(International Organization for Standardization-Geneva) -- A newly published document in the ISO 22000 series gives the requirements for the bodies that carry out auditing and certification of food safety management systems (FSMS).

ISO technical specification ISO/TS 22003:2007 provides information, criteria and guidance for carrying out ISO 22000:2005 auditing and certification. It will therefore be useful for certification bodies, the accreditation bodies that approve them, suppliers wishing to have their FSMS certified, their customers and food sector regulators.

Certification to ISO 22000:2005, “Food safety management systems – Requirements for any organization in the food chain,” is not a requirement of that standard, which can be implemented solely for the benefits it provides. However, where certification is required by customers, or by regulators, or is judged desirable as a marketing differentiator, ISO/TS 22003:2007 will help to build confidence in such certification throughout the food supply chain.

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