Small Business

Role of ISO 22000 Certification in improving the Food Safety of Nepal: An Overview

Role of ISO 22000 Certification in improving the Food Safety of Nepal: An Overview

Introduction

Among many other reasons, food safety probably tops the prime concern list for the growing food industry in Nepal. Since agriculture and food processing are high points in its economy, safety throughout the value chain from production to consumption is vital for health and economic growth. 

ISO 22000 Certification thus provides a sound basis in respect of food safety management against which businesses operating within Nepal can minimize risks, achieve world standards, and ensure consumer confidence.

The impacts of ISO 22000 Certification to food safety and how it is able to add to the safety of Nepalese food systems are what the paper means.

What is ISO 22000 Certification?

The international standard named ISO 22000 refers to Food Safety Management Systems. ISO 22000 integrates HACCP principles and the ISO management system approach into a holistic way of managing risks associated with food safety.

This certification encompasses every aspect of the food supply chain, from:

  • Farmers and primary producers
  • Food processors and manufacturers
  • Storage, transport, and distribution networks
  • Retailers and foodservice providers

Through ISO 22000 Certification, a business demonstrates concern for safe and quality foodstuff to be supplied to consumers.

Importance of Food Safety in Nepal

Nepal's food industry holds a very distinct kind of challenge, such as

1. That also means that fragmented supply chains imply no standardization with regard to operations and contamination hazards apart from infrastructural constraints on storage and transportation facilities. 

2. The bottom line, therefore, will be to assure more hope and expectation by this changing consumer regarding safer and high-quality food. 

3. Another requirement for exporting, however, relates to food safety standards, which should be followed per international stipulation. 

Therefore, ISO 22000 Certification can help an organization solve some of these with one unique framework in regard to the management of food safety aspects.

ISO 22000 Certification: The Motivator to Food Safety in Nepal

1. Identification and Control of Hazards

ISO 22000 requires a business to identify and control biological, chemical, and physical hazards throughout the chain. Businesses can make use of proactive controls to:

Prevention of contamination during production and processing; less risk in storage and transportation; assurance of safety and quality of the final product. 

2. Normalized Safety Practices 

The certification denotes consistency in practice regarding safety right from the supply chain, hygienic handling and processing practices, proper cleaning and maintenance of equipment, and monitoring of CCPs for minimization of risks. The standardized lot of practices raise the safety for the whole value chain.

3. Traceability and Transparency

ISO 22000 has emphasized traceability, which a business can trace in the movement of food products right from production to consumption. It assures in this context:

  • Speedy identification of safety issues
  • Efficient recall mechanisms for the protection of public health
  • Accountability of practices of safety at each stage

4. Capacity Building and Training

ISO 22000 has urged companies to increase more investment in training and capacity building among employees. Workers will consequently be in a position to learn and gain the skills needed for the identification and control of risks to food safety, best practice in food handling processes, as well as a culture of accountability and safety. 

5. Compliance with Export Standards 

Quite frankly, ISO 22000 certification will be indispensable to the exporting of foodstuffs in more ways than one. It also allows the company to shine on the global frontiers in terms of safety.

Benefits of ISO 22000 Certification to Nepalese Food Industry

1. Assures Public Health Safety

ISO 22000 Certification saves consumers from the danger of contaminated food and its handling to reduce foodborne diseases.

2. Consumer Confidence

Certification proves that a business is concerned with safety and quality; hence, more truthfulness towards their business can be instilled in their consumer group.

3. Operational Efficiency

ISO 22000 will enable a business organization to adopt the apt methodology of doing things that will reduce wastage, increase proper utilization of resources, and thereby enhance overall productivity.

4. Brand Reputation

The fact that such a reputed international organization is certifying the businesses enhances their reputation and image both in national and international markets.

5. Promotes Economic Growth

The impact is related to improving the food industry regarding providing more employment and export to other countries when this new higher quality standard set is applied on-site in an international market.

ISO 22000 Implementation issues in Nepalese Territory

ISO Though very advantageous and useful, being beneficial on-spot applications of ISO 22000 is nevertheless a considerable obstacle, at least among most Small Scale organizations owner-type productions and the following as severe serious problems:

1. Cost of Certification: Most of the businesses cannot afford the cost of audits, training and infrastructural developments.

2. Partial Ignorance: Most of the businesses are unaware about ISO 22000 and how it applies to food safety.

3. Lack of Infrastructure: Insufficient storage, processing, and transport facilities

Solutions Proposed:

4. Government Incentives: Subsidies and grants to be provided for making the accreditation within the reach of the SME sector.

5. Awareness Programs: Educative programs on the benefits of ISO 22000.

6. Infrastructure Building: Investment in state-of-the-art facilities for the business to become certified.

ISO 22000 and Quality Management Systems Relationship

ISO 22000 may be implemented as part of a quality management system, such as ISO 9001. In that case, the same system will provide for safety and quality. The advantages of combining the two are:

  • Consistency in safe and quality product delivery.
  • Simplification of complying with a number of standards.
  • Efficiency and better customer satisfaction.

ISO 22000, along with QMS, thus helps an organization in Nepal to achieve sustainable business performance with regard to the competitive food sector.

Conclusion

ISO 22000 Certification is one of the strong catalysts that have brought changes for betterment of safety regarding foods in Nepal. Empower business through risk, standardization of practices, and enhanced collaboration-therein benefit from safe and quality food products meeting global standards.

The adoption of ISO 22000 will be more than a necessity for the Nepalese food industry; rather, it's a way of gaining confidence and efficiency while opening up new avenues to new market opportunities. Whether it is a local producer or export-oriented, ISO 22000 Certification along with the Quality Management System facilitates the achievement of growth and success in a sustainable manner.

 

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