Food Safety Management System

Understanding Food Safety Management

Food safety management systems are used by organisations across the food supply chain to ensure food is produced, handled, stored, and distributed safely. Effective food safety controls help protect consumers, meet regulatory obligations, and maintain confidence among customers and regulators.

Internationally recognised food safety standards provide structured frameworks for identifying hazards, controlling risks, and demonstrating compliance with food safety requirements.

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ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management Systems

ISO 22000 is an international standard that specifies requirements for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). It applies to all organisations involved in the food chain, including food producers, manufacturers, transport providers, storage facilities, retailers, and food service organisations.

ISO 22000 focuses on:

Identification and control of food safety hazards
Effective communication along the food chain
Systematic management of food safety risks
Continuous improvement of food safety processes

The standard integrates food safety principles with management system elements to support consistent and effective food safety outcomes.

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)

HACCP is a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and controlling food safety hazards. It is a core component of many food safety management systems and is referenced within ISO 22000.

HACCP principles include:

Identifying potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards
Determining critical control points
Establishing control measures and monitoring processes
Taking corrective action when controls are not effective
Maintaining records and verification activities

HACCP helps organisations proactively manage food safety risks rather than relying solely on end-product inspection.

FSSC 22000

FSSC 22000 is a food safety certification scheme based on ISO 22000, supplemented with additional prerequisite program requirements and sector-specific criteria. It is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is widely used by organisations supplying food products to national and international markets.

FSSC 22000 provides an extended framework for organisations seeking alignment with global food safety expectations.

Food Safety Standards and Verification

Food safety management systems are typically implemented and maintained by organisations themselves or with the support of independent advisors. Conformity to standards such as ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 may be assessed through independent third-party certification or verification, conducted in accordance with applicable accreditation and scheme rules.

Independent assessment supports confidence that food safety systems are effectively designed and maintained.

Who Uses Food Safety Management Systems?

Food safety standards are relevant to a wide range of organisations, including:

Food manufacturing and processing
Catering and food service
Transport and logistics
Storage and warehousing
Agriculture and primary production
Packaging and distribution

These standards are commonly referenced in regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and supply chain agreements.

Why Food Safety Standards Matter

Using recognised food safety standards helps organisations:

Reduce the risk of food safety incidents
Improve consistency and control of processes
Demonstrate compliance with regulatory and customer requirements
Build trust with consumers and stakeholders
Support continuous improvement in food safety performance

Important Note

Disclaimer:
This page is provided for general informational purposes only. It explains food safety management standards and frameworks, including ISO 22000, HACCP, and FSSC 22000. It does not constitute consulting, implementation, or certification advice.