ISO 22000 Certification in India | Legitway Services
Show buyers, regulators and export markets that your food business takes safety seriously. Legitway Services guides you from gap analysis to certificate.
ISO 22000 is the international standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It is built for any organisation in the food chain: manufacturers, processors, packers, cold storage and transport operators, caterers, restaurants, ingredient suppliers and packaging makers.
Our team helps you set up the system, prepare the documents, get your staff ready for the audit and coordinate with the certification body.
📞 +91-9310582360 | ✉️ info@legitwayservices.com
What Is ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 sets out the requirements for a food safety management system. It combines three things:
- Hazard analysis (HACCP principles): identifying and controlling the biological, chemical and physical hazards that could make food unsafe
- Prerequisite programmes (PRPs): the basic hygiene and operating conditions, such as cleanliness, pest control, supplier checks and staff hygiene
- A management system: clear responsibilities, communication, planning, monitoring and continual improvement
The 2018 version follows the same structure as other ISO management standards, so it fits easily alongside ISO 9001 if you already hold it.
Benefits of ISO 22000 Certification
- Buyer confidence: large retailers, distributors and institutional buyers often prefer or require certified suppliers
- Export readiness: many overseas buyers look for ISO 22000 or a GFSI-recognised scheme built on it
- Fewer food safety incidents: hazards are identified and controlled before they reach the customer
- Less waste and rework: clear procedures reduce rejected batches and complaints
- Better compliance: it supports your FSSAI obligations and makes inspections easier
- Tender eligibility: many bulk and institutional contracts ask for a recognised food safety certificate
- Clear responsibilities: everyone on your team knows their role in keeping food safe
Is ISO 22000 Mandatory?
No. ISO 22000 is voluntary. It does not replace your FSSAI licence or registration, which is a legal requirement for food businesses in India. Think of FSSAI as the legal minimum and ISO 22000 as the proof of a stronger, documented system.
Who Needs It?
- Food manufacturers and processors
- Bakeries, dairies, beverage and packaged food units
- Catering companies, cloud kitchens and restaurant chains
- Cold storage, warehousing and logistics providers
- Food packaging manufacturers
- Ingredient, additive and equipment suppliers to the food industry
ISO 22000 vs FSSC 22000
FSSC 22000 is a certification scheme built on ISO 22000 with extra requirements, and it is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Some large global buyers ask for it specifically. If you are unsure which one your customers expect, ask them first. We can help you decide.
Our ISO 22000 Services
- Gap analysis of your current practices against the standard
- Hazard analysis and HACCP plan development
- Drafting the FSMS manual, procedures, SOPs and record formats
- Prerequisite programme setup (hygiene, pest control, traceability, recall)
- Staff awareness and internal auditor training
- Internal audit and management review support
- Pre-audit readiness check
- Coordination with an accredited certification body
- Support with closing audit findings
- Surveillance audit and renewal support
How the Certification Process Works
- Gap analysis. We review your premises, processes and records and list what needs to be put in place.
- System design. We build your FSMS: hazard analysis, HACCP plan, policies, procedures and records.
- Implementation and training. Your team puts the system into practice and learns to maintain it.
- Internal audit and management review. You check your own system before the external audit.
- Stage 1 audit. The certification body reviews your documentation and readiness.
- Stage 2 audit. Auditors visit the site and check that the system works in practice.
- Certification. Once any non-conformities are closed, the certificate is issued.
- Surveillance audits. Follow-up audits keep the certificate valid.
Documents and Records Commonly Needed
The exact list depends on your business, but typically includes:
- Business registration proof and FSSAI licence or registration
- Site layout and process flow diagrams
- Product list and descriptions
- Food safety policy and objectives
- Hazard analysis and HACCP plan
- Prerequisite programme procedures (cleaning, pest control, maintenance, water quality)
- Supplier approval and incoming material records
- Traceability and recall procedures
- Calibration and monitoring records
- Training records and staff hygiene records
- Internal audit reports and management review minutes
- Corrective action records
How Long Does It Take?
Timelines depend on how ready your unit is and how complex it is. Many small and medium businesses can complete the process in about 2 to 4 months. Larger or multi-site operations, or units that need upgrades to premises and equipment, may take longer.
What Affects the Cost?
There is no fixed price for ISO 22000. The main factors are:
- Size of the business and number of employees
- Number of sites and product lines
- Complexity of the process and the hazards involved
- How much your current system needs to change
- The certification body you choose and the audit days required
We assess your unit first and then give you a clear quote. Call +91-9310582360 or write to info@legitwayservices.com.
Validity and Renewal
An ISO 22000 certificate is generally valid for 3 years, with surveillance audits usually held every year. Before expiry, a recertification audit is needed to renew. The certificate stays valid only while your system continues to meet the standard.
Why Choose Legitway Services?
- Practical, step-by-step support in plain language
- One point of contact from the first call to the certificate
- Clear scope and quote before work begins
- Support after certification, including surveillance audit preparation
Ready to start? Talk to us today.
📞 +91-9310582360
✉️ info@legitwayservices.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is ISO 22000 the same as HACCP?
No. HACCP is a hazard control method, and it is one part of ISO 22000. The ISO standard also covers management, communication and continual improvement.
Does ISO 22000 replace an FSSAI licence?
No. You still need the licence or registration that applies to your business. ISO 22000 is an additional, voluntary certification.
Who issues the certificate?
An independent certification body. Choose one accredited by a recognised accreditation body, such as NABCB in India, so the certificate is widely accepted.
Can a small business get certified?
Yes. The standard applies to businesses of any size. A small unit simply has a smaller, simpler system.
Can I get ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 together?
Yes. Both follow a similar structure, so many businesses combine the systems and audits.
What happens if the auditor finds gaps?
You are given time to fix them. The certificate is issued once the findings are closed.
Is the certificate valid for life?
No. It is valid for a fixed period, usually three years, and depends on passing regular surveillance audits.