Validation, Verification and Monitoring in ISO 22000

Validation, verification and monitoring have distinct purposes in ISO 22000. Understanding these differences helps organizations select and operate food safety controls correctly.

1. What is validation?

Validation obtains evidence that a control measure, or combination of measures, is capable of effectively controlling significant food safety hazards.

Controls for significant food safety hazards are categorized as OPRPs or control measures at CCPs.

Validate the capability of selected controls before implementation, and reassess validation when changes could affect their ability to control the hazards.

Validation activities can include:

• Reviewing relevant validation performed by others and suitable historical data.
• Conducting laboratory trials that simulate actual production conditions.
• Collecting data on biological, chemical and physical hazards under normal operating conditions.
• Analysing statistical data and using suitable mathematical models.

2. What is verification?

Verification uses objective evidence to confirm that specified requirements have been fulfilled.

Verification activities are planned to confirm that the system and controls operate as intended. For example, reviewing drying records and independently checking a product’s moisture can verify compliance with a validated product-specific limit. A value such as 5% is only an illustration, not a universal food safety limit.

Verification can include testing, observation, document and record review, and internal audits.

3. What is monitoring?

Monitoring is a planned sequence of observations or measurements used to assess whether control measures are operating as intended. More generally, it determines the status of a system, process or activity.

Monitoring takes place during operation and provides information in time to act within the relevant control period.

Monitoring can involve checks, observations or measurements against the established criteria.

Related articles

• ISO 22000 Consulting and Training
• ISO 22000 Structure and Related Standards
• Benefits of ISO 22000 Certification
• ISO 22000 Documentation Checklist
• Conditions for Implementing ISO 22000
• Understanding PRPs, OPRPs and CCPs