TL;DR — Key Takeaways
- ISO 22000:2018 builds a strong Food Safety Management System to prevent hazards and ensure safe, high-quality food across the supply chain.
- It reduces contamination risks, product recalls, and legal issues by strengthening hygiene, process control, and traceability.
- Certification boosts brand credibility, customer trust, and acceptance from global buyers and regulatory bodies.
- It aligns operations with international food safety standards and supports compliance with FSSAI and global market requirements.
- With rising food safety incidents worldwide, ISO 22000:2018 is essential for reliability, consumer protection, and business growth.
Each year, around 600 million people worldwide, nearly 1 in 10, fall ill from contaminated food, with 420,000 deaths attributed to foodborne diseases, underscoring the dire consequences of unsafe food. That’s where ISO 22000:2018 comes in; it sets a globally recognised framework to control food-safety hazards across the entire supply chain, from raw-material sourcing to final consumption.
Implementing ISO 22000:2018 not only safeguards consumers but also builds trust, ensures regulatory compliance, and strengthens your brand’s market position. Given its complexity, working with an expert consultant ensures accurate implementation and a smooth, efficient path to certification.
What is ISO 22000:2018 Certification?
ISO 22000:2018 is the international standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It outlines the requirements for identifying, controlling, and reducing food safety hazards across the entire supply chain. The certification helps businesses deliver safe, high-quality food products that meet global regulatory requirements and industry expectations.
Why is ISO 22000:2018 Important for Food Businesses?
Food safety failures can lead to recalls, penalties, and severe reputational damage. ISO 22000 provides a proactive, structured system to prevent such issues. It builds strong documentation, clarifies roles, and strengthens process control, making food handling safer and more consistent.
Who Needs ISO 22000:2018 Certification?
ISO 22000:2018 Certification is essential for any organisation involved in food production, handling, or distribution, ensuring safety, trust, and compliance.
This certification applies to every organisation involved in the food chain, including:
- Food manufacturers and processors
- Packaging and ingredient suppliers
- Transport and logistics providers
- Restaurants, catering services, and cloud kitchens
- Retailers and distributors
- Farms, fisheries, and primary producers
If your business directly or indirectly affects food safety, ISO 22000 is relevant.
Key Benefits of ISO 22000:2018 Certification
ISO 22000:2018 Certification offers powerful advantages that strengthen food safety, improve compliance, and enhance operational efficiency across every stage of the supply chain.
1. Strengthens Food Safety Control Across the Supply Chain
With ISO 22000, organisations can identify critical food hazards early, implement preventive steps, and maintain complete safety oversight across sourcing, processing, packaging, storage, and delivery.
2. Enhances Compliance with Global Food Safety Regulations
The certification aligns operations with national and international laws, including FSSAI guidelines in India, Codex Alimentarius, and global importer requirements.
3. Reduces Risks of Contamination, Recalls, and Legal Issues
A structured FSMS lowers the chances of microbial contamination, chemical hazards, physical impurities, and cross-contamination incidents.
4. Boosts Market Reputation and Consumer Trust
Certified companies demonstrate commitment to safety and quality, making them more reliable suppliers for large retailers, exporters, and multinational buyers.
5. Improves Process Efficiency and Traceability
ISO 22000 encourages better documentation, streamlined workflows, and faster traceability in case of any food safety issues.
6. Opens Doors to Global Market Expansion
Many international buyers prefer or mandate ISO 22000 certified partners, making the certification essential for export-oriented businesses.
How Does ISO 22000:2018 Work?
ISO 22000:2018 works through a structured food safety system that identifies risks, implements controls, and ensures safe, consistent processes across the entire supply chain.
ISO 22000 is built around four core elements:
- Interactive communication
- System management
- Prerequisite programs (PRPs)
- HACCP principles
This combination ensures that food safety is maintained at every step from sourcing raw materials to delivery of the final product.
What are the Mandatory Requirements of ISO 22000:2018?
ISO 22000:2018 outlines essential requirements that help organizations establish a reliable food safety system through clear processes, documentation, and continuous risk-based controls.
The standard requires:
- Establishing a Food Safety Policy
- Conducting hazard analysis and risk assessments
- Implementing PRPs (cleaning, hygiene, maintenance, pest control, and personal hygiene)
- Using HACCP principles for food safety control
- Ensuring documentation and traceability
- Conducting internal audits and management reviews
Meeting these requirements ensures safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
How is ISO 22000 Different from HACCP?
While HACCP focuses strictly on hazard control, ISO 22000 includes HACCP plus a complete management system. It covers communication, resource management, continual improvement, and system monitoring, making it a broader and more robust standard.
How Long Does It Take to Get ISO 22000 Certification?
Most businesses require 2 to 6 months, depending on company size, process complexity, team readiness, and documentation quality. With expert guidance, organisations can complete it faster and more efficiently.
What is the Process for Getting ISO 22000:2018 Certified?
The ISO 22000:2018 certification process follows a structured path that guides organizations from planning and documentation to audits and full implementation of food safety practices.
The certification process typically includes:
- Gap analysis
- Planning and documentation
- Training employees
- Implementing the FSMS
- Internal audits
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audits
- Issuance of the ISO 22000 certificate
- Annual surveillance audits
How Much Does ISO 22000 Certification Cost?
ISO 22000 certification costs vary based on business size, scope, and process complexity, helping organizations budget effectively while planning their food safety journey.
Costs vary based on:
- Company size
- Number of locations
- Complexity of operations
- Scope of certification
On average, micro and small businesses may spend ₹40,000 to ₹1,50,000, while larger companies may have higher costs.
Does ISO 22000:2018 Help with Export Compliance?
Yes, the certification strengthens buyer confidence and aligns your processes with global food safety norms, making it easier to enter markets like the EU, the Middle East, and North America.
Best Practices to Maintain ISO 22000:2018 Certification
- Regular hygiene and sanitation checks
- Strict supplier evaluation and monitoring
- Staff training in food handling
- Updated documentation and record-keeping
- Periodic internal audits
- Continuous improvement activities
Partner with Altus.Asia for ISO 22000:2018 Certification
Partnering with Altus.Asia makes your ISO 22000:2018 certification journey smoother, faster, and fully compliant. Our expert consultants guide you through documentation, implementation, and audits with complete clarity. You get practical support, tailored solutions, and a team committed to strengthening your food safety systems. Ready to begin? Contact us today and move closer to certification with confidence.
FAQ’s
- How often should a company update its ISO 22000 documentation?
You should review and update your documentation regularly, especially after process changes, audits, or incidents. Keeping records current ensures compliance, improves traceability, and strengthens your overall food safety management system.
- Can small food businesses also get ISO 22000 certified?
Yes, small businesses can easily get certified. The standard is scalable, making it suitable for all sizes. With proper guidance, even small units can build strong food safety controls and achieve certification confidently.
- Does ISO 22000 help reduce customer complaints?
Yes, ISO 22000 reduces complaints by improving hygiene, strengthening process control, and preventing hazards. When systems run consistently, product quality improves, customer trust increases, and complaints naturally drop over time.
- How does ISO 22000 improve supplier management?
ISO 22000 strengthens supplier management by requiring clear criteria, regular evaluations, and documented checks. This ensures raw materials meet safety standards, reduces risks, and creates a more reliable, transparent supply chain.
- Is employee training mandatory for ISO 22000 compliance?
Yes, employee training is essential. Trained staff follow safety procedures correctly, handle food responsibly, and respond to risks quickly. Consistent training builds a strong food safety culture and supports successful certification.
