Topic

Supply chain in food & agriculture

Today’s consumers are more focused on where their food comes from and what’s in it than ever before. They also want to know where it comes from and that it was made ethically and responsibly. Standards can help organizations build supply chain resilience in many different ways; from preventing cyberattacks to embracing innovation.

Ensuring resilience in food supply chains

Learn how standards help organizations protect themselves against supply chain risks

Social responsibility and the global supply chain
Article

Social responsibility and the global supply chain

When organizational activity is consistent with social responsibility, the advantages are significant. They include greater public trust, improved reputation and international trade opportunities, optimized risk management, and an increased competitive edge. Yet despite the best intentions, many organizations struggle to manage large, complex networks of suppliers in a way that is resilient and efficient, and that drives continuous improvement to ensure social responsibilities are met. Standards can guide your company in developing and implementing policies and practices that benefit the entire value chain, improving its resilience and helping your business maintain a leadership position on environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. The rise of ESG More than ever, businesses are being held accountable by shareholders, investors, employees and customers for aligning their brand values with supply chain capability. Failure to demonstrate accountability and transparency can cause long-lasting damage to brand perceptions, risking the loyalty and esteem of both customers and partners. The connection between social responsibility and supply chain management also has a direct effect on financial performance. Structured properly, a fair and up-to-date supply chain policy creates a win-win situation for both buyer and supplier. What’s more, governments have begun to regulate social practices to identify and mitigate risk – making visibility and transparency a top priority all the way down the chain. Understanding supply chain challenges While companies seek to improve ESG, recent events have served to expose vulnerabilities in global supply chains. The Covid-19 pandemic caused impacts with widespread knock-on effects, while the war in Ukraine has, for example, highlighted European reliance on Russian gas and oil, agricultural products, minerals and metals.  In fact, supply chains are at risk from numerous angles. KPMG research from November 2022 found that 71% of global companies regard raw material costs as their chief supply chain threat for 2023. More than 60% expect geopolitical instability to present a risk over the next three years, and almost half consider cyber security to be an important operational challenge for their supply chains. At the same time, 67% say that meeting customer expectations regarding speed of delivery is a critical force impacting the structure and flow of their supply chains, and some 53% plan to increase their sustainable sourcing. It would be no understatement to say that risk will define supply chains for years to come. The role of standards in supply chain integrity Taking a standards-based approach is the best way to establish a strong, responsible supply chain. Standards allow organizations to do business fairly and sustainably, and to validate supply chain integrity through continuous improvement. So, what are the key standards for organizations looking to integrate ESG principles throughout their supply chain? Security and resilience BS ISO 28000:2022 Security and resilience. Security management systems. Requirements protects an organization’s goods from point of manufacturing to point of sale. Using this standard, businesses can identify risks across the supply chain and apply appropriate controls to actively manage and minimize them. It addresses potential security issues at all stages of the process, including financing, manufacturing, information management and transportation. Managing collaborative relationships With a BS ISO 28000 compliant management system in place, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to the safety of individuals and security of goods and services, improving business confidence, reputation and future growth. In order to achieve this, organizations must work together and support one another. A further standard can help: BS ISO 44001:2017 Collaborative business relationship management systems. Requirements and framework. It specifies requirements to develop and manage contractual relationships, enabling organizations to build towards a supply chain in which all parties share responsibility and approach risk management appropriately. Managing risks Another useful standard is BS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management. Guidelines, which provides a common approach to managing risk at all levels. Its structure allows businesses to mitigate social responsibility risks across the supply chain, developing plans for evaluating environmental and social compliance, as well as ethical sourcing and development. Environmental management It is also wise to consider specific standards on environmental management and sustainability, such as BS EN ISO 14001 Environmental management systems and BS ISO 20400 Sustainable procurement. Guidance. BS EN ISO 14001 puts environmental management at the heart of an organization’s operations to help meet regulations and improve efficiency and performance across the supply chain. Similarly, BS ISO 20400 helps organizations introduce sustainable procurement processes, improving the performance of all supply chain partners and ultimately increasing overall reputation and value. Ethical supply chains BS 25700 can ensure businesses develop a better understanding of modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains. The standard provides organizations with guidance on the risks, including prevention, identification, response, remediation, mitigation and reporting. Alongside more responsive and stable supply chains, the benefits to business can include improved investor confidence, reputation, and a greater ability to attract talent and retain staff. Information risk Finally, in today’s ever-changing digital landscape it’s never been more important to apply an ethical approach to managing information risk. The ISO/IEC 27000 series, including the recently-published BS EN ISO/IEC 27001 guides the creation and implementation of an information security management system (ISMS), helping organizations to maintain effective privacy and security protocols to protect both consumer and organizational data throughout the supply chain. Discover BSI Knowledge Over 100,000 internationally recognized standards are available for simple and flexible access with a BSI Knowledge subscription. Our tailored subscription service allows you to build your own custom collection of standards or opt for access to one of our pre-built modules, keeping you up to date with any changes. With support from a dedicated BSI account manager, our subscription service helps you achieve a more coherent and effective approach to best practice. Request to learn more.Read more
Strengthening food safety across the value chain with the BS ISO 22002 series
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Strengthening food safety across the value chain with the BS ISO 22002 series

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.
Fighting modern slavery with BS 25700
Article

Fighting modern slavery with BS 25700

Modern slavery can affect any business, in any sector and across supply chains. It is now time for every organization to effectively manage the risk of modern slavery. And our pioneering new standard can help. Modern slavery includes recruitment, transport, receipt and harbouring of people to exploit their labour, and it affects almost all parts of the world. Globally, it’s estimated that there are over 40 million men, women and children in situations of modern slavery. These victims are forced to work for little or no pay, deprived of their freedom and often subjected to unimaginable suffering. And both the COVID-19 crisis and recent war in Europe have only exacerbated the issue – leaving thousands of people at risk from these practices. Any association with modern slavery has the potential to damage an organization’s reputation in a serious and potentially permanent way. It creates the image of an untrustworthy business that puts profits before the welfare of its workers and other stakeholders. Companies may also face backlash from consumers if they are found to be implicated. Far more must be done to bridge the gap between policy and practice. BSI is at the forefront of helping organizations understand what actions they can take to eradicate this global problem. As the National Standards Body (NSB) in the UK, BSI plays a vital role in helping businesses to adopt best practices and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. BS 25700 Organizational responses to modern slavery is a pioneering British standard that provides guidance on managing the risk of modern slavery, through prevention, identification, response, remediation, mitigation, and reporting modern slavery in operations and supply chains. It provides organizations with guidance for managing the risk of modern slavery, including prevention, identification, response, remediation, mitigation, and reporting modern slavery in its operations, supply chains and its wider operating environment. We support campaigners, like Baroness Young and others, as they call for Governments to re-prioritize modern slavery. To support this important topic, where we all need to play a role to enable positive change, BSI is pleased to make our BS 25700 standard free to download. Slavery in the supply chain To manage the risk of modern slavery, businesses must first recognize that it is a current and prevalent problem, often hidden in plain sight. Slavery can exist in all stages of the supply chain, including the procurement manufacture shipping and delivery of goods and services to consumers. This is because long and complex supply chains, often seen in the food, retail and manufacturing sectors, make it difficult to oversee who is working where and under what conditions. Companies have a legal and social responsibility to ensure that modern slavery has not been used in the production of the goods they sell. For example, the UK Modern Slavery Act requires larger businesses to report on the steps they take to tackle modern slavery in their supply chains. BS EN ISO 26000 is the British Standard giving organizations guidance on social responsibility. Learn more about this standard here. How to manage the risk of modern slavery Further work is needed by organizations to effectively manage the risk of modern slavery especially in their supply chains. The growing scrutiny of supply chains regarding social responsibility, organizational impact and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) reporting means that it has never been more important for your business to manage the risk of modern slavery. BS 25700 provides a structured approach to the development, implementation, evaluation, and review of the risk management of modern slavery by taking a ‘risk to people’ view instead of a ‘risk to organization’ view. It encourages organizations to go beyond legal and statutory duties and address the wider risks associated with modern slavery. The benefits of BS 25700 to businesses include: A holistic approach to addressing modern slavery that puts people at the heart of an organization Effective management of the risk of modern slavery in a way that supports human rights due diligence Demonstration of organizational commitment to ESG which helps build confidence in your organization’s governance and ethics Positive business reputation Increased sales and customer loyalty, as consumers seek businesses with higher ethical standards Greater ability to attract talent and staff retention Improved investor confidence More responsive and stable supply chains This standard is applicable to all organizations, regardless of size and sector because organizations of all types and sizes can be responsible for modern slavery practices in their supply and value chains. BSI is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This standard contributes to a number of SDGs but in particular supports SDG 8.7: End Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Child Labour. Help us a build a better world by managing the risk of modern slavery in your supply chain. Download your copy of BS 25700 today.
How joined-up action on supply chains can drive a net zero transition
Article

How joined-up action on supply chains can drive a net zero transition

Increasing supply chain complexity and disruption presents an ongoing challenge for global business.  A report from the Bank for International Settlements reveals that, in most cases, supply chains are becoming more complex and mutually dependent than ever. They reported an “increase in the indirect cross-country links, as new firm nodes interpose themselves into existing supply chains.” Increasing complex supply chains pose a challenge for emissions tracking This increase in complexity has major implications for emissions reduction and sustainability reporting. It’s particularly true for large businesses facing pressure from both financial markets and regulators for mandatory Scope 3 emissions reporting. Any additional links in the supply chain will make tracking Scope 3 emissions much more complicated. Improved collaboration and transparency are required between businesses at every stage. In this year’s BSI Net Zero Barometer reporting on UK business’ net zero progress, tracking supply chain emissions emerged as a major obstacle. Currently, only 18% of businesses surveyed are measuring Scope 3 emissions as fully as possible. Since these can represent up to 90% of a company’s total Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, improved tracking offers an untapped route for emissions reduction. What progress have businesses made on supply chain emissions? For the recently released fourth edition of the Net Zero Barometer, we surveyed over 1,000 key decision-makers from a range of UK based businesses. While 61% have made progress in reducing emissions in their supply chain, it still represents a major challenge. The survey reveals that larger firms are more likely to have successfully reduced emissions across the supply chain than smaller firms (89% vs 69% respectively). However, there is recognition that further reductions rely on greater levels of cooperation between businesses across the chain, large and small. Responses to the survey also revealed sector-specific challenges. In the mining, quarrying and utilities sector, for example, 43% of businesses cited difficulties in finding suppliers with net zero credentials as part of their supply chain. It is also a major problem in retail, where 33% of organizations cited difficulty in finding suppliers with net zero credentials as the biggest obstacle to emissions reduction. Reducing emissions across the supply chain with standards and collaboration There is an opportunity for businesses of all sizes to work together towards net zero. Large firms can help microbusinesses to do more (as part of their Scope 3 commitments), and microbusinesses can raise their game to win work from large firms (and help them succeed with their Scope 3 reductions). Using common standards, methodologies and frameworks will only help strengthen accountability and transparency for businesses as they communicate their actions to their shareholders, investors and customers. Standards give businesses a common framework and shared language for discussing sustainability issues. As Todd Redwood, BSI’s Global Managing Director – Consumer, Retail and Food notes in the report: “Without globally agreed standards on what good looks like, there’s a challenge for retailers in identifying the source of every element of the products they sell.” This shared language can also help to align goals and objectives for businesses across the supply chain, while also increasing trust and transparency between businesses working together on sustainability. They can also provide clear guidance for action. This is particularly important for small businesses that don’t necessarily have the compliance and reporting teams employed by bigger organizations. Four useful net zero standards for organizations Making collaboration work BS ISO 44004 Collaborative Business Relationship Management – this international standard promotes progressive collaboration between large corporations and small businesses. It can play an important role in developing the collaboration necessary for supply chain sustainability. Net zero transition guidelines for SMEs BSI Flex 3030 Net Zero Transition Plans – with small businesses particularly in mind, this standard has been developed to give nationally agreed guidance on how to plan an effective net zero transition. For larger businesses, it can provide confidence that SMEs in their value chains are taking action. Making verifiable emissions claims BS ISO 14068-1:2023 is a new international standard setting out strong principles and detailed and verifiable requirements on quantification and reduction or removal of GHG emissions. Users gain clear, best practice guidance that will allow them to make verifiable claims of carbon or climate neutrality. Note: There will be a period of 24 months from the date of publication of ISO 14068-1:2023 before the PAS 2060:2014 document, which it supersedes, will be withdrawn. This allows users to address changes that may be needed to meet the revised requirements detailed in the new BS ISO 14068-1:2023 standard. Understanding the carbon footprint of products BS ISO 14067 provides companies with a comprehensive methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of a product. As global supply chains face ongoing complexity and disruption, meeting Scope 3 emissions reporting targets will require greater transparency and collaboration between businesses at every stage of the chain, from largest to smallest.   Standards can provide the shared language, trust, transparency and approach required to make a successful, mutually beneficial, net zero transition. Discover BSI Knowledge Over 100,000 internationally recognized standards are available for simple and flexible access with a BSI Knowledge subscription. Our tailored subscription service allows you to build your own custom collection of standards or opt for access to one of our pre-built modules, keeping you up to date with any changes. With support from a dedicated BSI account manager, our subscription service helps you achieve a more coherent and effective approach to best practice. Learn more here.

Key Standards for Food & Agriculture Supply Chain

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