Introduction

As families gather this Thanksgiving to share meals of turkey, stuffing and pie, we often don’t think about where the food we are giving thanks for comes from. We attribute the delicious food we share to the cook or recipes, but an important ingredient for any meal is food safety. Threats to food safety have the opportunity to arise at any point in the supply chain, from production to consumption. While consumers take steps during the preparation of meals to ensure safe consumption, what precautions are taken in the food supply chain? One important tool to combat food safety hazards throughout the supply chain, is the ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System standard. This article will provide information on what ISO 22000:2018 is, who should implement ISO 22000 and the benefits of a food safety management system.

What is ISO 22000:2018?

ISO 22000:2018 is a Food Safety Management System (FSMS), that lay outs the requirements for a food safety management system for any organization in the food chain. The standard has been developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and can be applied to organizations of any size, complexity and position in the food industry. The 2018 revision includes the ISO high-level structure (HLS) common to other ISO standards, such as ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. The new ISO 22000 strengthens the connection to Codex Alimentarius, and meets the current challenges to food safety. Organizations that are currently certified to ISO 22000:2005 have until June 19, 2021 to transition to ISO 22000:2018. Click here to learn how we can help your organization transition to ISO 22000:2018.

Who Should Implement an ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System?

Organizations that are directly and indirectly involved in the food chain would benefit from implementing an ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System. Some examples of organizations who would benefit from implementing a FSMS include, but are not limited to:

– Feed producers,

– Animal food producers,

– Farmers,

– Food manufacturers,

– Retailers,

– Organizations providing food services, such as catering services, cleaning and sanitation services, transportation, storage and distribution services, and

– Organizations providing food packaging materials and other food contact materials.

Through a combined effort at all levels in the supply chain, customers benefit with food that is safe for consumption.

What are the Benefits of Implementing ISO 22000:2018?

There are several potential benefits an organization can experience by implementing ISO 22000:2018. Some of these benefits include:

– Improving the organization’s overall food safety performance;

– The ability to consistently provide safe foods, products and services that meet the requirements of customers, statutory and regulatory requirements;

– Better internal food safety controls, which improve operations and reduce risks;

– Improving the ability to address and manage risks in their food safety processes;

– Win more contacts where ISO 22000 certification is a requirement, or competitive advantage.

Consumers also benefit by gaining confidence in the safety and quality of their foods.

Conclusion

An ISO 220000 Food Safety Management System allows every party in the food supply chain exercise precautions against food safety hazards. ISO 22000:2018 can be implemented by any organization in the food industry, and its benefits can be seen from farm to table. So, as we sit down with our loved ones to enjoy our Thanksgiving meal, let’s give thanks to those in the food supply chain delivering safe, and delicious, food. For questions on how to implement an ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System, please contact us at info@iso9001group.com.

Author

Victoria Ontiveros | Project & Office Coordinator 

Victoria earned her BS from Texas A&M University with an emphasis in communications.  She oversees office operations and is the first point of contact for all new and existing clients, which means that she is responsible for ensuring that an excellent level of client service is maintained. She provides marketing and administrative support to ensure that office operations run smoothly and efficiently.  Above all, Victoria is committed to providing the best experience for The ISO 9001 Group’s clients.