Establish a globally recognized Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that protects consumers, satisfies regulatory requirements, and opens new market doors for your business.

What Is ISO 22000:2018?

ISO 22000:2018 is the international standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It provides a unified framework that combines the core elements of good practices, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), and systematic management — helping food-related organizations at every stage of the supply chain demonstrate that they can control food safety hazards effectively.

The 2018 revision aligns ISO 22000 with the high-level structure shared by other ISO management standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, making integration easier and more efficient for organizations already holding or pursuing multiple certifications.

In the Philippine context, ISO 22000:2018 certification complements local regulatory requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Bureau of Food and Drugs, and the Department of Agriculture — giving businesses a competitive advantage both domestically and in export markets.

At a Glance

  • Standard: ISO 22000:2018
  • Scope: All organizations in the food chain — from farm to fork
  • Key Approach: Integration of HACCP principles, prerequisite programs (PRPs), and systematic management processes
  • Applicable Bodies in the Philippines: Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) accredited certification bodies
  • Validity: 3-year certification cycle with annual surveillance audits

Key Benefits of ISO 22000:2018 Certification

Achieving ISO 22000:2018 certification goes far beyond a framed certificate on your wall. It signals a genuine commitment to food safety that resonates with customers, regulators, and business partners alike. Here are the most impactful advantages for Philippine food businesses:

  • Global Market Access ISO 22000:2018 is recognized worldwide, making it significantly easier to export food products to markets in Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and the United States — markets that increasingly demand documented food safety assurance from their suppliers.
  • Regulatory Alignment The standard is designed to complement existing Philippines FDA requirements. Certified organizations typically experience smoother regulatory audits and a stronger compliance posture across all applicable food safety legislation.
  • Proactive Hazard Control By systematically identifying and managing food safety hazards before they become incidents, ISO 22000:2018 dramatically reduces the risk of costly product recalls, public health issues, and the reputational damage that follows.
  • Competitive Differentiation In a crowded market, certification sets your brand apart. Supermarket chains, institutional buyers, and international importers often require or strongly prefer ISO 22000-certified suppliers when making procurement decisions.
  • Operational Efficiency Implementing a structured FSMS identifies inefficiencies, reduces waste, and creates clearer accountability across your food production and distribution processes — often resulting in measurable cost savings over time.
  • Stakeholder Confidence Consumers, investors, and business partners in the Philippines and beyond gain greater confidence in your brand when you can demonstrate that food safety is embedded into your organization’s DNA — not just a compliance checkbox.

Who Needs ISO 22000:2018 Certification in the Philippines?

ISO 22000:2018 is designed to apply to any organization directly or indirectly involved in the food chain — regardless of size, type, or whether it is profit-oriented. This makes it uniquely comprehensive compared to sector-specific standards. In the Philippine food industry, the following sectors stand to benefit most:

  • Food manufacturers & processors
  • Restaurants & food service operators
  • Catering companies
  • Agricultural producers & farms
  • Seafood processing facilities
  • Cold chain & logistics providers
  • Food packaging manufacturers
  • Food ingredient suppliers
  • Retailers & distributors
  • Feed & livestock producers
  • Food equipment manufacturers
  • Export-oriented food enterprises

Whether you operate a small artisanal food business in Quezon City or manage a large-scale processing facility in Laguna, ISO 22000:2018 provides a scalable, adaptable framework that fits your organizational context.

The ISO 22000:2018 Certification Process

Obtaining certification is a structured journey that involves planning, implementation, internal review, and third-party validation. While timelines vary depending on your organization’s starting point and size, here is a clear overview of the typical steps involved:

Step 1 — Gap Analysis We assess your existing food safety practices against ISO 22000:2018 requirements to identify gaps and build a targeted action plan.

Step 2 — Planning & Documentation Define the scope of your FSMS, establish food safety policies, and develop the required documentation including hazard analyses and PRP programs.

Step 3 — Implementation Roll out your FSMS across relevant departments. This includes training your food safety team, setting up monitoring systems, and establishing control measures.

Step 4 — Internal Audit Conduct an internal audit to verify the system is functioning as intended and to identify any non-conformities before the external audit.

Step 5 — Management Review Top management reviews FSMS performance data to ensure the system remains suitable, adequate, and effective in achieving food safety objectives.

Step 6 — Stage 1 Audit The accredited certification body reviews your documentation and assesses your readiness for the on-site Stage 2 assessment.

Step 7 — Stage 2 Audit Auditors visit your site to verify that your FSMS is effectively implemented and that it meets all requirements of ISO 22000:2018.

Step 8 — Certification Issued Upon successful completion, you receive your ISO 22000:2018 certificate. Annual surveillance audits and a recertification audit at year three maintain your status.

Ready to Begin Your ISO 22000:2018 Journey?

Our team of experienced food safety consultants and auditors at Global Quality Services is ready to guide your Philippine food business from gap analysis to certification — efficiently and cost-effectively. Request a Free Assessment today.

FAQ

1. How long does it take to achieve ISO 22000:2018 certification in the Philippines?

The process typically takes 4 to 12 months, depending on your organization’s size, existing food safety practices, and documentation readiness. Businesses that engage an experienced ISO consultant early tend to complete certification faster and with fewer audit setbacks.

2. Is ISO 22000:2018 certification mandatory for food businesses in the Philippines?

ISO 22000:2018 is voluntary under Philippine law. However, it is increasingly a practical requirement — major supermarket chains, institutional buyers, and international export markets regularly demand it as a supplier qualification, making it a de facto industry standard.

3. What is the difference between ISO 22000:2018 and HACCP — do I need both?

You do not need both. ISO 22000:2018 fully incorporates HACCP principles within a broader management system framework. If your buyer or the Philippines FDA requires HACCP compliance, holding ISO 22000:2018 certification effectively satisfies that requirement and more.

4. Can small food businesses and micro-enterprises in the Philippines apply for ISO 22000:2018 certification?

Yes. ISO 22000:2018 applies to organizations of any size. Philippine MSMEs can start with a focused scope to manage costs, and may access DTI or DA support programs that provide technical assistance for food safety certification initiatives.