How Do You Maintain Compliance After Getting ISO 22000 Certified?
Achieving ISO 22000 certification is a significant achievement, but the journey doesn’t end there. To keep your certification valid and protect your brand reputation, your organization must continuously maintain compliance. Here’s how to stay audit-ready and ensure long-term success with your food safety management system.
What is ISO 22000 Maintenance All About?
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It’s the ongoing effort to ensure your Food Safety Management System (FSMS) stays effective
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Involves regular reviews, updates, and improvements
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Ensures you meet both ISO requirements and real-world food safety risks
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A core part of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle
Key Steps to Maintain ISO 22000 Compliance
1. Regular Internal Audits
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Conduct at least once per year
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Identify gaps, errors, or changes in operations
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Include all FSMS elements: PRPs, hazard analysis, traceability, and recall
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Must be objective, impartial, and properly documented
2. Management Reviews
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Top management should review FSMS performance at least annually
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Analyze audit results, customer feedback, incidents, and improvement opportunities
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Make decisions on updates, resource allocation, and strategic changes
3. Keep Documentation Updated
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Review and revise SOPs, flow charts, hazard analysis, and monitoring forms regularly
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Reflect changes in products, processes, suppliers, and regulations
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Ensure all staff are trained on the latest versions
4. Maintain Training and Competency Records
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New employees must be trained in food safety procedures
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Existing staff should receive refresher training annually
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Maintain training records, attendance logs, and competency evaluations
5. Monitor and Verify CCPs and PRPs Consistently
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Ensure daily monitoring of Critical Control Points (CCPs)
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Verify sanitation, pest control, and supplier management programs
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Keep complete records and ensure timely corrective actions
6. Conduct Food Safety Team Meetings
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Meet regularly to discuss system performance, complaints, NCs, and audit results
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Encourage open communication and staff involvement
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Foster a culture of continuous food safety improvement
7. Conduct Mock Recalls and Traceability Tests
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Perform at least one mock recall per year
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Test your ability to trace ingredients and finished products within 4 hours
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Document findings and improve based on results
8. Stay Updated with Legal and Regulatory Changes
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Monitor updates to local and international food safety laws
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Update your FSMS and labeling practices as needed
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Ensure compliance with export requirements and customer specifications
9. Implement Corrective and Preventive Actions
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Investigate all incidents, complaints, or audit findings
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Conduct root cause analysis
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Apply corrective actions and verify effectiveness
10. Prepare for Surveillance Audits
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Scheduled by your certification body, usually every 12 months
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Includes review of ongoing FSMS implementation and improvements
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Being continuously compliant makes surveillance audits smooth and stress-free
Bonus Tips for Long-Term ISO 22000 Success
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Assign a dedicated FSMS coordinator or food safety officer
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Use digital tools or software to track records and alerts
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Engage external consultants for unbiased internal audits
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Encourage feedback and suggestions from frontline staff
Final Thoughts
Maintaining ISO 22000 certification is not about ticking boxes—it’s about embedding food safety into your daily operations. Consistency, training, leadership, and regular reviews are the keys to long-term compliance.
Need Support Maintaining Your ISO 22000 Certification?
At CAYS Scientific, we help businesses stay compliant year-round with:
✅ Internal audit and gap analysis services
✅ Training and refresher workshops
✅ Documentation updates and FSMS reviews
✅ Pre-audit preparation and corrective action support
📞 Contact CAYS Scientific today to protect your certification and ensure your food safety system stays strong, reliable, and future-proof.
