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Food Safety Management System Certification
ISO 22000:2018 Certification in the UAE
Accredited ISO 22000 certification that demonstrates control of food safety hazards across your operations, recognised by retailers, hotel groups, airlines and export markets.
- Accredited by EGAC
- Quotation within one business day
- Audits in Arabic or English
Member of Dubai SME
- Certificate validity, with annual surveillance audits
- 3 years
- Initial certification audit: Stage 1 and Stage 2
- 2 stages
- Accreditation body, signatory to the IAF MLA
- EGAC
- From single-site businesses to multi-site groups
- Any size
ISO/IEC17021-1Management systemsAccredited
Accreditation
Accredited by EGAC, the Egyptian Accreditation Council
Management System Certification · ISO/IEC 17021-1
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 22000, ISO 50001 and ISO 21001, audited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1 and the applicable sector rules: ISO/IEC 17021-2, ISO/IEC 17021-3, ISO/IEC 17021-10, ISO 22003-1, ISO 50003 and ISO/IEC 27006-1.
Accreditation details
Schedule number to be added
Overview
What is ISO 22000:2018?
ISO 22000 specifies the requirements for a food safety management system. It combines interactive communication, system management, prerequisite programmes and the HACCP principles to ensure that food is safe at the point of consumption.
It applies to any organisation in the food chain, from primary production and processing to catering, storage, transport, retail and the supply of packaging. Certification confirms that hazards are identified and controlled and that the system is effective in practice.
Accredited certification is independent evidence that your management system conforms to the standard and is effective in practice.
Benefits
The value of ISO 22000 certification
The outcomes organisations most commonly seek from certification.
- SafetyControl food safety hazardsHACCP-based hazard analysis and control measures are applied consistently and verified.
- Market accessMeet buyer and export requirementsAccredited certification supports supplier approval by hotels, retailers, caterers and overseas buyers.
- ComplianceSupport regulatory inspectionsA documented and verified system supports inspections by municipal food safety authorities.
- Supply chainControl suppliers and inputsDefined requirements for raw materials, packaging and service providers reduce supply chain risk.
Applicability
Who ISO 22000 is for
The standard applies to organisations of any size and sector. Certification is particularly valuable if you:
- Produce, process or pack food
- Operate central kitchens, hotel or flight catering
- Store, transport or distribute food
- Supply food ingredients or packaging materials
Readiness self-assessment
How ready are you for ISO 22000?
Answer six questions to assess your readiness for the certification audit.
- The scope and policy of our FSMS are defined and communicated
- Risks, opportunities and applicable requirements are identified
- Objectives are set, measured and reviewed
- The documented information required by the standard is maintained
- A complete internal audit has been carried out
- Top management has conducted a management review
Questions left:
Ready for the certification audit
Your system covers the elements auditors examine first. The next step is to request a quotation and schedule the Stage 1 audit.
Request a QuotationApproaching readiness
You have a sound basis. Complete the open points and build records of operation, then request a quotation and a proposed timeline.
Request a Quotation and TimelineEarly stage
Your system is at an early stage. An advisor can explain the certification process and a realistic timeline.
Speak to an AdvisorRequirements
What the standard requires
The requirements are set out in clauses 4 to 10, following the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle. Auditors will expect to see the following documented information.
Key documented information
- Food safety policy and objectives
- Prerequisite programmes
- Hazard analysis and hazard control plan (HACCP plan)
- Validation of control measures
- Traceability system
- Handling of potentially unsafe products, withdrawal and recall
- Verification activities and results
Process
The path to ISO 22000 certification
Each stage is planned and confirmed with you in advance.
- Step 01
Application and quotation
You provide details of your scope, personnel and sites. We determine the audit time and issue a fixed quotation and certification agreement.
You: complete a short application. We: respond within one business day.
- Step 02
Stage 1 audit
The audit team reviews your documented information, site conditions and readiness, and confirms the plan for Stage 2.
You: provide your documentation. We: report any areas of concern.
- Step 03
Stage 2 audit
The audit team evaluates on site how effectively the management system is implemented.
You: host the audit. We: present findings at the closing meeting.
- Step 04
Certification decision
A competent reviewer, independent of the audit team, reviews the audit and makes the certification decision.
You: address any nonconformities. We: issue your certificate.
- Year 1Initial certification audit and certificate issued
- Years 2 and 3Annual surveillance audits maintain certification
- End of year 3Recertification audit renews the certificate for a new cycle
Cost
What does ISO 22000 certification cost?
The fee is determined mainly by audit time, which is calculated in accordance with IAF MD 5 from the number of personnel, the number of sites and the complexity of your activities. This approach keeps fees consistent and comparable.
- Number of personnelThe principal factor in determining audit days.
- Number of sitesAdditional sites may require sampling or separate visits.
- Scope and complexityDesign, high-risk or regulated activities increase audit time.
- Integrated systemsAn integrated audit of several standards can reduce total audit time.
Fixed quotation
The full cost of the cycle, confirmed before you commit
Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits. Issue of the certificate. Two annual surveillance audits. No undisclosed charges.
Request a Fixed QuotationIntegration
Combine standards in one audit programme
ISO 22000 follows the harmonised structure of ISO management system standards, so it can be audited together with other standards.
- ISO 9001:2015Quality Management SystemAccredited ISO 9001 certification that demonstrates to clients, tender committees and regulators that your organisation consistently meets customer and regulatory requirements.Learn more
- ISO 14001:2015Environmental Management SystemAccredited ISO 14001 certification that demonstrates to clients, regulators and investors that you manage your environmental aspects, compliance obligations and performance through an audited system.Learn more
- IntegratedIntegrated management systemCertify ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, or any combination of our accredited standards, through one audit team, one audit programme and one aligned certification cycle.Learn more
Already certified?
Transfer your ISO 22000 certificate to GQCL
A valid accredited certificate held with another certification body can be transferred to GQCL after a pre-transfer review, in accordance with IAF MD 2, without restarting your certification cycle.
How Transfers Work
FAQ
Questions about ISO 22000
What is the difference between ISO 22000 and HACCP?
HACCP is a method for identifying and controlling food safety hazards. ISO 22000 incorporates the HACCP principles within a complete management system, adding leadership, prerequisite programmes, communication along the food chain, verification and continual improvement.
Is ISO 22000 the same as FSSC 22000?
No. FSSC 22000 is a separate scheme recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative, which combines ISO 22000 with sector technical specifications and additional requirements. GQCL certifies to ISO 22000.
How is the audit duration for ISO 22000 determined?
Audit time is calculated in accordance with ISO 22003-1, based on the food chain category, the number of HACCP studies, the number of personnel and the number of sites.
Which food chain categories can be certified?
The certificate states the food chain category and the products or services in scope, as defined in ISO 22003-1. Confirm your category with our team so that auditors with the relevant competence can be assigned.
What must be in place before the certification audit?
Prerequisite programmes and the hazard control plan must be in operation, verification records must be available, and at least one internal audit and one management review must have been completed.
How long does the certification process take?
Once your management system is implemented and has operated long enough to produce records, including a complete internal audit and a management review, the certification process normally takes six to ten weeks from application to certificate. Your quotation sets out the proposed timeline.
How long is the certificate valid?
Three years from the certification decision, subject to satisfactory annual surveillance audits. A recertification audit before expiry renews the certificate for a further three years.
Can GQCL help us implement the standard?
No. As an accredited certification body, GQCL does not provide consultancy on the management systems it certifies, as ISO/IEC 17021-1 requires. We explain the requirements and the certification process clearly, and the Stage 1 audit identifies any areas of concern before Stage 2.
Can the audit be conducted in Arabic?
Yes. Audits, meetings and audit communication can be conducted in Arabic or English, according to your preference.
Get started
Begin your ISO 22000 certification
Tell us about your organisation and receive a fixed quotation within one business day, without obligation.
- Fixed quotation for the full cycle
- Independent and impartial
- Arabic or English
Thank you. Your request has been received.
A certification advisor will contact you within one business day.