1. What ISO 22000 is

ISO 22000 is the International Standard for food safety management systems.
It helps organizations identify hazards, manage risks and demonstrate their ability to provide safe food consistently.

It applies to the entire food chain, including primary production, food manufacturing, distribution, food service, packaging, equipment, and feed production.

2. Who uses certification for ISO 22000

Certification for ISO 22000 is voluntary.

Organizations choose it when they need independent confirmation that their food safety management system meets the requirements of ISO 22000:2018.

This is often requested by:

• major retailers
• manufacturers with strict supplier approval processes
• international buyers
• public procurement tenders

ISO does not certify organizations. Certification is performed by independent certification bodies, which may be accredited.

3. What ISO 22002 is

ISO 22002 provides the prerequisite programmes (PRPs) that support safe food production.

These are the hygiene and operational conditions needed to prevent contamination and maintain a safe environment.

Different parts cover different sectors:

• ISO 22002-1: PRPs for food manufacturing
• ISO 22002-4: PRPs for food packaging
• ISO 22002-100: a unified PRP approach across sectors

Together, ISO 22000 and ISO 22002 create a complete system: ISO 22000 is the management framework and ISO 22002 provides the operational foundations.

4. How ISO 22000 compares with other standards

ISO 22000 vs ISO 9001

ISO 9001 focuses on quality management in all industries.
ISO 22000 focuses specifically on food safety, including hazard control and supply chain communication.

Highest food safety certifications

Many recognized food safety schemes build on ISO 22000 and ISO 22002.
For example, FSSC 22000 combines them into a scheme widely used by global food companies.

5. Practical ISO 22002 checklists

Organizations can strengthen food safety practices immediately by focusing on basic PRPs:

• daily, weekly and monthly cleaning schedules
• temperature controls, recording and verification
• separation of raw, processed and allergenic materials
• incoming materials inspection
• packaging controls and supplier checks
• pest monitoring and facility hygiene
• traceability and recall readiness

These PRP foundations support the effective implementation of ISO 22000.