Introduction to ISO 22000
Many people have heard of the ISO 22000, but a lot of them wonder who it is that should use it. The answer is that any business or organization that is dealing with food is going to benefit from its use. Businesses and organizations of all sizes that come into contact with food are going to be helped by the ISO 22000.
Even though most people think of animals when it comes to the term food chain, it also refers to operations and stages that involve creating and consuming food. It covers every single step from the first production to when it’s eaten. These steps are production, the processing, distributing, storage, and at last handling of the foods and ingredients.
The food chain in ISO 22000 will also involve the organizations that don’t handle the food directly. 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: ranches, fisheries, farms, and dairies
Processors: meat processors, poultry processors, feed processors, and fish processors
Manufacturers: soup, snack, bread, canned items, cereal, dressing, frozen food, confectionary, snacks, packaging
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: utensils, tools, equipment, raw materials, agents for sanitizing, and materials for packaging,
Don’t forget, this list doesn’t include all of the organizations that are going to be able to use ISO 22000. There are other organizations who are not on the list and are going to be able to make use of it. The point to remember is that any business or organization that comes into contact with food will benefit from using ISO 22000.
You will find there are benefits to incorporating the ISO 22000.
It will allow the organizations that are in the food chain to show how committed they are to food safety.
Better communication externally and internally.
Showing that you have control over the food hazards that you know about.
A continual improvement of the FSMS of the organization.
Being able to use the certification mark of the NSF, something that is known internationally.
It’s not hard to see why people love using the ISO 22000. It gives an organization a lot of the things that it needs. Without it, a lot of organizations would not be be where they are today. It’s a very useful tool.

