Passing ISO 22000 Audits With Ease

What is an ISO 22000 Audit?

An ISO 22000 audit is a systematic examination of a food safety management system (FSMS) against the requirements set by the ISO 22000 standard. This standard specifies the criteria for a comprehensive FSMS to ensure food safety at every stage of the food supply chain. The audit can be conducted internally within an organization, externally by customers or third-party auditors, or as part of a certification process.

Key Components of ISO 22000

• Interactive Communication: Effective communication across the entire food chain is crucial for identifying and controlling hazards.
  
• System Management: This component involves comprehensive documentation and management of the FSMS.
  
• Prerequisite Programs (PRPs): These are procedures, including basic hygiene and operational conditions, necessary to maintain a sanitary environment throughout the food chain.
  
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Principles: This includes identifying potential food safety hazards and implementing control measures at critical points in the food supply chain.
  

ISO 22000 Audit Process

Implementing ISO 22000, a comprehensive food safety management system standard involves a structured schedule that can be broadly divided into several key stages. Here’s a general outline of what an ISO 22000 implementation schedule might look like:

1. Initial Preparation and Planning:

• Conduct a gap analysis to understand the current state of your food safety practices versus ISO 22000 requirements.
• Develop an implementation plan, setting clear objectives, timelines, and responsibilities.

2. Training and Awareness:

• Provide training for all relevant staff on ISO 22000 standards and principles.
• Raise awareness about the importance of food safety and the role each employee plays in the system.

3. Documentation Development:

• Develop a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) manual, including food safety policies and objectives.
• Document procedures and records that meet ISO 22000 requirements.

4. Implementation of Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) and Hazard Analysis:

• Establish and implement appropriate PRPs.
• Conduct Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) planning.

5. System Implementation and Operation:

• Implement the developed FSMS throughout the organization.
• Conduct internal audits to check the effectiveness of the FSMS.

6. Review and Improvement:

• Review the system regularly for effectiveness and compliance.
• Identify areas for continuous improvement.

7. Pre-Certification Audit (Optional):

• Conduct a pre-certification (or ‘mock’) audit to prepare for the actual certification audit.

8. Certification Audits:

• Undergo a two-stage audit process conducted by a certification body:
  • Stage 1: A preliminary, informal review of the FSMS, checking the readiness for the next stage.
  • Stage 2: A more detailed and formal compliance audit, checking the FSMS against the standard’s requirements.

9. Post-Certification Activities:

• Address any non-conformities identified during the audit.
• Once certified, maintain and continually improve the FSMS.
• Prepare for surveillance audits (usually annual) to ensure ongoing compliance.

The actual timeframe for each stage can vary depending on the size and complexity of the organization, existing practices, and the resources available. Typically, the entire process from initial planning to certification can take anywhere from 6 months to a year or more. It’s important to note that ISO 22000 is a continuous improvement process, so even after certification, the organization should focus on continually enhancing its food safety practices.

What does an ISO 22000 audit include?

Section	Key Components
Management Responsibility and Commitment	Food safety policy review Management commitment to the FSMS Food safety team structure and responsibilities
FSMS Planning	FSMS adequacy for food safety Objectives and performance metrics Risk management procedures
Resource Management	Infrastructure and work environment Personnel competence and training External resources and services
Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)	Facility cleanliness and sanitation Pest control measures Employee health and hygiene
Traceability System	Product identification and traceability Product recall procedures
Emergency Preparedness and Response	Emergency plan effectiveness
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)	Hazard analysis Critical Control Points (CCPs) monitoring Corrective actions for hazards
Control of Monitoring and Measuring	Monitoring and measuring devices and methods Food safety control measures
Validation, Verification, and Improvement of the FSMS	Validation and verification procedures Internal audits and management reviews Continuous improvement processes
Internal Audit	Internal audit program effectiveness Follow-up actions from internal audits
Product Handling and Preparation	Product handling, preparation, packaging, distribution processes Storage and transportation conditions
Documentation and Record Keeping	Documentation appropriateness and maintenance Food safety and compliance records

ISO 22000 vs FSSC 2200 vs BRC

Criteria	ISO 22000	FSSC 22000	BRC/BRCGS
Certification Process	Two-stage onsite audit	Two-stage onsite audit	One-stage onsite audit
Certification Approach	Combines elements of ISO 9001 with a focus on food safety	Framework for implementing a process-based FSMS	Prescriptive guidelines for food safety procedures
Scope of Requirements	Includes PRPs and a HACCP-specific food safety plan	Builds upon ISO 22000 with additional specific requirements	Every 6 or 12 months, based on the assessed grade
Nonconformity (NC) Closeout / Deadline for Corrective Actions	Within 14 days	Within 30 days	Within 28 days
Recertification Period / Validity of Certificate	Every 3 years, with annual surveillance audits	Every 3 years, with annual surveillance audits	Every 6 or 12 months, based on assessed grade
Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)	No	Yes	Yes

Benefits of ISO 22000

1. Enhanced Food Safety: ISO 22000 provides a framework for effectively managing food safety risks, incorporating principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). This enhances food safety at all stages of the food chain.

2. Improved Customer Confidence: Certification to an internationally recognized food safety standard can increase customers’ trust in your products, as it demonstrates a commitment to food safety and quality.

3. Global Recognition: ISO 22000 is recognized worldwide, which can facilitate easier access to global markets and may be required by some international buyers.

4. Integration with Other Management Systems: ISO 22000 is designed to be compatible with other ISO management system standards, making it easier to integrate with existing systems like ISO 9001 (Quality Management) or ISO 14001 (Environmental Management).

5. Systematic Management of Prerequisite Programs (PRPs): The standard requires the establishment of effective PRPs, which help in maintaining basic conditions and hygiene practices to ensure food safety.

6. Risk Management: It encourages a systematic approach to identifying food safety hazards and controlling them through pre-defined measures, thereby reducing the likelihood of food safety incidents.

7. Legal Compliance: Adherence to ISO 22000 helps ensure that your business complies with applicable food safety laws and regulations, thereby reducing the risk of legal non-compliance and associated penalties.

8. Continuous Improvement: The standard promotes continuous improvement of food safety processes, which can lead to enhanced performance over time.

9. Stakeholder Confidence: By demonstrating a real commitment to food safety, you can enhance the confidence of stakeholders, including customers, employees, and suppliers.

10. Efficient Resource Management: Implementing ISO 22000 can lead to more efficient use of resources, reducing waste and improving cost management.

Overall, ISO 22000 helps organizations in the food chain to demonstrate their ability to control food safety hazards and ensure that food is safe for consumption, thus providing a competitive advantage and supporting sustainable business growth.

AuditComply’s ISO 22000 Tool: Streamlining Audit Preparation and Certification Efforts

Gaining ISO 22000 certification is a detailed process that demands meticulous documentation, record-keeping, and organization-wide coordination. Traditional methods like pen and paper often prove cumbersome, especially when auditors need to digitize data and manually transfer audit reports. Leveraging the right technology can facilitate a smoother implementation and optimize the process of addressing food safety risks. Utilizing AuditComply’s mobile application, you can:

• Efficiently Document Crucial Data: Utilize handheld devices to record significant information effortlessly.
  
• Capture and Detail Evidence: Take photos of hazards and non-compliant items, with options to annotate for clearer understanding.
  
• Incorporate Comprehensive Observations: Attach detailed notes to provide context and actionable recommendations
  
• Prompt Corrective Actions: Assign tasks for immediate correction of identified food safety risks.
  
• Secure Data Storage in the Cloud: Safely store and retrieve collected data. Access a sample ISO 22000 report in PDF format
  
• Real-Time Report Generation and Sharing: Create, distribute, and access up-to-date reports within your organization instantly.
  
• Scheduled Audits for Consistent Safety: Plan ISO 22000 audits regularly to maintain safety standards and proactively identify potential food safety issues
  
• Analyze Trends from Audit Outcomes: Evaluate the results of internal audits to discern safety trends and areas for improvement.

Download from AuditComply’s extensive library of ISO 22000 PDFs and digital checklists, transformed into user-friendly mobile checklists. These tools are designed to assist in preparing for ISO 22000 certification and pinpointing gaps in your current system. Additionally, we offer HACCP and GMP templates, integral to the development of a comprehensive FSMS.

Discover how AuditComply can revolutionize your FSMS implementation and audit preparation, ensuring a more streamlined and effective path to ISO 22000 certification. Request a demo today.