Here’s what I’ve noticed after years of helping companies prepare for ISO 22000: choosing the certification body often feels harder than implementing the standard itself. Teams worry about making the wrong decision—picking a body that’s too expensive, not recognized by customers, or simply difficult to work with.
It doesn’t have to feel that way. Once you understand what truly matters—accreditation, auditor expertise, scope clarity, and audit style—the choice becomes straightforward.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
What to look for in an accredited ISO 22000 certification body
How to compare proposals beyond just price
Why auditor competence makes or breaks your certification experience
Which red flags to avoid
How to confidently request and evaluate quotes
My goal here is to give you the same practical advice I share during scoping calls. Now that we’ve set the foundation, let’s step into the criteria that matter most.
Understanding Accreditation: The Foundation of Choosing an ISO 22000 Certification Body
Accreditation is the backbone of your certification’s credibility. It’s what reassures your customers—and sometimes regulators—that your certificate is legitimate.
In simple terms, accreditation means the certification body has been evaluated and approved by an official Accreditation Body (AB). This recognition ensures your ISO 22000 certificate will be accepted by clients, supply-chain partners, and in international markets.
Here’s where organizations often get tripped up: some certification bodies operate without accreditation or use accreditation that isn’t globally recognized. That can lead to problems when customers ask for proof of validity.
Pro Tip: Don’t take accreditation claims at face value. Search the Accreditation Body’s website and confirm the certification body is listed.
Common Mistake: Choosing the lowest-priced option only to discover later that buyers or retailers don’t accept their certificate.
Accreditation is your first filter. Everything else builds on this.
Evaluating Auditor Expertise & Industry Experience (The Most Overlooked Selection Factor)
In my experience, the quality of your audit depends far more on the auditor than the certification body itself. An auditor who understands your industry—whether you’re in bakery, seafood, dairy, beverage, packaging, or logistics—can assess your system realistically and fairly.
Auditor competence includes:
Food-industry experience
HACCP knowledge
Years of auditing in your sector
Familiarity with your processes
Ability to ask clear, relevant questions
I once worked with a high-risk thermal-processing company that struggled with previous audits because the auditor had no background in their processes. When they switched to a body with industry-matched auditors, everything—from communication to findings—became more consistent and constructive.
Pro Tip: Ask for an auditor profile before signing. You have the right to request a qualified match.
This step alone can completely change your audit experience.
Comparing ISO 22000 Proposals: Scope, Man-Days, and Total Cost Breakdown
When you request quotes, you’ll notice something quickly: no two proposals look alike. Even for the same facility, man-day estimates, fees, and audit outlines vary widely.
To compare fairly, focus on these core elements:
Declared Scope: Is it clear and accurate?
Man-Day Allocation: How did they calculate it?
Stage 1 & Stage 2 Distribution: Are they realistic?
Travel & Administrative Fees: Some bodies add these separately.
Surveillance & Recertification Costs: The long-term picture matters.
Pro Tip: Ask for a line-item breakdown. It’s the only way to compare apples to apples.
Common Mistake: Accepting bundled pricing without understanding what’s included—often leading to unexpected add-ons later.
A clean proposal tells you a lot about how the certification body operates.
Audit Approach & Communication Style: Choosing a Certification Partner, Not a Paper Issuer
The best certification bodies act like partners—objective, fair, professional, and committed to adding value through the audit.
Audit approach varies widely:
Some auditors take a collaborative, conversational style.
Some bodies encourage open communication; others feel distant and corporate.
Your experience depends heavily on this cultural fit.
Pro Tip: Ask how auditors handle borderline findings, clarification requests, or appeals. The answer will tell you everything you need to know about their philosophy.
A certification body isn’t just evaluating your system; they’re shaping your team’s perception of ISO 22000 for years to come.
Global Recognition, Industry Acceptance & Customer Requirements
Not all certificates have the same value. Some certification bodies are widely accepted by major retailers, importers, manufacturers, and supply-chain partners. Others aren’t.
Before selecting a certification body, check:
Does your customer or buyer require a specific accreditation?
Does your industry favor certain certification bodies?
Will your certificate be recognized internationally?
Common Mistake: Choosing a cheaper but lesser-known certification body and discovering later that customers reject the certificate.
A certificate is only useful if the people you serve accept it.
Customer Service, Responsiveness & Value-Added Support
The level of support you receive before and after the audit often reflects the certification body’s culture.
Pay close attention to:
How quickly they respond to your questions
How clearly they explain their process
Whether they assist with scoping
How organized their proposals and communications are
Pro Tip: Responsiveness during quoting is often a preview of how they’ll support you during audits and follow-up reviews.
Organizations underestimate this dimension, but smooth communication makes your certification journey far easier.
Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Certification Body
Here are practical warning signs you shouldn’t ignore:
Unusually low pricing without clear justification
No visible accreditation or questionable accreditation sources
Vague scope descriptions or unclear man-day calculations
Slow or inconsistent communication
Pressure tactics to sign contracts quickly
Auditors without sector experience
Each of these signals points to risk—either for your audit experience or the acceptance of your certificate.
How to Request & Compare Quotes Effectively (With a Simple 5-Question Template)
A structured approach ensures you get clean, comparable proposals.
Define your scope clearly.
Share accurate data on employees, processes, and product categories.
Request the same details from every certification body.
Ask for the auditor’s qualifications.
Compare line-item costs and man-day calculations.
Here’s a simple quote-request template you can use:
What accreditation do you hold for ISO 22000?
How will you calculate my man-days?
Can you provide the proposed auditor’s profile?
What is included/excluded in your pricing?
How do you handle corrective actions, appeals, and additional fees?
This process removes guesswork and helps you make a confident decision.
FAQs: Choosing an ISO 22000 Certification Body
Is it okay to switch certification bodies later?
Yes. Many organizations switch due to cost, service issues, or customer requirements.
Do all certification bodies interpret ISO 22000 the same way?
No. They follow the same standard but differ in auditing depth and interpretation based on auditor competence.
How do I know if my certificate will be recognized globally?
Check whether the certification body’s accreditation is part of the IAF MLA system and accepted in your target markets.
Conclusion: Choosing Your ISO 22000 Certification Body With Confidence
Choosing the right ISO 22000 certification body isn’t about price—it’s about credibility, audit quality, recognition, and long-term partnership. When you focus on accreditation, auditor expertise, audit approach, proposal clarity, and customer acceptance, the best choice becomes clear.
After supporting organizations across different sectors, I’ve seen how the right certification body makes the ISO 22000 journey smoother, faster, and more valuable.
If you’d like help comparing your proposals or validating accreditation details, I can walk you through the process step-by-step.
Melissa Lavaro is a seasoned ISO consultant and an enthusiastic advocate for quality management standards. With a rich experience in conducting audits and providing consultancy services, Melissa specializes in helping organizations implement and adapt to ISO standards. Her passion for quality management is evident in her hands-on approach and deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks. Melissa’s expertise and energetic commitment make her a sought-after consultant, dedicated to elevating organizational compliance and performance through practical, insightful guidance.
