opportunities, establishes food safety objectives, and plans actions to address hazards and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Support: Ensures adequate resources, competencies, communication, and documented information necessary for effective FSMS operation.
• Operation: Establishes a structured approach to control food safety hazards, implementing preventive and control measures across processes, including the identification of Critical Control Points (CCPs).
• Performance Evaluation: Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of the FSMS, conducting internal audits, and management reviews to ensure compliance and continual improvement.
• Improvement: Ongoing efforts to enhance the FSMS, address nonconformities, and implement corrective actions for continuous food safety improvements.

2. Integration of HACCP Principles

• ISO 22000 integrates HACCP principles to systematically identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards, providing a proactive approach to food safety management.

3. Risk-Based Thinking

• Emphasizes risk assessment and management to prevent, eliminate, or control food safety hazards at each step of the food chain, ensuring safe products for consumers.

4. Compatibility with Other Management System Standards

• Shares a high-level structure with ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), facilitating integration with other management systems.

5. Dynamic Control of Food Safety Hazards

• The standard covers the entire food supply chain, ensuring the control of hazards from raw material sourcing to the delivery of the final product, including packaging and distribution.

6. PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act)

• ISO 22000 applies the PDCA cycle at two levels: for the management system as a whole, and for the operation of food safety principles. This ensures a systematic approach to managing and continually improving food safety.

7. Benefits of Implementing ISO 22000:2018

• Enhanced food safety and reduced risks of contamination
• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Increased customer confidence and satisfaction
• Consistent food safety practices across the supply chain
• Potential for increased market access due to recognized certification

8. Continuous Improvement

• Encourages organizations to regularly assess and improve their FSMS in response to changes in regulations, food safety practices, or emerging risks.