ISO 22000:2018
Food safety management systems — Requirements for any organization in the food chain
The international standard for food safety management across the entire food supply chain. ISO 22000:2018 integrates HACCP principles within a robust management system — protecting consumers and your business.
Why Certify
Benefits of ISO 22000:2018 Certification
ISO 22000:2018 builds food safety confidence from farm to fork — protecting consumers and your brand.
Ensure Consumer Safety
Systematically identify, prevent, and control food safety hazards across your entire operation.
Meet Global Requirements
ISO 22000:2018 is recognised internationally, enabling you to supply to global retailers and food businesses.
Build Consumer Confidence
Demonstrate to customers and retailers that your food safety practices meet the highest international standards.
Reduce Recalls & Liability
Proactive hazard controls and HACCP principles significantly reduce the risk of contamination and costly recalls.
Access New Markets
ISO 22000:2018 certification opens doors to export markets and major retail supply chains requiring food safety credentials.
Streamlined Audits
A single integrated standard reduces duplication and simplifies compliance across your food safety processes.
What It Covers
Key Requirements of ISO 22000:2018
ISO 22000:2018 combines HACCP principles with a full management system approach, aligned with the High Level Structure (HLS) for easy integration with other ISO standards.
Industries
Who Needs ISO 22000:2018?
Any organisation involved in the food supply chain can benefit. ISO 22000:2018 is particularly essential for:
Simple & Clear
Our ISO 22000:2018 Certification Process
A structured process tailored to your food business — efficient, credible, and transparent.
Application & Scoping
We define your FSMS scope, production processes, and certification requirements.
Certification Agreement
A formal agreement covering scope, audit days, and timeline.
Stage 1 Audit
Documentation and HACCP plan review to assess FSMS readiness.
Stage 1 Report
Findings and gap guidance shared before the Stage 2 audit.
Stage 2 Audit
On-site audit verifying your FSMS and food safety controls are effectively implemented.
Certificate Issued
Your ISO 22000:2018 certificate is issued — valid for 3 years with annual surveillance audits.
Detailed Guide
Everything You Need to Know
ISO 22000 Certification in Ghana
ISO 22000:2018 is the international standard for food safety management systems. For food businesses in Ghana — from cocoa and agri-processing to beverages, packaging, and catering — ISO 22000 certification proves that your organisation controls food safety hazards across the supply chain to a globally recognised benchmark. UCS issues internationally accredited ISO 22000 certificates, with a quote in 3–4 hours and certification typically completed in 7–10 working days.
Why an international certification body is required in Ghana
The Ghana Standards Authority is accredited to certify ISO 9001 only, and within limited technical scopes. For ISO 22000, there is no nationally accredited certification available in Ghana — so organisations that need an accredited food-safety certificate must use an internationally accredited certification body such as UCS. A UCS certificate is internationally recognised, which is often expected by export buyers and international retailers.
Ghana's food safety context
Food safety in Ghana is regulated by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), whose mandate comes from the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851). The FDA licenses food manufacturing facilities and operates a Progressive Licensing Scheme for smaller processors. An ISO 22000 food safety management system complements FDA licensing by giving organisations a structured, auditable way to manage hazards from farm to fork — though certification itself is voluntary and separate from FDA licensing requirements.
Key requirements of ISO 22000:2018
- Prerequisite programmes for hygiene and operating conditions
- Hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) principles
- Interactive communication across the food supply chain
- Management system controls and traceability
- Control of nonconforming products and recalls
- Verification, validation, and performance monitoring
- Internal audits, management review, and continual improvement
Business benefits for Ghanaian organisations
- Export access: ISO 22000 is widely expected by EU and international food buyers.
- Supply-chain confidence: demonstrable hazard control from ingredients to finished product.
- FDA readiness: supports the hygiene and traceability expectations behind licensing.
- Fewer recalls and complaints: systematic controls reduce food safety failures.
Sectors in Ghana that benefit most
- Cocoa processing and confectionery
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Agri-processing and export
- Packaging and cold-chain logistics
- Catering, hospitality, and retail
- Water and bottling
How UCS certifies your organisation
UCS is an independent certification body. We do not build or write your food safety management system — we audit it against ISO 22000:2018 and, where it conforms, issue an internationally accredited certificate. Certification follows a clear path: application and scoping, a Stage 1 documentation review, a Stage 2 on-site audit, and a certification decision. The certificate is valid for three years with annual surveillance audits.
Get ISO 22000 certified in Ghana
Whether you operate in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tema, or the agricultural regions, UCS can certify your food safety management system to ISO 22000:2018 quickly and with international recognition. Request a free assessment today for a tailored quote.
Often Certified Together
Related Certifications
Many businesses pair this standard with one of the certifications below.
Ready to Get ISO 22000:2018 Certification?
Contact our team today for a free assessment and tailored quote. Most eligible businesses can achieve certification within 7–10 days.