ISO 22000 Certification

What is ISO 22000 Certification?

ISO 22000 certification provides independent confirmation that an organization’s food safety management system meets the requirements of ISO 22000. The standard is designed for organizations across the food chain, including food manufacturers, food packaging producers, storage and distribution businesses, and other organizations involved in food safety.

ISO 22000 combines a food safety management system approach with food safety controls, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles and prerequisite programs. Certification involves an assessment of how the system is implemented and whether it operates effectively within the organization’s defined scope.

QIMA provides food safety certification services under the accreditation requirements of the relevant certification scheme or standard. Contact QIMA to discuss your organization’s scope, locations, and certification route.

Who Needs ISO 22000 Certification?

ISO 22000 may be relevant to organizations that influence food safety within the food chain, including:

• Food manufacturers and processors

• Food ingredient and raw-material suppliers

• Food packaging manufacturers

• Storage and distribution providers

• Other organizations whose activities affect food safety

The correct certification scope depends on the organization’s activities, sites, processes, and food safety responsibilities. QIMA can help you clarify the appropriate scope before the audit is planned.

What Can ISO 22000 Certification Demonstrate?

ISO 22000 certification can provide evidence that an organization has established and implemented a food safety management system against the requirements of the standard. Depending on the organization’s scope and implementation, the system can support:

• A structured approach to identifying and controlling food safety hazards

• Defined food safety responsibilities and processes

• Traceability and documented information

• Monitoring and review of food safety controls

• Continual improvement of the management system

Certification does not guarantee that every product or process will be free from food safety risks. It confirms that the certified organization’s management system has been assessed against the applicable requirements within the agreed certification scope.

ISO 22000 vs FSSC 22000: What's the Difference?

ISO 22000 is an international standard for food safety management systems. FSSC 22000 is a food safety certification scheme built on ISO 22000, with additional requirements and sector-specific prerequisite programs.

How Does ISO 22000 Certification Work?

The process depends on your organization’s scope, sites, activities, and certification arrangements. It generally includes the following steps:

1. Define the certification scope. Identify the sites, activities, products, processes, and food-chain responsibilities covered by the proposed certification.

2. Submit an application. Provide the information needed for QIMA to review the scope, certification requirements, locations, and audit arrangements.

3. Plan the audit. QIMA confirms the audit program, audit team, timing, and applicable certification requirements.

4. Complete the certification audit. QIMA auditors assess the implementation and effectiveness of the food safety management system against ISO 22000 requirements within the agreed scope.

5. Address any findings. If the audit identifies nonconformities, the organization must respond through the applicable corrective-action process. The certification decision depends on the resolution and review of the findings under the relevant certification rules.

6. Certification decision and issue. Once the audit process and required reviews are complete, an independent certification decision is made. If the requirements are met, the certificate is issued for the approved scope.

7. Maintain the certification. Certification requires ongoing conformity. Follow-up or surveillance activities and recertification are scheduled according to the applicable certification requirements.

Why Choose QIMA for ISO 22000 Certification?

Efficient communication and service

• Agile and responsive technical support at all stages.

• Transparent certification process and deadline compliance.

• Proven quality of service, with a satisfaction NPS metric of 72 points.

Cost and time optimization

• QIMA can discuss whether audit activities may be coordinated with other applicable food safety certification schemes, subject to the relevant scheme rules, certification scope, and audit arrangements. Schemes such as FSSC 22000, SQF, BRCGS, IFS, or GLOBALG.A.P.

• Simplified processes that reduce operational impacts.

• Strategic and efficient auditor allocation.

Leadership in the sector

• Pioneering company with over 30 years of experience in food safety, organic certification, and sustainability.

• Complete certification ecosystem, from field to table.

• Advanced technology for compliance monitoring

FAQs - ISO 22000 Certification

What is ISO 22000 certification?

ISO 22000 certification is an independent assessment of an organization’s food safety management system against the requirements of ISO 22000. It applies to organizations whose activities influence food safety within the food chain, subject to the defined certification scope.

What is the difference between ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000?

ISO 22000 is an international food safety management system standard. FSSC 22000 is a certification scheme built on ISO 22000 with additional requirements and sector-specific prerequisite programs. FSSC 22000 is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

Who can apply for ISO 22000 certification?

Organizations across the food chain may be eligible, including food manufacturers, food packaging manufacturers, storage and distribution providers, ingredient suppliers, and other organizations whose activities affect food safety. Eligibility and scope depend on the organization’s activities and the applicable certification requirements.

What does an ISO 22000 certification audit assess?

The audit assesses whether the organization’s food safety management system has been established, implemented, and maintained against the requirements of ISO 22000 within the agreed scope. The audit also considers whether the system operates effectively.

What are the main steps in ISO 22000 certification?

The process normally includes defining the certification scope, submitting an application, planning the audit, completing the certification audit, addressing any nonconformities, completing the certification decision process, and maintaining conformity through the applicable follow-up and recertification activities.

Does ISO 22000 certification guarantee food safety?

No. Certification does not guarantee that every product or process will be free from food safety risks. It confirms that the organization’s food safety management system has been assessed against the applicable requirements within the certified scope.