What is ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 is the international standard for food safety management systems (FSMS). The standard is published by ISO . In the Netherlands it aligns with supervision by the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) , and certification runs through accredited parties under oversight by the RvA (Dutch Accreditation Council) .
ISO 22000 helps organisations in the food chain control food safety risks in a systematic way. From producer to logistics and packaging supplier: you build demonstrable control around hazards, processes and continual improvement.
ISO 22000 combines management system thinking with food safety principles such as HACCP and PRPs. That makes it useful both at board level and on the operational side.
ISO 22000 follows the same High Level Structure (HLS) as other ISO standards. If you combine it with quality management, it fits well with ISO 9001.
Does a customer specifically ask for BRCGS Food Safety? The BRCGS overview covers the route from choosing the scope and preparation to the audit result and certification.
ISO 22000 in brief
| What is it? | Standard for food safety management (FSMS) |
| Who is it for? | Organisations in the food chain |
| Mandatory? | Not always by law, but often a customer or supply chain requirement |
| Certificate validity | 3 years, with annual checks |
| Indicative cost (year 1) | €15,000 - €120,000+ |
| Lead time | On average 4-10 months |
| Starting point | First determine whether ISO 22000 is relevant |
Why organisations choose ISO 22000
The main reasons are usually:
- Fewer food safety incidents through structural control.
- Stronger market access in retail, export and tenders.
- A better position in the supply chain with customers and auditors.
- More efficient audits thanks to clear processes and documentation.
Who is ISO 22000 mainly relevant for?
ISO 22000 is mainly relevant for organisations that directly or indirectly affect food safety:
- food producers and processors;
- storage, transport and logistics with food contact;
- ingredient and packaging suppliers;
- organisations that supply retail, foodservice or export markets.
Further reading: Who is ISO 22000 relevant for?
The core of the ISO 22000 standard
In practice, ISO 22000 revolves around:
- HACCP and hazard control;
- PRPs (basic conditions);
- traceability and recall readiness;
- auditable procedures and records;
- a continual improvement cycle.
More on this: HACCP and PRPs
Frequently asked starting questions about ISO 22000
| Question | Short answer | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| How long does implementation take? | Often 4-10 months | Step-by-step plan |
| What does the first year cost? | Often €15k - €120k+ | Costs and timeline |
| What does an auditor assess? | FSMS design and implementation on the shop floor | Audit process |
| Which requirements are critical in an audit? | Hazard control, PRPs, traceability | Requirements of the standard |
| What is the difference between HACCP and ISO 22000? | HACCP is a method, ISO 22000 is a complete management system | ISO 22000 vs. HACCP |
| When do you choose FSSC 22000 instead of ISO 22000? | With additional GFSI or retail requirements, FSSC is often the choice | ISO 22000 vs. FSSC 22000 |
Frequently searched comparisons with ISO 22000
These comparisons are often sought when organisations have to make a first choice: