ISO 22000 Certification for Food Safety Management
Build a food safety management system, prepare for the audit and move towards ISO 22000 certification with expert support.
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ISO 22000 certification confirms that a food business operates a documented food safety management system that follows international requirements. The standard combines HACCP principles with prerequisite programmes and management system controls across the food chain. It suits manufacturers, processors, packers, caterers, cold-storage operators and suppliers of food packaging that want to demonstrate control of hazards to customers and export buyers. Certification is voluntary and is issued by an independent certification body, not by the government. It does not replace the FSSAI licence that Indian food businesses need. Our team helps with the gap analysis, documentation, training and audit readiness.
Who provides this service: our team of Company Secretaries and compliance specialists.
Who Needs ISO 22000 Certification?
- Food manufacturers and processors supplying large retailers or institutional buyers
- Exporters whose overseas buyers ask for a certified food safety system
- Packaging suppliers who serve the food industry
- Catering companies, central kitchens and cloud kitchens scaling operations
- Cold-storage, warehousing and food logistics operators
Key Benefits
- Gap analysis of your current food safety practices against the requirements of the standard
- HACCP plan, hazard analysis and prerequisite programme documents prepared for your actual process
- Practical training for staff on hygiene, traceability and corrective action
- Internal audit and management review organised before the certification audit
- Help in comparing accredited certification bodies and scheduling stage 1 and stage 2 audits
- Support in closing audit findings so the certificate decision is not delayed
How It Works
Scope and gap analysis
We visit or review your site, define the scope of products and processes, and compare current practices with the standard to produce a clear gap list and action plan.
Hazard analysis and HACCP plan
Your process flow is mapped, hazards are identified, critical control points are set with limits and monitoring methods, and prerequisite programmes such as cleaning and pest control are documented.
System documentation
Policy, procedures, work instructions, forms and records are written in simple language for your team so that the system reflects what is truly done on the floor.
Training and implementation
Staff are trained on their food safety roles and the system runs for a period so that real records exist for the auditor to examine.
Internal audit and management review
An internal audit tests the system, nonconformities are corrected and top management reviews performance, which the standard requires before the certification audit.
Certification audit
An accredited certification body conducts stage 1 and stage 2 audits. We help you prepare, respond to findings and then follow the surveillance cycle after the certificate is issued.
Documents Required
- FSSAI licence or registration of the food business
- Business registration and address proof of the facility
- Process flow diagrams for each product line
- Layout plan of the premises showing material and personnel flow
- List of raw materials, suppliers and approved vendors
- Equipment list and calibration records
- Cleaning, sanitation and pest control records
- Water quality and product test reports where available
Timeline and Fees
Indicative timeline: Implementation commonly takes a few months before the certification audit; the audit schedule depends on the certification body.
Professional fee: Our fee depends on the size of the facility, the number of product lines and sites, and how much documentation and training is required. The certification body charges its audit fees separately, and these vary with scope and audit days.
What Can Go Wrong if This Is Missed or Done Incorrectly
- A system built only on paper, without real records, usually fails at the stage 2 audit
- Choosing a certification body without suitable accreditation can lead to buyers rejecting the certificate
- Missed surveillance audits can lead to suspension or withdrawal of the certificate
- ISO 22000 does not remove the legal need for an FSSAI licence, and operating without it carries separate consequences
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ISO 22000 mandatory for food businesses in India?
No. ISO 22000 is a voluntary international standard. Indian food businesses are legally required to hold the applicable FSSAI licence or registration, which is a separate matter. Many buyers, exporters and large retailers ask for ISO 22000 to confirm food safety controls.
What is the difference between ISO 22000 and HACCP?
HACCP is a hazard analysis method focused on critical control points in a process. ISO 22000 includes HACCP principles but adds management system requirements such as leadership, communication, internal audit and continual improvement across the whole food chain organisation.
How long is an ISO 22000 certificate valid?
A certificate normally runs on a three-year cycle, with surveillance audits in between to confirm the system continues to work. After three years a recertification audit is needed. The exact audit frequency is decided by the certification body under its rules.
Who issues the ISO 22000 certificate?
An independent certification body issues it after auditing your system. It is wise to choose a body accredited by a recognised accreditation authority, such as NABCB in India or an equivalent member of the international accreditation forum, so the certificate is accepted by buyers.
Can a small food business get certified?
Yes. The standard applies to organisations of any size, though the system should be proportionate to the operation. A small unit often finds that the main effort is keeping consistent records, which our team helps to set up in a manageable way.
Official Sources
Rules, forms and fees change. Check the current position on the official portal:
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Last reviewed: . Laws, fees and procedures change; check the official portal before you act.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, tax or compliance advice. Requirements vary by situation. Please consult a qualified CA or CS for advice specific to your needs. Government fees and timelines are subject to change; verify with the relevant authority before proceeding.