The food industry is one of the most important industries out there. The food consumed directly impacts people’s health. Therefore, it is necessary for a food business to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
ISO 22000 certification is a standard that helps businesses maintain food safety and quality. Get in touch with Registrationwala for assistance in applying for and obtaining this certification.
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ISO 22000 Certification Process
ISO 22000 meaning can be explained as an international standard that defines the requirements for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). This standard was developed by the International Organization for Standardization. It combines the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and application steps developed by Codex Alimentarius Commission. The purpose of this particular ISO standard is to ensure safety along the entire food chain. Like other ISO standards, ISO 22000 is updated from time to time to ensure it remains aligned with latest food safety practices as well as food industry requirements.
The latest version of this standard is known as ISO 22000:2018. This version was published in June 2018 and replaced the earlier prevalent ISO: 22000:2005 standard. The 2018 standard was most recently reviewed and reconfirmed in 2023. It is focused on risk-based thinking and helps the organizations figure out food safety related issues, both internally and externally, that impact their ability to achieve the provision of safe food.
ISO 22000:2018 certification is a certification given to food businesses that showcase adherence to the ISO 22000:2018 FSMS standard. If you operate a food business and want to enhance consumer trust as well as ensure global compliances, it is recommended that you apply for this certification. At Registrationwala, we provide end-to-end assistance to food businesses for obtaining the ISO 22000-2018 certification.
ISO 22000:2018 certification is a certification intended for food safety management. It is often obtained by food businesses so they can demonstrate that they adhere to proper food safety rules and take required measures to keep food safe for consumers and protect their health. This certification isn’t mandatory like FSSAI registration in India. Despite this, it is of utmost importance because unsafe food can cause food poisoning and other serious issues.
ISO 22000:2018 helps businesses identify food safety risks, maintain cleanliness/hygiene and improve their food handling processes. It also helps businesses build customer trust, improve their market reputation and be in line with the international food safety standards.
The certification is especially recommended for food export businesses as it helps them meet international buyer requirements and greatly increases their chances of entering global markets.
The key benefits of ISO - 22000:2018 certification India for food businesses in India are stated below:
This certification showcases that the business takes the principles of food safety and hygiene very seriously.
For food export businesses, this certification is especially important as it ensures such businesses’ alignment with international food safety standards.
The ISO certification India helps businesses build consumer trust and improve brand reputation.
It improves food management practices and operational efficiency.
It helps prevent food-borne illnesses and contamination risks.
The Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle, abbreviated as PDCA cycle, refers to the backbone of ISO: 22000:2018. Basically, this cycle is a step-by-step method used for continuous improvement of FSMS. ISO 22000:2018 is built on PDCA approach at two levels, i.e., system level PDCA for overall FSMS management and operational level PDCA for controlling food safety hazards via HACCP principles.
In the table below, we have explained the stages that make up the PDCA cycle:
|
PDCA Stage |
Description |
|
Stage 1 - Plan |
In this stage, identify a problem/opportunity and analyze the situation. Then define the objectives and the processes needed in order to achieve the results. |
|
Stage 2 - Do |
This is the second stage. Here, implement the plan on a small scale for the sake of testing. Then, find out the possible issues while also collecting the data. |
|
Stage 3 - Check |
This is the third stage. The data collected in the second stage must be analyzed. Then, the results must be compared with the expected results. |
|
Stage 4 - Act |
In this final stage, take action based on the results. If the change is successful, it should be implemented on a wider scale. If not, the plan should be modified and the cycle is to be repeated. |
The ISO 22000 Series consists of the following standards:
|
Standard |
Description |
|
ISO 22000 |
Required for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) in an organization in the food chain. |
|
ISO/TS 22002 |
Creates prerequisite programmes (PRPs) on food safety, such as food manufacturing, catering, farming, food packaging, transport and storage and feed and animal food production. |
|
ISO/TS 22003 |
Defines requirements for bodies providing audit and certification to FSMS, including certification of food safety systems, products, processes and services. |
|
ISO/TS 22004 |
Provides guidance on the application of ISO 22000:2005 Food Safety Management Systems. |
|
ISO 22005 |
Provides principles and requirements for the design and implementation of traceability systems in the food and feed chain. |
|
ISO 22006 |
Provides guidance on the application of quality management systems for crop production. |
The critical components of the ISO 22000:2018 standard are:
|
Component |
Description |
|
Interactive communication |
Food safety problems can happen at any stage of the food chain. Therefore, proper communication between suppliers, manufacturers, sellers and workers is of utmost importance. Good communication helps avoid confusion as well as reduces food safety risks. |
|
System management |
ISO: 22000:2018 is a food safety management system that follows a proper and organized process. It can also work together with other ISO standards like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 so as to improve business operations and management. |
|
Prerequisite Programs |
These are basic hygiene and safety practices required in a food business. They include things like cleanliness, equipment maintenance, pest control, safe storage and proper working conditions. The purpose is to reduce food related risks. |
|
Principles of HACCP |
HACCP is a widely accepted and adopted approach to food safety. ISO-22000 uses HACCP principles for the purpose of identifying and controlling food-safety hazards. It helps businesses create plans to prevent risks associated with food and keep the food safe for consumption. |
Any organization involved in the food supply chain can apply for this certification as long as it showcases adherence to ISO: 22000:2018 FSMS standards. Let’s take a look at direct and indirect food chain businesses that typically apply for this certification.
Examples of direct food chain businesses that tend to apply for the ISO 22000 registration India include:
|
Type of Business |
Examples |
|
Farmers |
Dairy farms and crop producers tend to apply for 22000 ISO registration. |
|
Feed Producers |
Animal feed manufacturers can apply for it. |
|
Food Manufacturers |
Many packaged food companies seek and obtain the ISO certificate. |
|
Processors |
Meat/seafood processors often obtain it. |
|
Caterers |
Obtained for restaurants and catering services. |
|
Retailers |
The certification is often obtained for supermarkets and food stores. |
|
Logistics Providers |
They usually obtain the certification for cold storage and transport. |
Examples of indirect food chain businesses that tend to apply for the ISO 22000 registration India are as follows:
|
Type of Business |
Examples |
|
Equipment Suppliers |
Often obtained for food processing machinery. |
|
Packaging Manufacturers |
Many packaging manufacturers obtain the ISO-22000 certificate for food-grade packaging. |
|
Cleaning Service Providers |
Many sanitation solution providers obtain it as well. |
|
Chemical Suppliers |
They seek the ISO-22000 certification for food-safe cleaning chemicals. |
Before applying for ISO 22000 Certification, you must check the requirements explained below:
Establishment of FSMS: ISO-22000 requires the business to establish an FSMS.
Documented Manual, Records & Procedures: The food business must have a documented food safety manual, PRP records and procedures in place.
Prerequisite Programs: The FSMS facility must implement effective Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) to ensure a clean and hygienic working environment.
HACCP: A Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan must be in place to identify, prevent and eliminate food safety hazards.
Requirement for FSMS Processes: The ISO-22000 standard requires the following FSMS processes:
Food Safety Policy defined by top management
Setting objectives aligned with the Food-Safety Policy
Planning, designing and documenting the FSMS
Maintaining records of FSMS performance
Formation of a Food Safety Team (FST) with qualified professionals
Communication procedures for internal departments and external parties (regulators, customers, suppliers, etc.)
Emergency preparedness plan for food-safety hazards
Management review meetings to evaluate FSMS performance
Provision of resources such as trained personnel, infrastructure and suitable work environment
HACCP implementation in business operations
Establishment of a traceability system for food products
Corrective actions and control of nonconforming products
Documented procedures for product withdrawal and recall handling
Monitoring and measurement of equipment used in operations
Internal audit program for FSMS evaluation
Continuous improvement and updating of the FSMS
The following documents are required for ISO 22000 registration in India:
Proof of Business Registration, like Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association
PAN card of Business
Passport-sized photographs of shareholders/directors
Proof of business address like recent utility bills, telephone bills, etc.
Letter Head including Address
Description of business
Desired Scope
Name and address of the organization
Process, operations and legal obligations of the organization
Details regarding the organization's activities
Details regarding the human and technical resources
Information relating to functions of the organization
Information of all outsourced processes used by the organization that affects the conformity to requirements
Information regarding the use of consultancy related to the management system
GST Registration Certificate
Other documents required by the certifying authority
The ISO 22000 procedure involves the steps stated below:
Gather all required documents prior to applying for the certification. This is highly recommended because missing documents can cause delay or rejection of the ISO application.
Fill the ISO-22000 application form and attach all documents. Submit it to the certification body.
The certification body checks the application details and all the documents provided.
An auditor visits your company and checks your food-safety system. Then, based on their inspection, they create an audit report.
During the audit, if any issues are found and are mentioned in audit report, you must correct them and show proof. Without correction of issues, you cannot move forward.
If everything is correct, the certification body finally moves ahead and gives ISO 22000 certificate to the company.
After certification, regular checks are done to make sure the company still follows the ISO standard.
Both FSSAI registration and ISO 22000:2018 certification have a common goal, i.e., ensuring food safety and protecting public health. However, both of them majorly differ from each other. In the table below, we have discussed the major differences between FSSAI registration and ISO - 22000:2018 certification:
|
Parameter |
FSSAI Registration |
ISO - 22000:2018 Certification |
|
Definition |
It refers to a government-issued license that allows a food business operator to operate legally in India. |
It refers to an international certificate showing a food business follows a proper food safety management system. |
|
Mandatory / Voluntary |
For a food business in India, it is mandatory to obtain FSSAI registration. |
It is not mandatory for a food business in India to obtain this ISO certificate. It is absolutely voluntary. |
|
Scope |
The FSSAI registration is required as it ensures food safety compliance in India. |
This ISO Certification is required for the global food-safety management system. For entering international market, it is beneficial. |
|
Recognition |
It is valid only in India. |
It is accepted worldwide. |
Registrationwala can help you with the ISO registration by providing you with the following services:
Selection of Certification type
Document Collection
Application Filing
Tracking and Doorstep Delivery of ISO certification
To ensure that your business meets the ISO 22200:2018 standard and ensure food safety in your organization, reach out to Registrationwala.
Q1. Is ISO 22000:2018 certification mandatory in India?
A. No, it is not mandatory to obtain this certification in India. It is a voluntary certification. Obtaining it is recommended as it helps a food business to ensure food safety and enhance its brand reputation.
Q2. What is ISO 22000 latest version?
A. The latest version of ISO-22000 standard is currently ISO - 22000:2018.
Q3. Can Registrationwala help me obtain ISO certification in Delhi?
A. Yes, our consultants at Registrationwala can help you obtain this certification in Delhi.
Q4. How to get ISO certificate in India?
A. You must first have a FSMS in place. Then collect necessary documents and then file an application with an accredited third-party certification body (CB). Then, an audit will be conducted to verify adherence to the ISO requirements. If the auditor is satisfied, then the certification body will issue the certification.
Q5. What is the backbone of ISO-22000?
A. The backbone of ISO-22000 is Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle, which is a step-by-step method used for continuously improving the food-safety management system.
