The consequences of unsafe food can be serious and ISO’s food safety management standards help organizations identify and control food safety hazards. As many of today's food products repeatedly cross national boundaries, International Standards are needed to ensure the safety of the global food supply chain.

The purpose of ISO 22000

ISO 22000:2018 sets out the requirements for a food safety management system and can be certified to. It maps out what an organization needs to do to demonstrate its ability to control food safety hazards in order to ensure that food is safe. It can be used by any organization regardless of its size or position in the food chain.

About ISO 22000

ISO 22000 ensures fair competition.
ISO 22000 consolidates that conditions regarding trade, communication, requirements etc. originates from a common frame. However the global food industry is constantly developing and there is a need for a generic standard as ISO 22000 to fit the entire food chain from primary production to consumer. 
ISO 22000 has the advantage over the many private standards as it covers the whole organization. ISO 22000 contributes to ensure food safety hazards throughout the whole food chain from farm-to-table. This becomes essential as hazards occur at any stage of the food chain.

ISO 22000 accommodates communication along the food chain and within the organization. Communication is substantial to secure that all relevant food safety hazards are identified and adequately controlled at each step within the food chain. This implies communication between organizations both upstream and downstream in the food chain.

The aim of ISO 22000 is to harmonize on a global level the requirements for food safety management for organizations within the food chain. It is particularly intended for application by organizations that seek a more focused, coherent and integrated food safety management system than is normally required by law. It requires the organization to meet any applicable food safety related statutory and regulatory requirements through its food safety management system.

Last but not least ISO 22000 supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals by reducing foodborne diseases and supporting better public health.