If you handle food, you have an obligation to your customers, to regulatory authorities, and to your brand reputation to handle it safely. However, beyond that obligation, safe food handling is part of your responsibility to build trust and deliver quality.
Two of the most recognized approaches in this space are ISO 22000 and HACCP. Both set the foundation for strong food safety management, but they differ in scope, certification, and implementation.
In this article, we break down ISO 22000 vs HACCP to help you understand their roles, compare their frameworks, and decide which is right for your business.
What is HACCP?
HACCP, or Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, is a systematic and preventive tool used to achieve food safety. It was initially developed by NASA in the 1960s to maintain the safety of food for astronauts. It is a tool or a methodology, not a certifiable management system on its own. It is, however, a legal requirement in many countries.
The seven core HACCP principles require you to:
1. Conduct a Hazard Analysis: To get started, identify and assess all potential biological, physical and chemical hazards that could happen at each step of the process. Analyse these hazards.
2. Determine Critical Control Points (CCPs): Identify the specific points or steps in the process where a control can be applied to prevent, remove or reduce food safety risks and hazards to a safe and acceptable level.
3. Establish Critical Limits: Set a maximum or minimum value for each CCP that must be met to ensure the hazard is controlled. For example, a minimum cooking temperature.
4. Establish Monitoring Procedures: Create a system for regularly checking and recording data at each CCP to ensure critical limits are being met.
5. Establish Corrective Actions: Develop a plan for what to do if monitoring shows that a critical limit has been exceeded.
6. Establish Verification Procedures: Routinely check to ensure the HACCP system is working effectively and that all monitoring and corrective actions are being performed.
7. Establish Record-Keeping and Documentation Procedures: Maintain all records related to the HACCP plan, including hazard analysis, CCP monitoring, and corrective actions.
What is ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 is a globally recognized, certifiable standard for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization. It provides a structure that you can apply to any organization, regardless of size, in the food chain.
ISO 22000 is a complete management system that can be integrated with other ISO standards like ISO 9001 (Quality Management). It follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle for continuous improvement and as a long-term solution for food safety.
ISO 22000 standard requirements for food safety management include establishing a food safety policy, documenting food safety processes, building a dedicated food safety team, and implementing a system that integrates prerequisite programs, interactive communication, and following the seven principles of HACCP.
ISO 22000 vs HACCP: Detailed Comparison
Both ISO 22000 and HACCP are widely accepted food safety standards, but they differ in scope, structure, and certification. HACCP helps with identifying and controlling hazards in food production, while ISO 22000 expands this into a full food safety management system.
Aspect | HACCP | ISO 22000 |
|---|---|---|
Definition | A preventive system based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point principles. | An international standard for a full food safety management system (FSMS). |
Scope | Focuses on hazard identification and control in food processes. | Covers the entire food supply chain, from farm to fork. |
Certification | HACCP certification validates compliance with hazard control principles. | ISO 22000 certification provides globally recognized food safety certification. |
Framework | Methodology-based; limited management system requirements. | Structured framework with PDCA cycle, risk-based thinking, and integration with other ISO standards. |
Applicability | Suitable for SMEs or organizations needing regulatory compliance. | Ideal for businesses involved in exports, global supply chains, or requiring international recognition. |
Documentation | Focused mainly on hazard plans and records. | Comprehensive documentation covering policies, objectives, processes, and HACCP principles. |
Which One to Choose: ISO 22000 vs HACCP
Choosing between ISO 22000 and HACCP is not always a matter of one or the other, but rather which level of food safety standards best fits your organization's goals.
HACCP is a fundamental, operational tool and is often a regulatory requirement to control specific food hazards. It is the minimum standard for any responsible food business.
ISO 22000, on the other hand, is a comprehensive, certifiable management system that incorporates all of the HACCP principles.
You should choose ISO 22000 if your business seeks a globally recognized certification and wants to integrate food safety into its overall business strategy. In essence, while HACCP is sufficient for daily operations, ISO 22000 provides the strategic framework for continuous improvement and excellence in food safety.
Steps for FSMS Implementation
Implementing a structured food safety management system (FSMS) is essential for businesses that want to move beyond compliance and achieve reliable food safety certification. Here are the key implementation steps:
- Start by conducting a gap analysis to identify where your current practices fall short of recognized food safety standards.
- Develop clear policies and procedures, and assign responsibilities across the organization.
- Train employees thoroughly on HACCP principles and ISO 22000 requirements.
- Establish monitoring systems along with corrective action procedures for deviations.
- Maintain complete documentation and records for every process.
- Carry out internal audits and management reviews regularly.
- Finally, apply for food safety certification through an accredited body.
In Conclusion
Safe food handling is what helps in protecting consumers, meeting regulatory expectations, and safeguarding your business reputation. While HACCP provides a strong foundation through hazard control, ISO 22000 builds on it to offer a complete, certifiable food safety management system for businesses with broader goals. The right choice depends on your size, market reach, and certification needs.
Effivity's food safety management software makes this journey easier. With built-in templates, automated workflows, and compliance tracking, it streamlines FSMS implementation and simplifies audits, helping you achieve food safety certification with confidence.
Schedule a consultation with the Effivity team today!
