For South African food exporters, ISO 22000 certification is often a prerequisite for entering demanding markets like the EU or UK. For local businesses, it can differentiate with retail chains that increasingly require supplier certification — but it doesn't exempt any business from municipal health inspections.
Source: International Organization for Standardization
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ISO 22000 apply only to food factories?
No — it applies to any link in the food chain, including farming, packaging, transport, storage and retail.
Is ISO 22000 a legal requirement to sell food in South Africa?
No, it's voluntary, though many retailers and export markets require it as a condition of doing business with them.
Does ISO 22000 replace municipal health inspections?
No — statutory food safety inspections under South African law still apply regardless of ISO certification status.