If you are in the food industry, then food safety is a huge priority. Globally, food safety incidents—such as contamination outbreaks or mislabeling scandals—have led to health crises, loss of consumer trust, and have had significant economic repercussions. The Listeriosis Outbreak in South Africa in 2017-2018 linked to ready-to-eat processed meats, mainly polony, produced by a major food manufacturer is one example that reminds us of food safety risks and the importance of food safety protocols. One of the solutions is the implementation of ISO 22000, an international standard that sets the framework for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
In this blog post we share more about implementing and obtaining ISO 22000 certification, strategic approaches to strengthening your Food Safety Management System (FSMS), and key components from ISO 22000 and the complementary Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) framework.
What is ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 is an internationally recognised standard developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
It provides a structured approach for food safety management, combining the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) with Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) to identify and mitigate risks across the food supply chain.
Key features of ISO 22000
- A comprehensive approach: ISO 22000 integrates key food safety practices with business processes for seamless management.
- Flexibility: The standard applies to any organisation in the food industry, from producers and processors to distributors and retailers.
- Compatibility: ISO 22000 can be integrated with other management standards like ISO 9001 (Quality Management), reducing duplication and improving overall operational efficiency.
Key components of ISO 22000
To achieve effective food safety management, ISO 22000 has these core principles:
1. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
This systematic approach focuses on identifying, evaluating, and controlling potential hazards that could compromise food safety. This is done by shifting from reactive responses to proactive prevention, HACCP ensures that risks are addressed before they become critical issues.
For HACCP to remain effective, businesses must regularly review and update their plans to identify emerging risks, such as new pathogens, supply chain disruptions, or changes in production methods.
2. Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)
These include things like maintaining proper hygiene, implementing effective pest control, ensuring equipment is well-maintained, and maintaining a clean production environment.
PRPs are the building blocks of food safety, creating a controlled environment that reduces the likelihood of contamination. Without strong PRPs, even the most robust HACCP plan can have issues as the overall production environment would fail to support safe practices.
3. Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRPs)
While PRPs provide the foundational conditions, Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRPs) focus on specific control measures applied at critical points in the food production process. These measures are designed to address risks that directly influence the safety of the final product.
For example, temperature controls during cooking or sterilisation processes might be classified as OPRPs. Unlike general PRPs, OPRPs are subject to continuous monitoring and verification. This ensures that they function as intended and that any deviations are quickly addressed to prevent safety lapses.
By focusing on these critical points, OPRPs help organisations maintain focus on product safety.
Download our FREE Guide “Strengthening Your Food Safety System with ISO 22000” to upgrade your Food Safety game.
What is FSSC?
The Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) scheme builds upon ISO 22000 by incorporating additional requirements to meet the needs of global food supply chains. It is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), making it a global benchmark for food safety excellence.
Key Features of FSSC
- Global recognition: Accepted by major retailers and food manufacturers globally.
- Comprehensive scope: Covers food manufacturing, packaging, storage, and distribution.
- More requirements: Includes additional requirements like allergen management, food defense, and fraud prevention.
FSSC and ISO 22000: A perfect pair
While ISO 22000 forms the foundation of the FSMS, FSSC 22000 adds specific, detailed requirements to improve its effectiveness. By integrating these two frameworks, your business can align with both regulatory and customer expectations while strengthening its competitive edge.
Key requirements from FSSC
To achieve FSSC certification, organisations must fulfil these requirements:
- Management commitment: Top management must actively support and participate in the FSMS.
- Food defense and Fraud mitigation: Measures to prevent intentional contamination or fraud must be implemented.
- Continuous improvement: Regular audits and performance evaluations are crucial for maintaining compliance.
Quick Steps to Integrate FSSC into Your FSMS
Step 1: Conduct a gap analysis
Before diving into the implementation of FSSC, conducting a comprehensive gap analysis is essential to assess your current Food Safety Management System (FSMS) and identify areas requiring alignment with FSSC requirements.
This process involves evaluating existing food safety protocols, policies, and procedures against FSSC standards to pinpoint discrepancies, such as shortcomings in documentation, risk assessments, or operational controls.
Once these gaps are identified, they should be prioritised based on their urgency and potential impact, allowing you to develop a clear and actionable plan for improvement.
Step 2: Train your team
An FSMS is only as strong as the team behind it, making training a critical component of FSSC compliance. Tailored, role-specific training ensures all employees, from frontline workers to management, understand their responsibilities in maintaining food safety standards.
Interactive workshops and seminars can deepen this understanding, while continuous education keeps the team updated on evolving standards and industry best practices. Empowering your team with knowledge creates a culture of accountability and commitment to food safety excellence.
Step 3: Leverage technology
Digital tools can automate data collection for critical control points, such as temperature and sanitation schedules, while monitoring systems provide real-time compliance visibility to address issues on time.
Simplified reporting tools streamline audit preparation and certification processes, reducing manual effort. By using technology, you reduce errors, improve accuracy, and free up resources to focus on strategic food safety initiatives.
Download our FREE Guide “Strengthening Your Food Safety System with ISO 22000” to upgrade your Food Safety game.
Updates in FSSC Version 6
The latest version of FSSC includes enhancements such as a stronger focus on sustainability, improved food safety culture, and refined auditing protocols. Organisations with an existing FSMS must adapt these changes to maintain certification and remain compliant.
Strategic ways to reinforce your FSMS
A strong FSMS evolves with new challenges and opportunities. Here are some strategies to reinforce yours:
1. Strengthen HACCP plans
Regularly review and update your HACCP plan to account for new hazards, such as emerging pathogens or supply chain vulnerabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure a thorough hazard analysis is done.
2. Optimise PRPs
Evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of your PRPs. Use monitoring and verification processes to identify inefficiencies and make improvements.
3. Build a food safety culture
Encourage a culture where food safety is a shared responsibility. Regular training and awareness programs can motivate employees to prioritise food safety in their daily activities.
4. Leverage technology
Adopt digital tools like sensors and real-time monitoring systems to track critical control points. Technology can improve traceability, enabling swift responses to incidents.
5. Engage in continuous improvement
Establish a feedback loop through internal audits and stakeholder input. Use insights to refine processes and stay ahead of regulatory changes.
Benefits of ISO 22000 Certification
ISO 22000 certification is more than a compliance milestone: it’s a strategic asset. Here are key benefits for your business:
- Market access: Certification demonstrates compliance with international standards, facilitating trade and export opportunities.
- Regulatory compliance: Aligns with food safety laws and reduces the risk of legal penalties.
- Consumer trust: Enhances brand reputation and creates consumer confidence in your products.
- Operational efficiency: Streamlines processes by integrating food safety with other management systems.
Download our FREE Guide “Strengthening Your Food Safety System with ISO 22000” to upgrade your Food Safety game.
Conclusion
A strong Food Safety Management System (FSMS) is key to any successful food business, ensuring public health, compliance, and creating trust among stakeholders. Implementing ISO 22000 and integrating the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) framework improves food safety management by providing a structured, globally recognised approach to risk mitigation. These certifications are more than just compliance tools; they are a commitment to excellence and a competitive advantage in today’s food industry.
ISO 22000 offers a good foundation for managing food safety through a systematic framework, emphasising hazard control, operational efficiency, and continual improvement. The FSSC framework complements ISO 22000 by introducing additional requirements that improve global credibility, helping organisations meet international standards. Together, they create a comprehensive approach to food safety management.
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Is your FSMS strong enough to mitigate risks? Ensure food safety excellence for your business by improving your systems with expert guidance.
With decades of experience, Risk ZA specialises in training, consulting, and implementing ISO management solutions for organisations of all sizes across the EMEA region.
Call us at +27 (0) 31 569 5900 or +44 (0) 203 728 6179 or send an email to enquiries@riskza.com to gain the knowledge and tools needed to achieve and maintain food safety standards.
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