On this page
- Choose the correct published document
- Match the system to your food-chain role
- Specify the work before comparing certification packages
- Example: a cold-store operator comparing two offers
- Useful related buying decisions
- Frequently asked questions
- Primary sources and edition check
- Explore more standards buying guides
The checked European product is EN ISO 22000:2018, with a separately listed A1:2024 climate-action amendment. Genorma and ISO show a developing revision as a draft, while the 2018 base remains published. European base record; Amendment and revision status; ISO publication status.
Choose the correct published document
Match the system to your food-chain role
The scope extends to organisations directly or indirectly involved in the food chain, including production, transport, storage, catering and supporting supplies or services. ISO describes the system as bringing together communication, management, prerequisite programmes and HACCP principles. Published food-chain scope; ISO system explanation.
A useful service brief explains what happens to the product or service at your boundary. Describe inputs, handling, outsourced activities and the information passed to the next organisation. A quotation built around a manufacturing line may not match a business that stores packaged goods, prepares food for immediate service or supplies food-contact materials.
Specify the work before comparing certification packages
| Boundary issue | Question to resolve |
|---|---|
| Activities | Which production, handling or service stages are inside the project? |
| Interfaces | What information must suppliers and customers provide or receive? |
| Existing controls | Which operating arrangements are already documented and used? |
| Sector documents | Which prerequisite-programme or scheme documents are relevant to the actual activity? |
| Assessment objective | Is the buyer seeking system improvement, customer acceptance or a named certification scheme? |
Ask bidders to separate preliminary review, implementation work, training and independent assessment. If a customer has named a particular scheme, ask what additional scheme documents and arrangements apply. Do not assume that buying ISO 22000 or a general implementation package automatically includes every named scheme requirement.
Example: a cold-store operator comparing two offers
Imagine a cold-store operator preparing to serve a new food manufacturer. One provider proposes a generic food-safety manual; another proposes interviews with receiving, storage, dispatch and maintenance teams. Before comparing prices, the operator could choose a sample delivery and trace what information arrives with it, what happens during storage and what accompanies dispatch.
That exercise exposes the interfaces bidders need to address. It also reveals information owned by the customer or transport provider rather than the store. The buyer can ask which responsibilities the quote includes and which assumptions require agreement elsewhere. This is a procurement example, not operating instructions, a temperature limit or a conclusion that the storage arrangement is safe.
Useful related buying decisions
For traceability-system design, see ISO 22005. For a general organisational quality system, see EN ISO 9001. For choosing a testing laboratory, see EN ISO/IEC 17025 and check the laboratory’s relevant testing scope. These purchases answer different questions from a food-safety management-system document.
Record the edition of each supporting publication. Related food-safety documents can be revised on a different schedule from ISO 22000 itself. Ask a provider which texts it uses and whether they match the required scheme or contractual basis, rather than accepting an undated library list.
Frequently asked questions
Does buying ISO 22000 include certification?
No. ISO states that certification is not a requirement of ISO 22000 and that it does not itself perform certification. If certification is wanted, specify the independent service and its scope separately. Publisher’s certification explanation.
Can a draft revision replace the published document?
The checked records distinguish the published 2018 base and amendment from the developing revision. A draft can be relevant to monitoring change, but do not label it as the current published replacement.
Will this provide every operational food-safety limit?
The purchasing objective is the management system. Identify the relevant product, process and sector questions separately and obtain the documents and competent advice needed for those decisions.
Primary sources and edition check
- Genorma: published EN ISO 22000:2018 and scope
- Genorma: published A1:2024 and developing revision
- ISO: published base, amendment and food-safety system purpose
Publication and purchase records checked on 7 October 2026. The examples and procurement questions are original guidance. Detailed implementation requires the applicable licensed text and decisions for the actual project.
Explore more standards buying guides
Browse standards by reference and subject to compare related document choices.