Measures to Acquire ISO 22000 Certification in Nepal

Introduction

ISO 22000 certification is an international standard established for food safety management systems. It defines food safety and product quality at different stages of the supply chain.

With ISO 22000 certification in Nepal, businesses dealing with food production, processing, distribution, or retail would tremendously improve in terms of credibility and operational efficiency. The following is a stepwise procedure to ISO 22000 certification in Nepal.

Step 1: Familiarization with ISO 22000 Requirements

Before beginning the certification process, an organization should obtain all ISO 22000 standard-related information. It covers basic requirements and laid emphasis on:

• Hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP)

• Food safety management system (FSMS) policies

• Assessment and control of risk

• Communication in the food supply chain

Step 2: Gap Analysis

The purpose of the gap analysis is to identify the status quo of food safety management in the organization and the scope for improvement required. In simple words, such a study would enable the organization to do the following:

• Compare their existing practices with ISO 22000 requirements

• Identify non-conformance areas

• Prepare an action plan for rectifying the gaps

Step 3: Design and Implement Food Safety Management System (FSMS)

Once the gaps have been assessed, the organization must design and implement its Food Safety Management System following ISO 22000 standards. This would include:

• Documenting food safety policies and procedures;

• Defining responsibilities and authorities;

• Training employees in food safety procedures;

• Establishing monitoring and corrective action programs.

Step 4: Employees Training and Creating Awareness

Training employees is a key factor in using ISO 22000. The training programs should be geared toward:

• Hazard identification and control

• Standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Prevention of improper food handling and hygiene measures

• Emergency response plans

Step 5: Internal Audits

Before obtaining certification, organizations have to perform an internal audit of the system in line with the requirements of ISO 22000 in order to determine the level of conformity of that system. Among others, this will help achieve:

• Identifying areas of improvement

• Ensuring all procedures are effectively implemented

• Preparation for the external audit

Step 6: Go ahead and Choose the Accredited Certification Body

There should be a choice of a credible and recognized certification body for obtaining ISO 22000 certification. When selecting a certification provider, the following should be weighed:

• Accreditation status and credibility

• Experience in food safety auditing

• Cost and service offerings

Step 7: Entry for Certification Audit

Certification procedures and audits, in general, are grouped into two stages as below.

Stage 1 Audit (Documentation Review):

• Examining FSMS documentation

• Major non-conformity identification

Stage 2 Audit (On-Site Assessment):

• Practical implementation analysis of FSMS

• Conformance assessment with ISO 22000 standards

• Recommendations for corrective actions

Step 8: Take Care of Non-Conformities

Non-conformities detected during the audit have to be corrected by the enterprise. The certification body may stipulate a timeframe within which corrections must be made, prior to follow-up audits.

Step 9: Issuing the ISO 22000 Certificate

The certifying body will issue an ISO 22000 certificate after all the requirements have been met and corrective actions verified. This certificate is valid for three years after which a surveillance audit would be conducted each year.

Step 10: Compliance and Continuous Improvement

To keep ISO 22000 certification, organizations must show an uninterrupted commitment to the safety of food and its continuous improvement. Continuous maintenance of the organization would include:

• Regular internal audits

• Updating of procedures with the latest changes in the industry

• Periodic training of personnel

• Awareness of changes in regulations

Conclusion

ISO 22000 certification in Nepal is a strategic investment for food businesses that want to draw maximum benefits in food safety, compliance with regulations, and access to bigger markets. Thus, following these steps would ease the way for businesses while still fitting with the long-term compliance to international food safety standards. 

If you are involved in the food sector business in Nepal, increase your credibility and operational efficiency to ensure a safer food supply chain; kick-start your ISO 22000 certification today.

Visit https://www.abishekadhikari.com.np/ to learn more about ISO.