Food is universal. It connects us, nourishes us, and sustains life. But with globalization, extended supply chains, and increasing consumer expectations, the risks to food safety have never been more complex.

Contamination, fraud, and lapses in hygiene can have devastating effects on public health, brand reputation, and trust in the food industry.

For decades, BS EN ISO 22000 Food safety management systems. Requirements for any organization in the food chain has provided the foundation for food safety management systems worldwide. With more than 36,000 sites certified globally (according to the ISO Survey 2023), BS EN ISO 22000 has set the benchmark for a systematic, risk-based approach to food safety management.

At the heart of BS EN ISO 22000 lies a critical requirement: the establishment of Prerequisite Programmes (PRPs). These are the fundamental practices, conditions, and procedures that create the hygienic environment necessary to produce safe food. PRPs are the everyday safeguards that reduce hazards before they even arise.

While BS EN ISO 22000 defines the need for PRPs, many organizations have sought clearer guidance on how to implement them in practice across diverse sectors.

Enter the BS ISO 22002 series. This family of standards is designed to detail, standardize, and strengthen PRPs across the food, feed, and packaging value chains.

And now, in 2025, the BS ISO 22002 series has undergone its most significant transformation yet.

What’s new in the BS ISO 22002 standard series?

The 2025 revision marks a milestone moment, with seven standards released simultaneously — five fully revised and upgraded from technical specifications to international standards, and two entirely new standards. Together, they provide a comprehensive, modular approach to prerequisite programmes, aligning seamlessly with BS EN ISO 22000.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s included:

• BS ISO 22002-1:2025 Prerequisite programmes on food safety - Food manufacturing

• BS ISO 22002-2:2025 Prerequisite programmes on food safety - Catering

• BS ISO 22002-4:2025 Prerequisite programmes on food safety - Food packaging manufacturing

• BS ISO 22002-5:2025 Prerequisite programmes on food safety - Transport and storage

• BS ISO 22002-6:2025 Prerequisite programmes on food safety - Feed and animal food production

All five of the above standards have now been fully revised and upgraded to international standards. Each is tailored to the specific risks of its sector while aligning with the common framework provided by the new BS ISO 22002-100.

BS ISO 22002-100:2025 Prerequisite programmes on food safety - Requirements for the food, feed and packaging supply chain

The universal foundation. This management systems standard consolidates common PRP requirements across food, feed, and packaging. It ensures consistency across sectors.

BS ISO 22002-7:2025 Prerequisite programmes on food safety - Retail and wholesale Developed for retail and wholesale operations, this new standard provides sector-specific guidance for supermarkets, wholesalers, food banks, and other consumer-facing organizations.

Did you know that several key ISO management system standards are in the process of being revised? You can learn more about what this means for you and how to get involved by visiting our Standards Revision & Transition page.

Why the BS ISO 22002 standards matter to food organizations

The food industry is evolving rapidly. Online retail, globalized sourcing, stricter regulations, and heightened consumer awareness are creating new challenges every day. The latest updates to BS ISO 22002 series ensure that organizations can face these challenges with confidence and unlock wide-ranging benefits:

1. Greater consistency and clarity

The introduction of BS ISO 22002-100 means organizations can now rely on a single, unified set of core PRP requirements across all sectors. This reduces duplication, prevents confusion, and allows businesses operating in multiple areas to apply one consistent framework while tailoring only what’s necessary for their sector.

2. Enhanced food safety and consumer trust

The standards address today’s most pressing food safety challenges, from allergen management to fraud prevention and supply chain traceability. Organizations that adopt them demonstrate a proactive commitment to protecting consumers, which translates into greater confidence from regulators, partners, and end customers.

3. Improved operational efficiency

The series encourages organizations to adopt best-practice processes for cleaning, disinfection, storage, transport, and employee hygiene. These aren’t just safety measures, they drive efficiency, consistency, and cost savings by reducing waste, minimizing contamination risks, and strengthening supplier and logistics management.

4. Future-proof compliance

The 2025 updates align with the latest Codex Alimentarius guidance, regulatory expectations, and global industry practice. This positions organizations to stay ahead of evolving regulations and certification requirements, rather than scrambling to catch up later.

5. A stronger competitive edge

Food safety is a differentiator.

With five of these standard upgrading from technical specifications (ISO/TS) to full international standards (ISO/IS), it means they reflect broad international consensus and give organizations confidence that they are applying practices accepted and respected worldwide.

Businesses that can prove adherence to globally recognized standards gain easier access to new markets, strengthen supplier partnerships, and build reputations as trusted leaders in food safety. In an increasingly transparent world, this is a tangible competitive advantage.

Discover more about how standards support the provision of high quality food products by visiting our Quality management in food and agriculture topic page.

Ready to strengthen your food safety management?

The new BS ISO 22002 series is now available for purchase. Secure your copy today and take the next step in building resilient, trustworthy, and internationally aligned food safety systems.