The release completes a thorough revision period for the standard, and is the first revision of the standard since 2005. It has now been updated with ISO’s high level structure (HLS) and revised to meet today’s food safety challenges. Certified companies must transition to the 2018 version of the standard by June 19, 2021. After this date, the 2005 version of the standard will be withdrawn. 

“The landscape for food safety and food chains is transforming. The changes in the standard are a response to changes in business diversity, global commerce and digitalization in the last few years. We welcome the revised standard, which will provide an even more solid framework for food safety management,” says Ingunn Midttun Godal, global food & beverage manager in DNV GL – Business Assurance.

 “While you will recognize the principles of the previous version of ISO 22000, there are many changes, brought on both by the HLS and current food safety specific challenges. We advise companies to get started on the transition preparations as soon as possible by familiarizing with the changes, mapping gaps and prepare changes to their food safety management system,” says Godal.  

A structured approach to ISO 22000 transition

DNV GL is an accredited certification body for ISO 22000, and can help existing and new customers to transition or get certified to the revised standard. Applying a consistent and structured approach will ease the process. For those transitioning, and to make the process as smooth as possible, DNV GL has developed three packages to support companies in all phases of the transition. 

By applying the packages, companies can start preparing, assess their level of readiness and efficiently complete the transition well ahead of the deadline. The packages cover the preparation, development and implementation phases on your way to transitioning. 

The packages include: 

• Self-study material, including webinars, e-learning, migration guidance, self-assessment checklists and classroom training courses, tailored to your needs.

• Gap analysis of your current state of readiness

• Migration audits and benchmarking tools

About ISO 22000:2018

The aim of the ISO 22000 is to harmonize the requirements for food safety management on a global level. The standard contributes to ensure food safety throughout the whole food chain, from farm to table. ISO 22000:2018 applies the ISO High Level Structure (HLS), common for all ISO standards. As it follows the same structure as other widely applied ISO standards, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, it will be easier to integrate with other management systems. Some of the changes in ISO 22001:2018 are induced by the HLS, but in addition there are some that are specific for food safety management and the current business environment. 

For more information about ISO 22000:2018, key changes and the transition packages, visit our dedicated ISO 22000 transition web area.