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. Learn more about HACCP certification.
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 are independently audited against ISO 22000:2018.
Reduce Recalls & Liability
Proactive hazard controls and HACCP principles 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 relevant for:
Simple & Clear
Our ISO 22000:2018 Certification Process
A structured process tailored to your food business — efficient, credible, and transparent.
Application
Submit your application to initiate the certification process.
Certification Agreement
A formal agreement will be shared for your review and signature prior to commencement.
Stage 1 Audit
A thorough review of your documentation, processes, and overall readiness against the applicable standard.
Stage 1 Audit Report
A detailed report outlining findings, observations, and recommended actions will be shared with you.
Stage 2 Audit
An on-site or remote assessment evaluating the implementation, effectiveness, and conformity of your management system.
Final Report & Certification
Upon completion of the Stage 2 audit, a comprehensive report will be issued. Any identified nonconformities must be addressed before certification is formally granted.
Detailed Guide
Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to food safety, nothing matters more than trust — whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, or retailer. That’s why ISO 22000:2018 certification has become a must-have for food businesses across the UAE. But what exactly is ISO 22000:2018, and why should your company consider getting certified?
What is ISO 22000:2018?
ISO 22000:2018 is an internationally recognised Food Safety Management System (FSMS) standard. It provides a structured approach for managing food safety risks and ensuring the delivery of safe food products throughout the supply chain.
The Evolution of ISO 22000:2018
The ISO 22000:2018 standard has evolved over the years to address the growing complexity and needs of the food industry. The latest version, ISO 22000:2018, was published in 2018 and brought several key changes, including:
- An increased focus on leadership commitment
- More flexibility for organisations of different sizes and complexities
- Enhanced emphasis on risk-based thinking
- Incorporation of the High-Level Structure (HLS) to align with other ISO management system standards
These improvements ensure that ISO 22000:2018 is a relevant and effective structure for the modern food safety landscape.
The Importance of ISO 22000:2018
ISO 22000:2018 is not just a certification. It’s a tool for continual improvement and risk management. Implementing this standard helps organisations build consumer trust by proving their commitment to food safety. Here’s why it’s essential:
Consumer Health and Safety
By adhering to ISO 22000:2018, organisations can proactively manage food safety risks, reducing the chances of contamination and foodborne illnesses. This enhances consumer health and safety, building confidence in the food products they purchase.
Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with local and international food safety regulations is crucial for any food-related business. ISO 22000:2018 gives organisations a structured way to meet statutory and regulatory food safety requirements.
Competitive Advantage
In today’s competitive food industry, businesses that can demonstrate their commitment to food safety often have an edge. ISO 22000:2018 certification serves as a valuable marketing tool, attracting both customers and potential business partners who value safety and quality.
Continual Improvement
The standard is designed to promote continual improvement. Organisations are encouraged to monitor their food safety management system regularly and make necessary adjustments to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Key Requirements of ISO 22000:2018
ISO 22000:2018 outlines several requirements that businesses must follow to maintain an effective food safety management system. These include:
1. Leadership and Commitment
One of the most significant changes in ISO 22000:2018 is the greater emphasis on leadership. Top management must actively participate in establishing, implementing, and maintaining the FSMS. This ensures that food safety is prioritized at all levels of the organisation.
2. Risk-Based Thinking
The 2018 revision emphasizes the importance of risk management. Organisations must identify potential risks in the food production process and implement controls to prevent, eliminate, or reduce these risks to acceptable levels.
3. Food Safety Policy
Every organisation must define a food safety policy that is communicated and understood throughout the organisation. This policy must be aligned with the organisation's overall goals and objectives.
4. Operational Control
To ensure food safety is maintained, organisations must implement operational controls at every stage of the food chain, from sourcing ingredients to distribution. This includes processes like monitoring, testing, and validation.
5. Management Review and Continual Improvement
Regular management reviews are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the FSMS. These reviews help organisations identify areas for improvement, track performance, and ensure compliance with the food safety policy.
ISO 22000:2018 and the Food Safety Chain
ISO 22000:2018 focuses on the entire food safety chain, from farm to table. It acknowledges that food safety is not solely the responsibility of individual organisations but requires cooperation and coordination across the entire food production and supply chain. This holistic approach ensures that food safety is addressed at every step, reducing risks and improving product quality.
Benefits of ISO 22000:2018 Certification for UAE Food Businesses
Enhancing Food Safety and Quality
Certification gives independent evidence that your food safety controls are working, which helps reduce contamination risks.
Meeting Regulatory Requirements
ISO 22000:2018 gives a structured basis for meeting UAE food safety requirements — the criteria are set by the relevant authority.
Building Consumer Trust and Brand Reputation
Certified businesses can demonstrate their commitment to food safety to customers and retailers.
Expanding Market Access
ISO 22000:2018 certification opens doors to new local and international markets, including exports.
Challenges of Implementing ISO 22000:2018
While the benefits are clear, implementing ISO 22000:2018 can be challenging. Some common challenges include:
Ongoing Maintenance: Maintaining compliance with ISO 22000:2018 requires continuous effort and resources, including regular training, monitoring, and audits.
Cost of Implementation: Initial setup costs, including training, audits, and documentation, can be significant for small businesses.
Resistance to Change: Employees and management may resist new processes or changes to existing procedures.
ISO 22000:2018 vs Other Food Safety Standards
There are several other food safety standards, such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standards), but ISO 22000:2018 stands out because of its holistic approach to the entire food safety management system. While other standards focus on specific aspects of food safety, ISO 22000:2018 integrates all aspects, from risk management to operational controls, into a unified structure.
ISO 22000:2018 is a comprehensive and globally recognised standard that helps organisations in the food industry manage food safety risks and ensure the safety of their products. By adopting this standard, businesses can not only comply with regulations but also build trust with consumers, and improve their operational processes.
At Universal Certification and Services (UCS), we provide ISO 22000:2018 certification to help organisations demonstrate their commitment to food safety and compliance with international standards.
Connect with UCS today about ISO 22000:2018 certification for your food business.
For more information, visit iso.org.
Can small businesses implement ISO 22000:2018?
What are the costs of ISO 22000:2018 certification?
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.