ISO 22000:2018

ISO 22000:2018

ISO 22000 certification process
The ISO 22000 certification is aimed at all organisations throughout the food chain – from producers, through suppliers and processing businesses, to catering, the hospitality industry and communal catering such as canteens or university dining halls. Similarly, manufacturers of animal feed, additives and packaging, as well as companies in the import/export sector, logistics, and the wholesale, intermediate and retail trade, can benefit from ISO 22000 certification.

1. Preparation and structure of the management system
The first step is to decide whether you wish to certify your entire organisation or only specific areas. The scope of your food safety management system is defined on this basis.
You then establish the necessary structures to implement the requirements of ISO 22000. This includes, amongst other things, documenting your processes, defining responsibilities and implementing hygienic, organisational and operational requirements throughout the entire food chain.
Depending on the organisation, this may include, for example, hazard analyses, HACCP plans, training, supplier management, traceability, and internal control and communication processes.
This preparatory phase is usually the most time- and resource-intensive part, as it takes place alongside ongoing operations.
Support from external consultants is available and can be helpful in ensuring a structured implementation. The certification body itself is not involved at this stage.

2. Certification
The certification body only becomes involved once the management system has been fully established and implemented within the organisation. The certification body does not provide any consultancy services in this regard, in order to ensure the independence of the certification process.
The certification process begins with the Stage 1 audit. This serves as a preparatory assessment and checks whether the documented requirements of ISO 22000 are fully in place and whether the
If any non-conformities are identified, you will be given the opportunity to rectify them within a defined period – usually up to three months.
During the subsequent Stage 2 audit, an on-site assessment is carried out to verify whether the management system is being effectively implemented and meets the requirements of the standard. Upon successful completion, ISO 22000 certification is awarded.
Audit dates are scheduled once the contract has been signed, in consultation with the organisation and subject to the auditors’ availability.

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Whether you’re seeking initial certification or recertification of an existing management system, QS Zürich AG will guide you every step of the way. Please contact us for a free initial consultation or use our enquiry form directly.