Published: May 26, 2025

Understanding the Difference Between HACCP and ISO 22000: A Comprehensive Guide

Food safety is a global concern that affects public health and business sustainability. Organizations in the food industry must comply with recognized food safety standards to ensure their products are safe for consumption. Two of the most prominent systems in this realm are HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System). While both aim to enhance food safety, they differ in scope, structure, and implementation.

This blog explores the key differences between HACCP and ISO 22000, helping businesses, quality managers, and professionals understand which system best suits their needs.

What is HACCP?

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. It is a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and controlling food safety hazards. Originally developed by NASA in the 1960s to ensure the safety of food for astronauts, HACCP is now a globally recognized food safety methodology.

HACCP is based on seven core principles:

• → Conduct a hazard analysis
• → Determine critical control points (CCPs)
• → Establish critical limits for each CCP
• → Establish monitoring procedures
• → Establish corrective actions
• → Establish verification procedures
• → Establish record-keeping and documentation procedures

These principles aim to prevent hazards before they occur, rather than relying solely on end-product testing.

What is ISO 22000?

ISO 22000 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It specifies the requirements for a food safety management system (FSMS) that incorporates HACCP principles along with additional management system elements.

The structure of ISO 22000 follows the High-Level Structure (HLS), common to ISO standards like ISO 9001, allowing integration with other systems such as quality and environmental management.

Key components of ISO 22000 include:

• → Interactive communication across the food chain
• → System management
• → Prerequisite programs (PRPs)
• → HACCP principles

Key Differences Between HACCP and ISO 22000

Aspect	HACCP	ISO 22000
Scope and Nature	Methodology for identifying and controlling food hazards	International standard integrating HACCP into a management system
Certification	Certified by regulatory or industry bodies (not ISO)	Certified by accredited ISO certification bodies
Approach	Focuses on food hazards and critical control points	Risk-based approach with management principles
Integration	Typically used in isolation	Integrates with ISO 9001, 14001, etc.
Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)	Based on industry codes of practice	Requires PRPs as per ISO/TS 22002 series
Documentation	Records based on seven HACCP principles	Comprehensive documentation across FSMS
Leadership	Requires management support	Emphasizes top management involvement

Similarities Between HACCP and ISO 22000

• → Both are preventive systems for ensuring food safety
• → Both require hazard identification and control
• → Both involve monitoring, verification, and documentation
• → ISO 22000 incorporates all HACCP principles

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between HACCP and ISO 22000 depends on your organization's size, scope, market, and customer requirements.

• → HACCP is often sufficient for smaller companies or those dealing with local markets or regulatory compliance.
• → ISO 22000 is ideal for larger companies, exporters, or those seeking to integrate food safety into broader management systems.

In many cases, companies start with HACCP and gradually evolve to ISO 22000 to align with global best practices and customer expectations.

Conclusion

Both HACCP and ISO 22000 play crucial roles in food safety management. While HACCP provides a foundational system for controlling food safety hazards, ISO 22000 offers a broader framework for managing food safety across an organization, with enhanced integration, documentation, and continual improvement.

Understanding the differences between the two can help businesses make informed decisions on implementing the most suitable food safety system, ensuring not just compliance but also consumer trust and long-term success in the food industry.

Need Help with HACCP or ISO 22000 Certification?

Our consultancy offers expert guidance and support to help your organization achieve HACCP and ISO 22000 certification. From gap analysis to implementation and audit readiness, we’re here to ensure your food safety system is robust, effective, and compliant. Contact us today to learn more!

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