The publication of the new edition of international food safety management system standard ISO 22000:2018 has just been announced by International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Increasing consumer demands for safe and sustainable food production combined with supply chains becoming more complex giving rise to fraud and the spread of disease, means that the quest for food safety has never been as acute as it is today.
“The long-anticipated publication of the revised ISO 22000 is a significant step; the standard is recognised throughout the global food supply chain and certification publicly demonstrates a commitment to food safety,” said Vincent Doumeizel - Vice President Food & Sustainability at LRQA.
Aimed at all organisations in the food and feed industries, regardless of size, sector or geographical location, ISO 22000 is structured to provide process improvements and its design delivers a precautionary and risk based approach to food safety.
According to ISO, the latest improvements to ISO 22000 include:
- Adoption of Annex SL - the High-Level Text and Structure common to all ISO management system standards, making it easier for organisations to combine ISO 22000 with other management systems such as ISO 9001 (quality) or ISO 14001 (environmental) thereby potentially saving time and money
- A new approach to risk – as a vital concept in the food business – which distinguishes between risk at the operational level and the business level of the management system
- Strong links to the Codex Alimentarius, a United Nations food group that develops food safety guidelines for governments
“These are exciting new features for ISO 22000,” said Doumeizel. “Whilst Annex SL has been expected, what is interesting is the new approach to risk, which we see as fundamental in driving global food safety.”
LRQA serves over 33,000 clients worldwide – from the world’s best-known brands to the smallest of suppliers. “As a result, we know the issues facing the market and we make sure that we provide value added solutions to alleviate client concerns. LRQA has long delivered assurance services against ISO 22000 and we welcome the publication of the new standard which we believe will further strengthen the food safety assurance options available to organisations within the food and feed sector.”
ISO 22000:2018 cancels and replaces ISO 22000:2005. According to ISO, organisations certified to the standard have three years from the date of publication to transition to the new version.
For more information about LRQA's wide range of food assurance and training services please email enquiries@lr.org.