ISO 22000: Globally Recognized Standard for Food Safety

In a time when consumers worldwide have the highest demands for food safety and quality, comprehensive food safety management becomes a decisive factor for a company's success. ISO 22000 is the internationally recognized standard for food safety management systems and sets benchmarks in avoiding health risks and ensuring safe food throughout the entire supply chain. Companies certified to ISO 22000 demonstrate their commitment to the safety of their products and their responsibility towards customers, partners, and society.

 

Key facts about ISO 22000 certificationImprovement of food safetyCompliance with regulatory requirementsIncreased customer satisfaction and trust
Market access and export opportunitiesReduction of production failuresLower recall costs
 

ISO 22000 – Key Information for Your ISO 22000 Certification

What You Can Expect from an ISO 22000 Certification by PIAQ:

 

International accreditations guarantee a neutral and valuable certificationQuotes within 24 hoursCertification audit achievable within 2-4 weeks
Preferred audit date secured through early coordinationISO 22000 certification starting from €1,970Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
 

Fill out our quote form now! Quick, straightforward, and without obligations – receive your free, personalized, and non-binding quote within 24 hours.

 

ISO 22000 Certification Process

 

1
Request a Quote

2
Quote & Contract

3
Pre-Audit

4
Certification Audit

5
Certificate Issuance

6
Surveillance Audit 1

7
Surveillance Audit 2

8
Recertification

Certification Application - Certification Inquiry

The first step towards certification is the certification inquiry. You can submit the certification inquiry via our website. We will process your certification inquiry immediately and contact you within 24 hours.

Fill out our simple and straightforward quote form now – completely without obligations!

Certification Quote & Certification Contract

After reviewing your certification application, we will create a non-binding quote, which you will typically receive within 24 hours.

Please return the signed quote to us if it meets your requirements. After receiving and verifying your confirmation, we will also sign the quote. Only with our signature does the quote become a binding contract.

Pre-Audit (Optional)

The pre-audit offers you the opportunity to check in advance whether your management system meets the requirements of ISO 50001 and whether your company is ready for certification.

This one-day, voluntary audit is crucial for identifying potential weaknesses early and effectively addressing them, thereby minimizing the risk of non-compliance during the actual certification.

Certification Audit (Stage 1 and Stage 2)

The certification audit is divided into two phases: system analysis (Stage 1) and practical implementation (Stage 2).

Stage 1 - System Analysis: In this part of the audit, we review:

  • The documentation of the management system
  • Site-specific conditions
  • The customer's understanding of the standards
  • The scope of certification
  • Applicable legal and regulatory requirements
  • Conduct of internal audits and management reviews
  • Availability of resources for the Stage 2 audit
  • Readiness for the Stage 2 audit

Stage 2 - Practical Implementation: In this phase, it is checked whether:

  • The organization meets the standard requirements
  • The management system is effective
  • All relevant legal, regulatory, and customer-specific requirements are met
  •  

 

Certificate Issuance

As part of a technical review by the PIAQ Certification Committee, it is determined whether the audit was conducted properly, whether all required documents are complete, and whether it has been shown that the standard requirements for the management system are adequately met. Only then can the certificate be issued.

The issued certificate is valid for three years. However, an annual surveillance audit confirms the maintenance of the certificate.

Surveillance Audit 1

To ensure continuous compliance with certification standards and confirm the effectiveness of the management system, two surveillance audits are conducted in the following two years after the certificate issuance.

The first surveillance audit takes place nine months after the certificate issuance date.

The first surveillance audit ensures that the organization continues to meet the established requirements and that the implemented systems and processes remain effective after the initial certification.

Surveillance Audit 2

The second surveillance audit takes place 12 months after the first surveillance audit.

The second surveillance audit ensures that the organization continues to meet the established requirements and that the implemented systems and processes remain effective after the initial certification.

Recertification

To renew your certificate after three years, a re-certification audit is required. This usually takes place four months before the certificate's expiration date and is similar in scope to the Stage 2 audit.

With recertification, a new certification process begins. Upon successful certification, a new certificate is issued.

The issued certificate is valid for three years. However, an annual surveillance audit confirms the maintenance of the certificate.

 
FAQ – Learn More About HACCP Certification

Do you want to learn more about HACCP certification? Our experts have answered the most important questions for you.

ISO 22000 is an internationally recognized standard for food safety management systems, specifically developed to help companies ensure safe food throughout the entire supply chain.

ISO 22000 certification combines the requirements for a food safety management system with the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), thereby systematically identifying and controlling risks in food production.

ISO 22000 certification offers numerous benefits for companies in the food industry. Here are some of the key benefits:

  1. Improvement of Food Safety:
  2. Compliance with Legal Regulations
  3. Increased Customer Trust
  4. Cost Reduction
  5. Market Advantages
  6. Improved Process Efficiency

These benefits show how ISO 22000 certification can help companies improve their food safety practices while expanding their market opportunities.

The cost of ISO 22000 certification varies depending on several factors, including:

  • Company Size: The number of employees influences the effort required for audits and training.
  • Number of Locations: Multiple sites increase the complexity of the certification process.
  • Process Complexity: Complex production or supply chains require more detailed examinations.
  • Existing Management Systems: Already implemented standards like ISO 9001 can reduce the effort.

As a rough estimate, certification costs for a medium-sized organization can start from €1,970, while large multinational corporations or organizations in highly regulated industries may face higher costs.

To obtain ISO 22000 certification, companies must implement a food safety management system that meets specific requirements to ensure food safety throughout the entire supply chain. This includes developing a clear food safety policy with defined objectives and measures to identify and control risks. Companies must establish processes for continuous monitoring and improvement of food safety measures and demonstrate that their practices actively contribute to ensuring safe food. Regular training and employee involvement in food safety management are also central requirements for ISO 22000 certification.

ISO 22000 certification is applicable to all companies and organizations along the food chain, regardless of size or industry, that want to contribute to food safety. The standard is aimed at companies that want to ensure that their products and processes meet the highest standards of food safety. Companies that can be certified to ISO 22000 include:

  • Food Manufacturers and Processing Plants that process raw materials and produce end products
  • Agricultural Businesses such as farms, fisheries, and other agricultural producers that supply fresh food
  • Transport Companies and Logistics Providers involved in the storage and transportation of food and ensuring safe delivery conditions
  • Wholesale and Retailers, including supermarkets and food retailers, that strengthen consumer protection through safe processes
  • Catering and Hospitality Businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and canteens, that ensure high food safety for their customers
  • Packaging Manufacturers that produce materials in contact with food and must adhere to hygienic standards
  • Suppliers of Additives and Ingredients for food production, such as spices, vitamins, and preservatives, that ensure controlled processes and safe products
  • Food Safety Testing Service Providers, such as laboratories and analysis centers, that verify the safety and quality of food

ISO 22000 certification offers benefits at all stages of the food supply chain by helping to identify risks, establish controls, and ensure product safety. Through certification, companies can not only fulfill their responsibility for food safety but also strengthen the trust of their customers and business partners.

From the perspective of the certification body PIAQ Deutschland GmbH, the ISO 22000 certification process includes several key steps, the duration of which may vary.

Overall, the certification process from the perspective of the certification body can take between 1 and 2 months, provided the company is already well-prepared for the audit. It is important to note that this estimate only covers the period during which the certification body is actively involved in the process.

If you would like to learn more about how long ISO 22000 certification might take for your company, we are happy to assist. You can call us, email us, or use the contact form. We will be happy to explain the process and the expected duration of certification in a personal conversation.

Yes, ISO 22000 certification is well integrable with other standards, particularly quality management standards. Companies can make their management systems more efficient by combining different standards while achieving more comprehensive safety and quality goals. Here are some common standards with which ISO 22000 can be integrated:

  • ISO 9001
  • ISO 14001

Integrating ISO 22000 with such standards reduces duplication, increases efficiency, and ensures more comprehensive control of risks and processes throughout the supply chain.

 
How Can We Help You?

 

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