ISO 22000 Consultant | Certify Consulting

The Standard

What is ISO 22000?

ISO 22000 is the international standard for food safety management systems. It combines the principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) with prerequisite programs (PRPs) and a robust management system framework to ensure food safety at every stage of the food chain.

The standard applies to all organizations in the food chain — from farm to fork. Whether you grow, process, package, transport, store, or serve food, ISO 22000 provides a systematic approach to identifying and controlling food safety hazards.

ISO 22000 integrates interactive communication, system management, prerequisite programs, and HACCP principles into a single, cohesive food safety management system that meets the expectations of regulators, retailers, and consumers worldwide.

Industries We Serve

Who Needs ISO 22000?

ISO 22000 applies to every link in the food chain — any organization that directly or indirectly impacts food safety.

Food Manufacturers & Processors

Companies that transform raw agricultural materials into finished food products — from bakeries and dairy processors to meat plants and beverage manufacturers.

Food Packaging Companies

Manufacturers of primary and secondary food packaging materials that come into contact with food products and must ensure material safety and compliance.

Feed Producers

Animal feed manufacturers whose products directly impact the safety of the food chain. Feed safety is a critical upstream control for food safety.

Food Transport & Logistics

Transportation and logistics companies that move food products and must maintain temperature control, sanitation, and contamination prevention during transit.

Food Storage & Warehousing

Cold storage facilities, dry warehouses, and distribution centers that store food products and must maintain proper conditions to prevent spoilage and contamination.

Catering & Food Service

Catering companies, institutional food services, and food preparation facilities serving consumers and needing systematic food safety controls.

Our Proven Process

8 Steps to ISO 22000 Certification

A structured methodology adapted for food safety management — from gap assessment through certification audit.

1

Gap Assessment

Comprehensive analysis of your current food safety practices against ISO 22000 requirements. We identify gaps and build your certification roadmap.

2

HACCP Plan Development

Complete hazard analysis and HACCP plan development including biological, chemical, and physical hazard identification and critical control point determination.

3

Prerequisite Programs

Establish and document prerequisite programs (PRPs) including sanitation, pest control, allergen management, personal hygiene, and facility maintenance.

4

Documentation & SOPs

Complete food safety management system documentation including food safety manual, standard operating procedures, monitoring forms, and record-keeping systems.

5

Implementation & Validation

Hands-on implementation of your food safety management system with validation activities to confirm that control measures effectively manage identified hazards.

6

Team Training

Comprehensive food safety training for your HACCP team and all employees. Covers food safety principles, HACCP methodology, and ISO 22000 requirements.

7

Internal Audits

Full internal audit program including food safety system audits and mock certification audits. Identify and resolve nonconformities before the certification body arrives.

8

Certification Support

We stand beside you during your certification audit. Our team ensures your organization is fully prepared with no surprises on audit day.

Standard Comparison

ISO 22000 vs FSSC 22000

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) builds on ISO 22000 by adding sector-specific prerequisite programs (ISO/TS 22002 series) and additional FSSC requirements. Both standards share the same HACCP-based foundation.

The key difference: FSSC 22000 is GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) recognized, while ISO 22000 alone is not. If your customers or target markets require GFSI-benchmarked certification, FSSC 22000 is the path forward.

ISO 22000 — International food safety management system standard
FSSC 22000 — ISO 22000 + additional PRPs + FSSC requirements (GFSI recognized)
Both are globally accepted food safety certifications
We help you choose the right certification for your market needs

Learn about FSSC 22000 | All food safety services | HACCP consulting

Choosing the Right Standard

ISO 22000

Best for organizations wanting an internationally recognized food safety management system without GFSI requirements.

FSSC 22000

Best for organizations needing GFSI-benchmarked certification — often required by major retailers and food service companies.

Not sure which is right for you? Schedule a free consultation and we'll help you decide.

Common Questions

ISO 22000 FAQ

What is the difference between ISO 22000 and HACCP?

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a food safety methodology focused on identifying and controlling biological, chemical, and physical hazards at critical control points in the production process. ISO 22000 is a complete management system standard that incorporates HACCP principles as one component, but also includes prerequisite programs (PRPs), management system requirements, interactive communication, and a systematic approach to food safety across the entire organization. Think of HACCP as the technical core and ISO 22000 as the full management framework built around it. Learn more about our HACCP consulting services.

Is ISO 22000 GFSI recognized?

ISO 22000 alone is not GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) recognized. However, FSSC 22000 — which builds on ISO 22000 by adding sector-specific prerequisite programs (ISO/TS 22002 series) and additional FSSC requirements — is fully GFSI recognized. Many organizations start with ISO 22000 and later upgrade to FSSC 22000 to achieve GFSI-benchmarked certification, which is increasingly required by major retailers and food service companies. Learn more about FSSC 22000.

How does ISO 22000 compare to SQF and BRC?

ISO 22000, SQF (Safe Quality Food), and BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standards) are all food safety standards, but they differ in structure and recognition. SQF and BRCGS are GFSI-recognized schemes with specific, prescriptive audit requirements. ISO 22000 provides a more flexible management system framework but is not GFSI-recognized on its own. FSSC 22000 adds the requirements needed for GFSI benchmarking. The best choice depends on your customers' requirements and target markets — explore all our food safety services to find the right fit.

How long does ISO 22000 certification take?

ISO 22000 certification typically takes 4 to 9 months depending on the size and complexity of your food operation, the maturity of your existing food safety practices, and whether you already have HACCP plans in place. Organizations with established HACCP programs can often achieve certification faster since the hazard analysis foundation is already complete. Our 8-step process is designed to get you certified efficiently without compromising food safety rigor.

Ready to Get ISO 22000 Certified?

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation. We'll assess your current food safety system, outline a clear path to ISO 22000 certification, and help you determine if ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 is right for your organization — no obligation.

Schedule Free Consultation Call 858-240-4353

Or email us at [email protected]

ISO 22000 Food Safety