Overview of the ISO 22000 Standard

Posted by admin

February 27, 2010

Many people have heard of the ISO 22000, but a lot of them wonder who it is that should use it. The truth is that any organization that deals with food or the food chain can benefit from using it. The complexity or size of the organization doesn’t matte, small or large it can be helped with the ISO 22000.

Although a lot of people think of the animal kingdom when talking about the food chain, it’s also referring to the different stages in making and eating food. The term includes each of the steps, from the food is first made to when it becomes dinner. To be more precise, it includes things like production, the processing, the distribution, the storage, and the handling of every piece of food or ingredient.

Even organizations that don’t deal with the food directly are a part of the food chain for the ISO 22000. These are organizations such as ones that make food for animals that make food, as well as animals that are going to become food eventually. The food chain also encompasses companies that are making things that will hold food or ingredients of food.

There are quite a few organizations that are able to make use of ISO 22000.

Primary producers: farms, dairies, ranches, and fisheries
Processors: meat processors, poultry processors, feed processors, and fish processors
Manufacturers: soup manufacturer, snack manufacturer, bread manufacturer, canned food manufacturer, cereal manufacturer, seasoning manufacturer, canned good manufacturer, frozen food manufacturer, dressing manufacturer, beverage manufacturer,
Providers of food services: grocery stores, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise ships, seniors lodges, nursing homes,
Other providers of services: logistic service, catering service, distribution service, storage service, sanitation service, storage service,
Suppliers of Products: sanitizing agents, tools, raw materials, sanitizing agents, packaging materials, utensils

Don’t forget, this list doesn’t include all of the organizations that are going to be able to use ISO 22000. Chances are that you can think of other organizations that will be able to benefit from using it. The ISO 22000 is going to benefit companies and organizations that are dealing with food.

You will find there are benefits to incorporating the ISO 22000.

It lets the businesses that are a part of the well known food chain to prove their food safety commitment.

Better communication externally and internally.

Proven control over food hazards that are known.

Continually improving the organization’s FSMS.

Being able to use the certification mark of the NSF, something that is known internationally.

With all this information, its not difficult to realize why so many organizations use ISO 22000. The ISO 22000 gives organizations many tools which are useful. Without it, a lot of organizations would not be be where they are today. It’s an extremely useful tool.

Share and Enjoy: