Replacing the Existing HACCP System with ISO 22000

The need for an international standard

Since its development, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) has been slowly incorporated into food safety systems. The United States was the first to include HACCP principles into the regulations that govern the production of high-risk foods. Then, the European Union mandated all food manufacturers that produce food for the European market to incorporate HACCP into their food safety systems.

Since that time, many countries have developed their national food safety management standards. Even certain companies have created their own safety standards. As globalization of trade led to the widespread international marketing of foods, the increased number of national and private food safety standards caused much confusion among customers.

Going beyond the HACCP principles

For nearly two decades, the HACCP system has been successfully applied in the food industry. HACCP principles have been integrated in many food safety systems. However, there was no internationally recognized standard for auditing the HACCP system.

As the need for an international standard became apparent, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) started working on the development of an auditable food safety management systems standard. The goal was harmonization of existing national standards into a globally recognized food safety standard.

In September 2005, ISO published ISO 22000, Food safety management systems – Requirements for any organization in the food chain. This standard specifies the requirements for a Food Safety Management System that combines the following generally recognized key elements to ensure food safety along the food chain:

• Interactive communication
• System management
• Prerequisite programs (PRPs)
• HACCP principles

Replacing the existing HACCP system with ISO 22000

Not every food safety system that includes HACCP requirements can effectively control the food safety. Food crises and increase of foodborne outbreaks had made it obvious that HACCP alone, without coordinated contribution of prerequisite programs, quality control, and regulatory compliance results to failure of food safety.

As consumers and buyers are becoming more aware of the importance of safety and quality of food, one of the most important benefit that comes with this certification is the enhanced customers' trust in safety, quality and reliability of products; and this successively increases customer satisfaction and organization reputation.

Many food businesses that already have in place their own HACCP system and have completed the HACCP requirements may find redundant efforts for the implementation of ISO 22000. However, besides improving food safety, certification to this international standard has also financial benefits to the business as it helps reduce errors and increase productivity; all this leads to a reduction in the operating costs. ISO certification increases the confidence in the company, its brands and its products, as well.

Implementation of ISO 22000 is much easier for companies that already have HACCP and Good Manufacturing Programs (GMPs) in place. These companies will only need to add Management System processes that address the other sections of the standard (ISO 22000) to complete their food safety management systems. Before starting, the first and most important step is to get familiar with and to understand the requirements that ISO 22000 standard specifies. At this point, most of the time companies choose to have a specialist during this transition period, to help them meet the requirements of ISO 22000. This can be accomplished through the use of internal or external resources. Find the main differences between HACCP and ISO 22000.

Transition from HACCP to ISO 22000

1. Implement the Management System processes and procedures required by ISO

2. Compare current GMPs with requirements for Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) and fill the gap

3. Compare the current HACCP system with the requirements of ISO 22000 and fill the gap

The organization shall make sure that the Management System processes and procedures required, to manage all aspects of food safety throughout the organization, have been implemented, including:

In order to bridge the gap between the current system and practices related to HACCP and PRPs, the organization should conduct gap analysis and identify missing requirements of ISO 22000 that need to be implemented. ISO 22002-1 is a technical specification which specifies the requirements for prerequisite programs (PRPs) to be considered in relation to 7.2.3 of ISO 22000:2005, specifically:

a) Construction and layout of buildings and associated utilities;

b) Layout of premises, including workspace and employee facilities;

c) Supplies of air, water, energy and other utilities;

d) Supporting services, including waste and sewage disposal;

e) Suitability of equipment and its accessibility for cleaning, maintenance and preventive maintenance;

f) Management of purchased materials;

g) Measures for the prevention of cross contamination;

h) Cleaning and sanitizing;

i) Pest control;

j) Personnel hygiene.

In addition, the last version of ISO/TS 22002-1, published in 2009, adds other aspects which are considered relevant to manufacturing operations:

i) Rework;

ii) Product recall procedures;

iii) Warehousing;

iv) Product information and consumer awareness;

v) Food defense, biovigilance and bioterrorism.

Conclusion

The food industry worldwide is facing plenty of challenges regarding to safety of food. The implementation of a Food Safety System enables the organization to identify and control food safety hazards using the HACCP approach. However, the effectiveness of the system depends on many factors, such as management commitment and support, education of employees, documentation management, regular validation and verification activities, effective communication, etc

PECB (Professional Evaluation and Certification Board) is a personnel certification body for a wide range of professional standards. It offers ISO 22000 training and certification services for professionals wanting to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the main processes of an FSMS, project managers or consultants wanting to prepare and to support an organization in the implementation of an FSMS, auditors wanting to perform and lead FSMS certification audits, and staff involved in the implementation of the ISO 22000 standard.

ISO 22000 and Food Safety Trainings offered by PECB:

• Certified ISO 22000 Lead Implementer (5 days)
• Certified ISO 22000 Lead Auditor (5 days)

Narta Voca is the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Product Manager at PECB. She is in charge of developing and maintaining training courses related to HSE. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact her at training@pecb.com.

For further information please visit our ISO 22000 Training Courses.