ISO 22000 certification is one of the standards for Food Safety Management Systems issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to help businesses control food risks before products reach consumers.

Currently, the latest version of ISO 22000 is ISO 22000:2018, which has been widely recognized and applied worldwide. Let ISSQ Institute learn about the conditions for obtaining ISO 22000:2018 certification.

Understanding the Latest ISO 22000:2018 Certification

ISO 22000:2018 certification is used to certify organizations and enterprises participating in food supply activities.

In general, ISO 22000:2018 certification has a similar nature to food hygiene and safety certification. However, while food hygiene and safety certificates are issued by government authorities, ISO 22000:2018 certificates are issued by ISO certification bodies based on ISO clauses and standards.

The ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System includes requirements for the ability to control food safety in accordance with ISO standards with criteria such as communication and interaction, system management, prerequisite programs, and the principles of establishing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).

Since June 19, 2021, enterprises wishing to be certified for the food safety management system ISO 22000 must comply with the latest version of the ISO 22000 standard, which is ISO 22000:2018.

Applicable Subjects for ISO 22000 Certification

Most organizations and enterprises operating in fields requiring food hygiene and safety certification from packaging to processing and production can apply for ISO 22000 certification.

More specifically, organizations and enterprises engaged in the following activities should apply ISO 22000 standards to establish a food safety management system in accordance with ISO standards:

• Farms, livestock farms, fisheries
• Supermarket systems
• Meat, fish, and animal feed processing facilities
• Producers of bread, cereals, canned and frozen foods, functional foods, etc.
• Units providing food and catering services such as hospitals, restaurants, hotels, fast-food outlets
• Units providing supporting services such as processing equipment, additives, and raw materials
• Units providing pest control, sanitation, cleaning, packaging services, etc.

Conditions for Obtaining ISO 22000:2018 Certification

Enterprises in the food supply chain that obtain ISO 22000:2018 certification are evaluated as having a good food safety management system and safe, quality products when they correctly apply quality processes in production activities. However, to receive ISO 22000:2018 certification, enterprises must meet the following conditions:

Conditions for Food Production Facilities

• Locations of food production and processing factories must be far from pollution sources that may affect food products.
• Internal roads must be hygienically constructed, with proper drainage systems, closed structures, and no pollution risks.
• The factory must ensure sufficient clean water supply and convenient transportation.
• The design and layout of food production and processing areas must ensure the principle of avoiding cross-contamination. Food storage warehouses must be suitable for each type of food and prevent the intrusion of insects and pests.
• In addition, other factors such as factory structure, lighting, ventilation, humidity control, equipment, tools, and sanitary facilities must comply with ISO 22000:2018 standards.

Conditions for the Food Safety Management System

To be certified ISO 22000:2018, organizations and enterprises must study, develop, and implement a Food Safety Management System according to ISO 22000:2018 standards and ensure its continuous maintenance throughout operations.

Conditions for Certification Assessment by Certification Bodies

When the enterprise’s Food Safety Management System operates effectively, the enterprise will have evidence demonstrating compliance with ISO 22000:2018 standards. At this stage, the enterprise should conduct internal audits and implement improvement and corrective actions as required by ISO 22000 standards to enhance the effectiveness of the Food Safety Management System.

Next, the enterprise needs to contact and work with certification bodies to conduct assessment and obtain the ISO 22000:2018 Certificate.

Steps for ISO 22000 Certification Assessment at ISSQ Institute

1. Receive certification registration documents
2. Sign a scientific and technological service contract
3. Conduct surveys and assessments
4. Complete documentation after assessment
5. Review documentation and issue certificate (if compliant)
6. Conduct surveillance assessment every 12 months
7. Conduct recertification assessment (certificate expires after 3 years)

Validity Period of ISO 22000:2018 Certification

• The validity of ISO 22000:2018 certificates is 3 years from the date of issuance
• Enterprises must pay annual fees to maintain the food safety management system
• After obtaining ISO 22000:2018 certification, surveillance cycles are conducted at least once every 12 months

The above information presents the conditions for obtaining ISO 22000:2018 certification. Hopefully, it provides useful knowledge for readers.

ISSQ Institute is always ready to accompany companies during the period of integration and development.

Please contact hotline: (+84) 981 851 111 or email vienchatluong@issq.org.vn | tcvn@issq.org.vn. We are honored to serve our customers!

Posted date: December 13, 2023