ISO 22000: Food Safety for the Food Chain

Author: Maren Fichtner | October 8, 2026

Definition: What is ISO 22000?

ISO 22000 is an international standard for food safety management systems published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It combines the classic HACCP principles with the high-level structure of modern management system standards such as ISO 9001 and is applicable throughout the entire food chain – from primary agricultural production through processing to packaging and logistics.

Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

Current edition: ISO 22000:2018

Who is ISO 22000 intended for?

The standard is intended for all organizations throughout the food chain, regardless of size or role: farms, food manufacturers, packaging manufacturers, transportation companies, and even manufacturers of cleaning products for the food industry. As a result, ISO 22000 has a broader scope than trade-driven standards such as IFS or BRCGS, which focus primarily on manufacturing facilities.

Overview of core requirements

Interactive communication: information exchange throughout the entire supply chain
System management: high-level structure analogous to ISO 9001, compatible with other ISO management systems
PRPs (Prerequisite Programs): fundamental hygiene and operational requirements as the basis for food safety
HACCP principles: systematic hazard analysis and identification of critical control points
Continuous improvement: PDCA cycle and updating of the management system
Emergency and crisis management: preparation for recalls and food safety incidents

Differences from IFS and BRCGS

ISO 22000 is a general, internationally recognized management system standard that, in its basic version, is not recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). In contrast, IFS and BRCGS are GFSI-recognized, significantly more detailed industry standards with point-based assessments (percentage-based for IFS, grading for BRCGS), which many European retailers specifically require as a prerequisite for product listing. FSSC 22000 was developed to bridge the GFSI gap: This certification builds upon ISO 22000, supplements it with additional technical specifications and requirements, and is therefore recognized by the GFSI.

Consequences of noncompliance

Since ISO 22000 is less commonly used as a direct prerequisite for trade than IFS or BRCGS, the immediate consequences are usually less severe than those resulting from failing a retailer audit. Nevertheless, a suspended or revoked certification jeopardizes a company’s position as an international supplier – particularly with regard to customers outside Europe who specifically require ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 – as well as trust throughout multi-tiered supply chains.

Related standards

FSSC 22000 – GFSI-recognized standard based on ISO 22000
HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
IFS – International Featured Standards, specifically IFS Food
BRCGS – British food safety standard
ISO 9001 – basic quality management standard

Frequently asked questions about ISO 22000

Is ISO 22000 required by law?

No. The underlying HACCP principles are legally required in the EU, but the certification itself is voluntary.

What is the difference between this and IFS or BRCGS?

ISO 22000 is a general management system standard that is not GFSI-recognized in its basic version; IFS and BRCGS are GFSI-recognized, more detailed industry standards. FSSC 22000 combines both approaches.

How long is a certification valid?

Typically three years, with annual surveillance audits and recertification prior to expiration.

Who is authorized to certify?

Only accredited certification bodies approved in Germany by DAkkS.

Successfully implementing ISO 22000

The greatest operational effort lies in the comprehensive documentation of HACCP control points, preventive programs, and traceability data. Connected worker platforms like weasl automatically capture this evidence during day-to-day operations and provide a shared database that can be prepared for audits under ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, IFS, or BRCGS.

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