Food Safety Management System 

 ISO 22000:2005 Food Safety Management Systems

A food safety management system (FSMS) is a management system that focuses on driving and improving food safety performance, legal compliance and enhancement of consumer confidence through identifying and managing food safety related hazards. ISO 22000 requires organization to establish food safety

Policy and objectives, establish Prerequisites programmes (PRP), perform hazard analysis, establish operational PRPs and HACCP, tracking performance through monitoring and measurement, implement corrective action and conducting management review. In essence, it consists of the following clauses,

• Food safety management system

• Management responsibility

• Resource management

• Planning and realization of safe products

• Validation, verification and improvement of FSMS Compatibility

 ISO 22000 has the same basic structure as other international management system standards such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001. It offers a common framework for integrating different management systems.The standard has been developed within ISO by experts from the food industry, along with representatives of specialized international organizations and in close cooperation with the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the body jointly established by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) to develop food standards.

 RELEVANCE of ISO 22000
ISO 22000 is a requirement standard which means organizations can be certified to it. It is generic in nature and is applicable to organizations of various sizes and background, and different roles along the food chain.

 BENEFITS

 It provides a framework of internationally harmonized requirements for the global approach that is needed. A major resulting benefit is that ISO 22000 will make it easier for organizations worldwide to implement the Codex HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) system for food hygiene in a harmonized way, which does not vary with the country or food product concerned.

 Apart from enhancement in creditability through third party certification, an effective ISO 22000 management system shall deliver the following inherent benefits,

 • Sustainable food safety performance and improving consumer confidence

 • Platform for process and management control and improvement

 • Improved communication along the food chain

 • Facilitate compliance with legal and Codex HACCP principles

 • Reduction in food safety incidents and cost

 WHO SHOULD USE ISO 22000:2005

 Since ISO 22000 is a generic food safety management standard, it can be used by any organization directly or indirectly involved in the food chain. It applies to all organizations in the food chain. It doesn’t matter how complex the organization is or what size it is, ISO 22000 can help ensure the safety of its food products.

 The food chain consists of the entire sequence of stages and operations involved in the creation and consumption of food products. This includes every step from initial production to final consumption. More precisely, it includes the production, processing, distribution, storage, and handling of all food and food ingredients. The food chain also includes organizations that do not directly handle food. These include organizations that produce feed for animals that produce food and for animals that will be used as food. It also includes organizations that produce materials that will eventually come into contact with food or food ingredients

 HOW SHOULD PROCEED

 In order to capitalize the full offer of ISO 22000, organizations shall acquire an accurate understanding of the requirements and the intent of the standard. Perform a gap analysis to determine the status of the organization compared to the certification requirements. From top management to front line staff, all levels of staff shall acquire an appropriate level of understanding of the standard. Top management commitment is a critical success factor. Work on a realistic plan and not the least; ensure a strong buy-in from everybody.