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ISO 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia

 ISO 22000 Certification In Saudi Arabia- Ensure Food Safety

Saudi Arabia is a vast country, and it is growing day by day in all industrial sectors. There are a lot of food production companies, many hotels and restaurants, resorts, food chains, and agricultural industries focusing on the protection of the food they process. If you have an aim to follow the Food safety rules according to ISO Standards, it is necessary to get ISO 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia to ensure a strong Food safety management system.

Strengthen your Food Safety Management System (FSMS) with ISO 22000 certification support from Apex SC. While we are not an ISO 22000 consultancy in Saudi Arabia, we provide expert guidance, reliable services, and experienced ISO 22000 auditors to help organizations across the Kingdom implement, maintain, and prepare for successful audits.

Understanding ISO 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia- Ensure Food Safety

ISO 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia is an internationally recognized Food Safety Management System (FSMS) standard that helps organizations identify, control, and reduce food safety risks across every stage of the supply chain. The standard ensures compliance with SFDA regulations, GSO requirements, and HACCP principles, while also supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 food safety and quality goals.

Beyond regulatory compliance, ISO 22000:2018 improves food safety practices, enhances brand reputation, increases operational efficiency, and strengthens consumer trust. For businesses in Saudi Arabia, implementing ISO 22000 is not just about meeting legal requirements; it is a strategic move to build a safe, efficient, and globally competitive food operation.

Related Standards that work closely with ISO 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia

  • HACCP Certification: A preventive approach to food security. A fundamental step is to implement ISO 22000.
  • ISO 9001 (QMS): The customer follows the quality management principles such as satisfaction, improvement, and process efficiency.
  • ISO 14001 (EMS): It is implemented with the Food Safety Management Standard for food businesses' sustainability.
  • ISO 45001 (OHSAS): It ensures workplace safety, food, and health for the employees.

How ISO 22000 Works in Saudi Arabia’s Food Supply Chain

ISO 22000 works as a complete food safety framework that helps Saudi businesses control risks at every stage of the supply chain. It brings together four essential elements:

  • Risk-based thinking to identify food safety threats early
  • Hazard analysis and CCP monitoring (HACCP) to prevent contamination
  • Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) like cleaning, sanitization, pest control, and hygiene practices
  • Operational controls for safe food processing, storage, handling, and distribution

How to get ISO 22000 Certification?- Simple Steps

The simple and easy ISO 22000 Certification Process consists of:

  • GAP analysis: To identify intervals, assess your current food safety practice against ISO 22000 requirements.
  • Develop FSMS: Install a strong food safety management system to fit your operation.
  • Implementation controls: Use hazard analysis and significant checkpoints (HACCP) to effectively handle food safety risk.
  • Training of employees: Train your employees with the best practices for ISO 22000 awareness and food security.
  • Internal audit: Complete an internal audit to ensure system compliance and efficiency.
  • Management Review: Review system performance with top management and prescribed improvement plans.
  • Certification audit: Passing through step 1 (documentation review) and Step 2 (on-site revision) by a recognized certification body.
  • Certification decision: Get your ISO 22000 certification after successful auditing.
  • Constant improvement: Maintain and improve FSM with regular revision and updates.

How Long Does ISO 22000 Certification Take in Saudi Arabia?

The ISO 22000 certification process in Saudi Arabia varies depending on the size and complexity of your food business. Small restaurants or cafés typically complete certification within 10–15 days, medium manufacturers in 20–30 days, and large food factories or packaging units in 30–60 days. The certification remains valid for 3 years, with annual surveillance audits to maintain compliance and continuous improvement.

Industries That Should Get ISO 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia

ISO 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia applies to all food-related businesses. The SFDA recommends certification for industries where food safety is critical. It helps businesses meet regulations, improve hygiene, and gain consumer trust.

Key Industries Benefiting from ISO 22000

  • Food Test Laboratories – Ensure accurate testing and meet safety regulations.
  • Bottled Water & Juice Manufacturers – Keep production clean and prevent contamination.
  • Animal Feed Manufacturers – Maintain safe and high-quality feed.
  • Bakery & Confectionery Producers – Reduce risks in production and storage.
  • Meat & Poultry Industry – Safeguard safety from processing to packaging.
  • Food Packaging Suppliers – Ensure packaging does not compromise food safety.
  • Restaurants & Hotels – Improve hygiene, customer trust, and overall food quality.

Why is ISO 22000 important for Saudi food businesses? Key Benefits

There are key benefits of ISO 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia:

  • Increased food safety and quality assurance
  • Compliance with Saudi food laws
  • Vision 2030 supports food security goals
  • Improved management of the supply chain
  • Market access and competitive profits increased
  • Operational cost reduction
  • Employed to increase awareness and dedication
  • Provides continuous improvement facilities

ISO 22000 in Saudi Arabia – Essential SFDA Requirements for Food Safety

To successfully pass ISO 22000 audits in Saudi Arabia, food businesses must follow key SFDA and GSO rules. These requirements ensure that your operations are safe, compliant, and trustworthy.

ISO 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia: Key SFDA Requirements You Must Meet

To pass ISO 22000 audits in Saudi Arabia, businesses must meet:

  • SFDA Technical Regulation (TRs)
  • GSO food safety requirements
  • Facility hygiene, storage, and temperature-control standards
  • Supplier evaluation and food traceability rules
  • Product recall and withdrawal procedures

ISO 22000 vs HACCP: What’s Different in Saudi Arabia (KSA)?

Both ISO 22000 FSSC Certification and HACCP Certification in Saudi Arabia are recognized in the food industry, but they serve different goals and levels of compliance. HACCP is a basic food safety system that focuses on identifying, evaluating, and controlling the dangers of the food production process.

Food Safety ISO 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia – Jeddah, Riyadh, Al Khobar, Dammam, and Beyond

ISO 22000 Certification is the first step for many Saudi businesses to comply with SFDA food safety requirements. It is a broad international Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that integrates HACCP principles and goes beyond to create a complete food safety framework.

Benefits of ISO 22000 Certification in Major Saudi Cities:

  • Jeddah: Helps organizations protect brand value and avoid reputational damage.
  • Riyadh: Improves food safety practices and builds consumer trust.
  • Al Khobar: Acts as a protective shield against operational risks and product recalls.
  • Dammam & Beyond: Supports compliance with SFDA and international food safety standards.

The food sector in Saudi Arabia is rapidly growing and profitable, but it is also high-risk. ISO 22000:2018/Amd 1:2024 helps businesses build a trusted food brand, reduce risks, and maintain safety across the supply chain.

Realistic ISO 22000 Certification Cost in Saudi Arabia

The top dominant factors involved in the cost of ISO 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia are:

  • Organizational size and complexity
  • Pre-proof interval analysis and documentation
  • Training requirements
  • Audit fee
  • Certification bodies

Importance of ISO 22000 Certification for Saudi Businesses

  • Ensure that your business fulfils SFDA food safety laws
  • Increase the confidence level of customers in food
  • Reduce the food Hazards
  • Upgrade the level of exports in food
  • Motivate a strong Food safety culture in the organization

Why Choose ISO 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia?

ISO 22000 certification helps Saudi food organizations:

  • Prevent contamination, spoilage & safety failures
  • Meet SFDA & international food safety laws
  • Build trust with customers & retailers
  • Reduce food wastage and operational costs
  • Expand exports in GCC, Asia & European markets
  • Improve supplier management and process efficiency

Boost Your Business With Apex SC

Boost your business with Apex SC, a leading ISO 22000 certification body in Saudi Arabia with over 5 years of experience. We provide globally recognized ISO 22000 certification services aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Our team also offers professional lead auditor and standards training courses, including FSSC 22000 v6, to help your organization strengthen its food safety management system. We also help companies to find the top ISO 22000 Certification Consultant in Saudi Arabia.

Types of ISO 22000 Food Safety Training in Saudi Arabia

Foundation / Awareness Training

Learn the basics of ISO 22000 and Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS).

Internal Auditor Training

Equip your staff to conduct internal audits and maintain compliance.

Lead Auditor Training

Advanced training for leading certification audits effectively.

Implementation Training

Hands-on guidance to implement FSMS in your organization.

FSSC 22000 Auditor

Lead Auditor Training – Specialized training for FSSC 22000 v6 certification and auditing.

Contact us today at info@apexsc.org or call us at +966 50 953 4879, and get ISO 22000 Certified in Saudi Arabia or certify your food safety system in KSA today.

FAQs

Depending on business size, it usually takes 2 to 8 weeks, including gap analysis, training, implementation, audits, and certification.

You need HACCP plans, PRPs, SOPs, supplier evaluations, food safety objectives, recall procedures & monitoring records.

Yes. ISO 22000 significantly speeds up SFDA inspections and approval for exports, licenses, and renewals.

The cost varies by business size and complexity, ranging from SAR 20,000.

It ensures food safety compliance, builds customer trust, reduces risks, and improves operational efficiency.

No, it’s not mandatory for all businesses, but it is highly recommended for food manufacturers, exporters, and high-risk sectors.

Steps include gap analysis, FSMS implementation, internal audits, and a formal certification audit.

It ensures SFDA compliance, minimizes food risks, builds brand trust, and supports market access.

Not for all businesses, but SFDA recommends it for manufacturers, caterers, cloud kitchens, and exporters.