What is ISO 22000:2018?
ISO 22000 is defined as the internationally recognized standard that specifies requirements for a Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) to plan, implement, operate, maintain, and update a FSMS providing products and services that are safe.
The current version of ISO 22000:2018 was released in November 2018.
The requirements specified in this document are generic and intended to be applicable to all organizations that is directly or indirectly involved in the food chain.
Benefits of ISO 22000:2018 Certification
ISO 22000 helps organizations to prove their dedication towards food safety for their customers and stakeholders, which in turn brings many benefits where some benefits are mentioned below:
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Improved Food Safety
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Increased Customer Satisfaction
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Increased Reputation As Best Supplier
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Efficient Management Approach
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Increased Focus on Risks
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Greater Compliance
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Gain Competitive Advantage
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Improved stakeholder relationships
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International Recognition
Journey to ISO 22000:2018 Certification
ISO 22000 Certification is a 3rd party audit performed by MQA, during the audit we will verify that your organization is following the requirements of ISO 22000, if received positive results then we will issue an ISO 22000 certificate. This certification is then maintained through annual surveillance audits by MQA, with re-certification of the ISO 22000 Certification after three years. See below cycle to know how you can get started on the road to certification:
MQA Certification Cycle
Year 1
Step 1.1 (Initial Application)
- Client request a quotation.
- MQA will assess Client’s requirements.
- MQA will share proposal with client.
- Client signed the 3-year Certification Contract with MQA.
Step 1.2 (Certification Audit)
- MQA will conduct:
- Gap Assessment (Readiness Review)
- Stage-1 Audit (Documentation Review)
- Stage-2 Audit (Implementation Review)
- MQA Auditor will share the audit reports to MQA’s Certification Decision Committee.
Step 1.3 (Certificate Management)
- If certification decision is positive, then certificate is issued by MQA.
- If certification decision is negative, then verification audit is planned by MQA.
- Client will receive the MQA Portal access to:
- View the Audit Reports.
- Download the ISO Certificate.
- Review & Respond to Audit Findings, etc.
Year 2 & 3
Step 2.1 (Renewal Request)
- MQA request for renewal.
- Client agreed for Surveillance Audit.
Step 2.2 (Surveillance Audit)
- MQA will conduct Surveillance Audit
- MQA Auditor will share the audit reports to MQA’s Certificate Decision Committee.
Step 2.3 (Certificate Management)
- If no critical non-conformity found, then certificate is renewed by MQA.
- If any critical nonconformity found, then verification audit is planned by MQA.
- Client have the MQA Portal access to:
- View the Audit Reports.
- Download the ISO Certificate.
- Review & Respond to Audit Findings, etc.
Why Was ISO 22000:2018 Revised?
All ISO standards are reviewed every five years to serve the business community and maintain its relevance in today’s marketplace. ISO 22000:2018 is designed to respond to the latest trends and be compatible with other management systems such as ISO 9001, 45001, etc.
ISO 22000:2018 is the latest standard which sets out the criteria for a Food Safety Management System and is the only standard in the family that can be certified to.
What Are the Main Changes to the Standard?
The key changes relate to:
- The new version follows a new, higher level structure to make it easier to use in conjunction with other management system standards as follows Annex SL.
- More emphasis on Control of Externally Provided Processes.
- Less strict requirements for a food safety documentation.
- More emphasis on Risk Based Approach.
What Are the Impacts if You Are Certified to ISO 22000:2005?
If you’re ISO 22000:2005 certified, then you’ve to upgrade your company to ISO 22000:2018 version before 31st December 2021, otherwise your ISO 22000:2005 certificate will be expired automatically, and it will impact your market reputation.
MQA help you to certify your organization to ISO 22000:2018