With all the food prep and cooking involved in Thanksgiving, it is important not to overlook one critical aspect: food safety. ISO 22000:2018, the international standard for food safety management systems, offers a structured framework to assure food safety throughout the food chain. In this way, ISO 22000:2018 safeguards against foodborne illnesses, giving your family and guests peace of mind as you celebrate the holiday season.
What Is ISO 22000:2018?
ISO 22000:2018 is an international standard that provides a systematic approach to food safety. Its primary goal is to assure that organizations keep food products safe for consumption at every stage of the food production process. This includes everything from sourcing ingredients, processing, and packaging to cooking and serving. By implementing an effective Food Safety Management System (FSMS), businesses and households can identify and control potential food safety hazards.
You can learn more about ISO 22000:2018 in our blog post: Changes to ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) Requirements.
How Does ISO 22000:2018 Apply to Thanksgiving?
For Thanksgiving meals, the ingredients you use—from turkey, pumpkin, and cranberries—are sourced, handled, and prepared with quality and safety in mind. ISO 22000:2018 provides a framework for food businesses—everything from agricultural producers and food manufacturers to transport providers, retailers, food service outlets, and even suppliers of equipment, packaging, and cleaning products—to systematically identify and control potential hazards, such as contamination or allergens, assuring food products are safe to eat and reducing the risk of illness for your holiday meal.
The Thanksgiving Food Safety Journey: From the Lens of ISO 22000:2018
ISO 22000:2018 is built on several key principles that help assure food safety at every stage, from farm to table. Here is how each of these principles plays a part in making your Thanksgiving meal safer:
Ingredient Sourcing and Supplier Management
ISO 22000:2018 requires a careful assessment of suppliers to assure that they follow food safety protocols. For example, if you are purchasing your turkey from a local farm, the standard assures that the farm meets necessary health and safety guidelines to prevent contamination at the source. By verifying the safety of raw ingredients, ISO 22000:2018 assures that the foundation of your Thanksgiving meal is already set for safety.
Food Processing and Cooking
As your Thanksgiving meal moves from raw ingredients to a delicious spread, food safety standards continue to apply. ISO 22000:2018 provides guidelines for food processors to assure safe handling, proper cooking temperatures, and hygienic practices.
Interactive Communication and Employee Training
Another core principle ISO 22000:2018 is effective communication across the food supply chain. From farm workers to grocery store employees, everyone involved needs to understand food safety practices. ISO 22000:2018 emphasizes continuous training and communication to assure that all parties are aware of food safety risks and how to address them.
Food Storage and Consumption
ISO 22000:2018 assures that the food involved in your Thanksgiving meal remains safe for consumption. Proper storage, handling, and serving practices are essential for keeping food at safe temperatures and preventing cross-contamination from foods, such as raw turkey and fresh ingredients like green beans and brussels sprouts. By following ISO 22000:2018 guidelines, commercial food processors can minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses from improperly handled food, thereby assuring food is safe for consumption and meets both customer and regulatory requirements.
A Safe and Joyous Thanksgiving, Thanks to ISO 22000:2018
The impact of ISO 22000:2018 on your holiday meal is simple: it helps make sure that every bite of your Thanksgiving feast is safe. From sourcing ingredients to proper cooking and serving practices, this international standard provides a framework that minimizes the risk of foodborne illnesses.
So, this Thanksgiving, while you are busy planning the perfect menu and making your grocery shopping list, remember that food safety matters just as much as flavor. With the helping hand of ISO 22000:2018 from the farm, manufacturing, grocery store, and eventually in your kitchen, you can focus on the joy of the holiday, knowing your food is will be delicious and also safe to eat.
ISO 22000:2018—Food safety management systems – Requirements for any organization in the food chain is available on the ANSI Webstore and in the following Standards Packages:
- ISO 22000 / ISO 22002-1 – Food Safety Bundle
- ISO 22000 / ISO/TS 22002-1 – Food Safety Bundle
- ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems Package
Learn More about Food Safety on the ANSI Blog
If you are interested if furthering your understanding of standardization in the food industry, check out our blog posts:
- Food Standardization: Why Safety & Quality Matter Global
- ISO 22003-1:2022— Food Safety
- ISO 22000-1:2025—Prerequisites Programs on Food Safety
- Differences between European and American Food Standards
For more specific food groups, check out these blog posts and let us know what food or beverage group we should cover next!