The difference between ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 is one of the most asked questions by businesses seeking international certification.
Both standards focus on improving processes, but their objectives are different. ISO 9001 is a Quality Management System (QMS) applied across industries, while ISO 22000 is a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) designed specifically for the food chain.
Many organisations, guided by expert consultants such as ISO Cert International, seek to understand whether they should implement ISO 9001, ISO 22000, or both.
This article explores their similarities, differences, and how they complement each other.
Understanding ISO 9001: The Quality Management Standard
ISO 9001 is the world’s most recognised quality management system certification. It provides a structured framework that ensures consistency, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. The standard is not limited to one industry, making it suitable for manufacturing, healthcare, services, and education.
Key features of ISO 9001 include:
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Emphasis on customer satisfaction.
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Risk-based thinking for process control.
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Continuous improvement through PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act).
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Applicability to any organisation, regardless of size or sector.
By implementing ISO 9001, organisations demonstrate their ability to deliver consistent quality and meet both regulatory and customer requirements.
read the complete guide of iso 9001 certification
Understanding ISO 22000: The Food Safety Management Standard
Unlike ISO 9001, ISO 22000 food safety standard is tailored for the food industry, ensuring safety across the entire food supply chain.
It integrates the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) approach with ISO’s management system structure, ensuring that food products are safe for consumption.
Core elements of ISO 22000 include:
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Identification and control of food safety hazards.
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Alignment with Codex HACCP principles.
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Legal and regulatory compliance in the food sector.
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Clear communication across supply chain partners.
ISO 22000 certification proves that a business prioritises consumer health and food safety, making it vital for restaurants, food manufacturers, and agricultural operations.
Key Focus Areas: ISO 9001 vs. ISO 22000
The difference between ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 lies mainly in their scope, with ISO 22000 focusing on food safety and ISO 9001 addressing overall quality management.
While both standards aim at improvement, their focus areas differ:
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ISO 9001 → Focuses on quality consistency and customer satisfaction across industries.
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ISO 22000 → Focuses on food safety hazards, risk control, and consumer health in the food chain.
This difference between ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 makes it essential for businesses to evaluate their scope and customer expectations.
difference between ISO 22000 and ISO 9001
| Aspect | ISO 9001 (QMS) | ISO 22000 (FSMS) |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Focus | All industries | Food supply chain |
| Main Objective | Consistency, quality, and customer satisfaction | Safe food for consumers |
| Risk Approach | Risk-based thinking | HACCP + food safety risk management |
| Certification Value | Global recognition across sectors | Global recognition for food businesses |
| Key Clauses | Customer focus, leadership, improvement | Prerequisite programmes, hazard controls |
| Documentation | Quality manual, procedures, records | HACCP plan, food safety manuals, monitoring |
Read: Difference between iso 14001 and iso 9001
Similarities Between ISO 22000 and ISO 9001
Although the difference between ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 is significant, they also share strong similarities:
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Both follow the Annex SL structure for easy integration.
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Both aim for continual improvement and customer trust.
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Both require management commitment and leadership involvement.
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Both stress the importance of risk management and documented evidence.
This shared foundation means organisations can implement both standards together efficiently.
Major Differences You Need to Know
A simple way to explain the difference between ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 is that one protects consumers’ health and the other ensures customer satisfaction.
To better understand the difference between ISO 22000 and ISO 9001, here are the most important distinctions:
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Industry Application – ISO 9001 applies to all sectors, ISO 22000 only to food.
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Risk Approach – ISO 9001 uses generic risk-based thinking, ISO 22000 applies HACCP.
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Documentation – ISO 22000 requires specific food safety manuals, ISO 9001 is broader.
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Regulatory Alignment – ISO 22000 directly connects with food laws, ISO 9001 does not.
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Customer Impact – ISO 9001 improves customer experience, ISO 22000 ensures consumer safety.
- The key difference between ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 is that ISO 22000 includes HACCP principles, while ISO 9001 does not.
Which One Should Your Organisation Choose?
Choosing the right certification requires knowing the difference between ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 and how each benefits the organisation.
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Choose ISO 9001 if your organisation needs a general QMS to boost quality and competitiveness.
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Choose ISO 22000 if your business is within the food industry and must prove food safety compliance.
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Consider both together for a fully integrated management system, especially if your company handles food but also wants to enhance overall customer satisfaction.
Can You Implement ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 Together?
Yes. Both standards are built on the Annex SL high-level structure, which means they can be integrated without duplication. Implementing both saves time, reduces audit fatigue, and creates a more powerful system that covers quality, safety, and compliance. Many businesses work with partners like ISO Cert International to streamline dual certification projects.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 helps businesses make informed decisions. ISO 9001 certification ensures quality and consistency, while ISO 22000 certification ensures safe food production. For many organisations, achieving both offers maximum competitive advantage. With guidance from trusted partners such as ISO Cert International, companies can achieve compliance, build customer trust, and stand out in competitive markets.
Ready to take the next step? Whether you need ISO 22000 certification for food safety or ISO 9001 certification for quality, ISO Cert International is here to help you succeed. Our team provides expert consulting, training, and certification support tailored to your organisation’s needs.
📩 Email: info@iso-cert.uk
Take action today – let ISO Cert International guide your business towards excellence and compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between ISO 9001 and ISO 22000?
ISO 9001 focuses on quality management across all industries, while ISO 22000 is specific to food safety.
Is ISO 22000 based on ISO 9001?
Yes, ISO 22000 is built on the same Annex SL framework as ISO 9001 but adds HACCP and food safety requirements.
Can a company be certified in both ISO 9001 and ISO 22000?
Yes, many companies integrate both standards to cover quality and food safety together.
Which industries need ISO 22000 certification?
Food manufacturers, restaurants, caterers, packaging suppliers, and agricultural producers.
Does ISO 22000 include HACCP?
Yes, HACCP principles are at the heart of ISO 22000, ensuring food hazards are controlled.