ISO 22000, the international food safety management system (FSMS) standard, is the latest standard to move through ISO’s revision process. Here is some important information about the standard, including the current status of the revision and an update on when the revised standard is expected to be released.
What is ISO 22000?
The overall aim of ISO 22000 is to harmonize food safety management requirements on a global level for organizations within the food chain.
ISO 22000 is a global FSMS standard for the whole food supply chain—incorporating everything from growers and producers to processors and packaging, transport, and point of sale. The standard also extends to include suppliers of non-food products and services such as cleaning and equipment manufacturers. It can be implemented by organizations of any size.
ISO 22000 specifies the requirements for a FSMS that involves interactive communication, system management, and prerequisite programs.
The standard focuses on supply chain assurance, including management system principles, and is aligned with the hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) principles of Codex Alimentarius, a collection of internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines, and other recommendations relating to foods, food production, and food safety.
Why should an organization be certified to ISO 22000?
Certification to ISO 22000 demonstrates to customers that an organization has an FSMS in place. In turn, this provides customer confidence in the product.
Why is ISO 22000 being revised?
Since ISO 22000 was first published in 2005 many new food safety requirements have been introduced—spurring the need for the standard to be revised to suit the current landscape.
What changes to the current standard are expected?
In 2014, a consultation was held among users of the standard. The group identified gaps in the current version and flagged issues including potentially confusing terms, unnecessary repetition, insufficient utilization by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and a lack of understanding of risk evaluation by users.
This feedback will contribute to the revision process, with the goal of addressing issues such as:
- Clarifying key concepts
- Updating the terms and definitions
- Simplifying the standard and making it more concise
- Ensuring a greater coverage of SMEs
Once revised, ISO 22000 will use the same format as other management systems standards, and will follow the same structure with common texts, terms, and definitions.
What is the current status of the new standard?
A Committee Draft version of the new standard has been released.
When is the revised standard expected to be released?
A Draft International Standard is expected to be available mid-year, with the final version of the new standard expected to launch in early 2017.
Who is responsible for the revision of the new standard?
ISO Technical Committee 34, Subcommittee 17, (ISO/TC 34/SC 17) is responsible for the new standard.
Where can I learn more?
More information about the revision to ISO 22000 can be found on the committee pages of the ISO website.