Food safety has become a top priority for businesses in the food manufacturing, processing, and distribution industries. With increasing regulatory requirements and consumer expectations, achieving ISO 22000 certification is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for companies that want to demonstrate a commitment to food safety management. However, one crucial decision every business must make is whether to use an external ISO 22000 consultant or rely on their internal team to lead the certification process.
This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of hiring an ISO 22000 consultant versus depending on your internal resources, helping you determine which approach is more effective for your organization’s needs.
1. Understanding ISO 22000
IISO 22000 is an internationally recognized standard that outlines the requirements for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). It integrates key elements such as:
- Interactive communication
- System management
- Prerequisite programs (PRPs)
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
ISO 22000 applies to all organizations in the food chain, from farm to fork. Implementing this system involves documentation, training, process controls, audits, and continuous improvement.
Given the complexity, the right expertise is vital for effective implementation and successful certification.
2. The Case for ISO 22000 Consultants
ISO 22000 consultants are third-party experts who specialize in food safety standards. They assist businesses in preparing, implementing, and maintaining ISO 22000 certification.
Benefits of Hiring a Consultant
1. Expertise and Specialisation
Consultants bring in-depth knowledge of ISO 22000 requirements and industry best practices. Their hands-on experience with certification processes across multiple companies ensures a smoother, faster path to compliance.
2. Time Efficiency
With dedicated resources, consultants can streamline the process. They already have templates, checklists, and proven systems, which reduce trial and error and allow internal staff to focus on daily operations.
3. Objective Perspective
External consultants offer unbiased audits of your current food safety system. They can identify risks and gaps that internal teams might overlook due to familiarity or internal politics.
4. Customised Implementation
Experienced consultants tailor the ISO 22000 framework to your business size, type, and processes. This leads to a more practical and sustainable FSMS.
5. Audit Preparation
Consultants typically provide documentation reviews, pre-certification audits, and staff training. Their familiarity with third-party auditor expectations significantly increases the chances of passing the audit on the first try.
3. The Case for Using an Internal Team
Many companies opt to manage ISO 22000 implementation in-house, particularly if they have a robust quality assurance or food safety department.
Advantages of Internal Implementation
1. Deep Process Knowledge
Your employees know your operations better than anyone. This knowledge helps align ISO 22000 requirements with the company’s real-world practices and culture.
2. Cost Savings
Hiring a consultant involves significant fees. If your team has prior experience or an existing system that is aligned with ISO 22000, internal implementation may reduce upfront costs.
3. Long-Term Ownership
Employees gain a strong sense of ownership when they take the lead in certification efforts. This often leads to better long-term compliance and system sustainability.
4. Integrated Learning
Going through the ISO 22000 process strengthens internal capabilities. Your team gains firsthand experience in documentation, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
4. Key Challenges of Each Approach
While both approaches offer distinct advantages, they also come with challenges.
Challenges of Hiring a Consultant
- Cost: Hiring a consultant can be expensive, especially for small or medium-sized enterprises.
- Over-reliance: Companies may rely on consultants without a complete understanding of the system, leading to poor post-certification sustainability.
- One-size-fits-all risk: Some consultants may apply generic templates without tailoring them to your specific operations, which can cause compliance issues later.
Challenges of Using Internal Staff
- Knowledge gaps: Internal staff may struggle to interpret certain clauses or meet auditor expectations without expert guidance.
- Lack of experience: If your internal team is unfamiliar with ISO 22000, they may make costly mistakes or face delays.
- Time constraints: Balancing certification efforts with daily responsibilities can lead to burnout or reduced focus on food safety goals.
5. Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds?
Many businesses now opt for a hybrid model—combining internal teams with external consultant support.
How it Works
- A consultant acts as a guide or advisor, providing direction, templates, and gap analysis.
- Internal teams execute the majority of the implementation work, like SOP development, internal audits, and staff training.
- The consultant reviews progress periodically and assists with audit preparation.
Benefits of the Hybrid Approach
- Balanced cost and value: You get expert guidance without fully outsourcing.
- Internal capacity building: Your staff still gain first-hand experience and understanding.
- Customization and ownership: Your system is tailored by people who know the operations, with oversight from professionals.
This model allows organizations to save money while ensuring the integrity and success of their ISO 22000 certification process.
6. Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Consultant and Internal Team
To determine which approach is more effective for your business, evaluate the following:
1. Organizational Size and Complexity
Larger organizations or those with complex supply chains may benefit more from experienced consultants. Smaller companies with fewer processes may manage effectively in-house.
2. Existing Food Safety Culture
If your company already follows HACCP or GMP, your internal team might be more capable. If you’re starting from scratch, a consultant is likely needed.
3. Budget
Do you have the funds to hire a consultant? Can you afford to risk delays or rework if going internal?
4. Timeframe
How urgent is certification? Consultants can expedite the process significantly.
5. Availability of Skilled Staff
Does your team have the bandwidth and knowledge to manage ISO 22000 documentation, risk assessments, and training?
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether hiring an ISO 22000 consultant or using your internal team is more effective. Consultants bring expertise, speed, and precision. The internal team brings in-depth process understanding and long-term sustainability. The most effective approach depends on your budget, timeline, internal capabilities, and food safety culture.
For many companies, a hybrid model offers the best of both worlds—balancing expert guidance with internal ownership. Regardless of your choice, the key is to ensure that your ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System is not just compliant but also practical, sustainable, and fully integrated into your operations.
