Introduction
Food safety has become the prime priority in the Nepalese food industry, which is at a rapid growth stage. Organisations are under increasing pressure to establish globally recognized standards of food safety with the increased awareness among consumers and increased demands of regulators. ISO 22000 presents a complete FSMS to enable an organization to minimize risks and ensure compliance.
Paper: ISO 22000 Certification in Nepal - Benefits, Key Requirements, and Challenges Faced by Business Enterprises in Obtaining This Certification
What is ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 is an internationally accepted Food Safety Management System standard that integrates Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points principles with a risk-based approach to food safety management. The standard applies to all food-related businesses including:
- Food manufacturers and processors
- Restaurants and catering services
- Food packaging and distribution organisations
- Wholesalers and retailers
- Food storage and transportation services
Major ISO 22000 Certification Requirements in Nepal
To get ISO 22000 in Nepal, an organisation must fulfill the following major requirements:
- Food Safety Policy Establishment
An organisation must prepare a food safety policy which must be in conformance with ISO 22000 standards as well as Nepalese law.
- HACCP
A food safety hazard analysis shall be carried out to recognize the critical control points, which are essential.
- Development of PRPs
Organizations shall follow the below-mentioned programs:
- GMP
- Hygiene and sanitation programs
- Programs for maintaining and cleaning of equipment
- Programs for controlling pest and management of waste
- Risk Assessment and Measures to Prevent Their Occurrence
A risk-based approach shall be utilized for effective identification and controlling the hazards of food safety.
- Documentation and Record Keeping
The process, monitoring, verification of compliance with respect to food safety, are documented and recorded.
- Internal Audit and Continual Improvement
The regular internal audits help an organization to appraise the effectiveness of the FSMS and improve standards for food safety.
How to Get ISO 22000 Certification in Nepal
There are some major steps involved in the certification process:
Step 1: Gap Analysis
Identify the existing food safety management system; highlight the deficiencies and areas of improvement to be done.
Step 2: FSMS Implementation
Develop a documented FSMS that meets all the requirements of ISO 22000.
Step 3: Employee Training and Awareness
Train employees to enhance their knowledge about food safety, having basic knowledge of HACCP and good hygiene practices so that compliance may be ensured.
Step 4: Internal Audits and Corrective Actions
All these are important because periodic audits facilitate improvement prior to the audit that determines the certificate of accreditation.
Step 5: Certification Audit
This involves two-tier audit activity conducted by an independent certification body.
Phase 1: Documentary Review and System Analysis
Phase 2: On-site audit to verify compliance with ISO 22000 requirements
Next, post-audit, once the audit is successfully completed, companies get ISO 22000 certification valid for three years, with surveillance audits.
ISO 22000 Certification Benefits
ISO 22000 certification refers to a way to get food businesses accredited in Nepal while guaranteeing a good deal of benefits that include but are not limited to:
- Regulatory Compliance: Assures compliance with Nepalese and international food safety regulations.
- Increased Consumer Confidence: Consumers trust an organization because it shows their commitment to food safety.
- Market Development: An internationally recognized standard of food safety that helps organizations enter new markets.
- Operational Efficiency: Optimization of the production cycle of food preparation, together with minimal risk and prevention of food wastage.
- Competitive Advantage: Gives more value to an organization as a supplier of safe and quality food.
Challenges of ISO 22000 Implementation in Nepal
Despite the benefits, businesses could well face challenges such as:
- Limited Awareness: Most SMEs are uninformed about the various requirements of ISO 22000 accreditation and the associated benefits.
- High Cost of Implementation: The cost of certification, training and audits is very high.
- Limitations of Infrastructure: Implementation facilities may not be available at every enterprise.
- Resistance of Employees: Employees may resist the new food safety procedures and documentation.
Conclusion
ISO 22000 certification is required for Nepalese food businesses to enhance the safety of their foods, improve regulatory requirements, and open up more market opportunities. Nurturing appropriate training among employees, tackling challenges in implementation, and observing a step-by-step process toward certification will help organizations successfully achieve and maintain ISO 22000 certification.
ISO 22000 standards will help the organization enhance management over food safety, smooth operations, and increase consumer trust for long-term success within the Nepalese growing food industry. Visit https://www.isocertificationinnepal.com/ to learn more about ISO.
