Internal Auditor Training on ISO 22000:2018 (Food Safety Management System)

From July 21st to 25th, 2024, the National College of Food Science & Technolgy (NCFST), NIST conducted an extensive six-day training program tailored for fourth-year B.Tech. (Food) students. This specialized training, titled "Internal Auditor Training on ISO 22000:2018 (Food Safety Management System)," was carried out in collaboration with Globus Certification Nepal Pvt. Ltd., featuring expert trainers Girish Pokharel and Abhishek Pokharel. The program aimed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills related to ISO 22000:2018, a critical standard for ensuring food safety across the entire supply chain.

ISO 22000:2018 is an internationally recognized standard that specifies the requirements for a food safety management system. This standard is designed to ensure that food products are safe for consumption from the point of production to the consumer. It integrates several important elements to manage food safety risks effectively. Firstly, it incorporates principles from the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international body that provides guidelines to ensure food safety. Additionally, the standard integrates the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system, which identifies and addresses potential hazards that could affect food safety. It also includes prerequisite programs (PRPs) that lay the foundation for effective food safety management by establishing basic hygiene and operational practices.

The scope of ISO 22000:2018 is comprehensive, covering all stages of the food supply chain. This includes the production of raw materials, processing, transportation, storage, and distribution. One of the significant features of the standard is its emphasis on traceability. By maintaining rigorous documentation and monitoring throughout the supply chain, ISO 22000:2018 ensures that every stage of food production and distribution is transparent and accountable, which is crucial for managing and mitigating food safety risks.

The training program was designed to significantly enhance the student's understanding of food safety management systems. Over the six days, participants engaged in detailed discussions and practical exercises that deepened their knowledge of the ISO 22000:2018 standard. The program aimed to equip students with the necessary skills to effectively contribute to improving food safety, quality, and efficiency in the global food supply chain.

By the end of the training, students were expected to have a robust understanding of how to implement and audit a food safety management system by ISO 22000:2018. This knowledge will enable them to play proactive roles in ensuring that food products meet the highest safety and quality standards on an international scale. The training not only broadened their theoretical knowledge but also provided practical insights that are essential for safeguarding the integrity and safety of food products worldwide.

In conclusion, this training initiative represented a crucial step in preparing the next generation of food safety professionals. Providing them with comprehensive training on ISO 22000:2018, NCFST and Globus Certification Nepal Pvt. Ltd. have empowered these students to take active roles in enhancing food safety practices and contributing to the overall quality and efficiency of the global food supply chain.