ISO 22000 seeks to provide a standard for food safety management systems and complements the application of quality management systems (i.e. ISO 9001:2000) in the food supply chain.

Whilst BRC remains the dominant standard within the UK, ISO 22000 could well be its successor and will almost certainly be recognised by many countries. ISO 22000 is strongly HACCP based and includes many of the quality management requirements of ISO 9001:2000.

So who is involved?

There is considerable international interest in this standard. The working group that is developing ISO 22000 has representatives from 14 countries representing all continents. The working group also has representatives from organisations such as the Codex Alimentarius, the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and the European Confederation of the Food and Drink Industry (CIAA).

If the chain stakeholders such as supermarkets, accept ISO 22000 as a basis for the implementation of management system requirements and need only a limited number of additional requirements, the large overlap between standards and certification assessments will disappear - and this will surely be of benefit to the food industry.

Benefits

Applying the requirements of ISO.22000 should enable an organisation to:

a) Plan, implement, operate, maintain and update a food safety management system aimed at providing products that are safe for their intended use.

b) Demonstrate compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory food safety requirements.

c) Evaluate and assess customer requirements and demonstrate conformity with those relating to food safety.

d) Effectively communicate food safety issues to their suppliers, customers and relevant interested parties in the food chain.

e) Ensure that the organisation conforms to its stated food safety policy.

f) Demonstrate such conformity to relevant interested parties.

Whether you are a large or small organisation HSQC can help you with:

1.       Developing a food safety management system which meets the ISO 22000 Standard

2.       Reviewing/maintaining your existing system

3.       Help prepare for your next audit, or rectify problems from your last audit

4.       Undertake internal audits on your behalf as per schedule

5.       Independent Validation & Verification of your HACCP system