Case Study: Integrated ISO 22000, HACCP & GMP Implementation for a Large-Scale Agro-Food Enterprise in Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia
Introduction
Food safety and quality assurance are non-negotiable in the agriculture and food processing sector. With the rising demand for traceability, hygiene, and regulatory compliance, organizations are increasingly adopting internationally recognized management systems. This case study highlights how PopularCert successfully guided a leading agro-food company in Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia, through the implementation and certification of ISO 22000, HACCP, and GMP standards — transforming their food safety culture and operational systems.
Client Overview (Confidential)
The client, a vertically integrated agribusiness, specializes in cultivating, processing, and distributing a wide variety of plant-based food products and oils. With a strong e-commerce presence and large-scale operations spanning farming, warehousing, processing, and retail packaging, the organization sought to establish a robust, certifiable food safety management system aligned with global best practices.
Challenges Identified During Gap Analysis
PopularCert conducted a thorough gap analysis across the client’s farm, warehouse, processing facility, HR operations, and online order department. Key issues identified included:
Farm Operations
- Inadequate water testing and record-keeping
- No structured chemical/fertilizer storage
- Missing fire safety tools and rodent control measures
- Absence of first aid stations and employee health safeguards
Factory and Warehouse
- Manual oil filling and insufficient temperature control
- Lack of mechanical pest control systems
- Improper waste disposal and chemical cleaning practices
- Missing SOPs for storage, processing, and dispatch activities
- Combustible materials near storage areas
- Weak fire safety planning and labeling in storage zones
HR & Compliance
- No biometric attendance or structured employee files
- Missing health check records and ID issuance
- Low awareness of access control and cabinet security
- No employee feedback or suggestion collection mechanism
Online Order & Complaint Handling
- No formal procedure for returns, complaints, and feedback
- Absence of VAPT testing for the e-commerce platform
- Underdeveloped return policy and digital SOPs
Food Safety System
- HACCP plan not yet formalized
- Integrated Management System (IMS) policy missing
- Incomplete supplier lists and asset registry
- Absence of cross-functional SOPs and documentation
PopularCert's Implementation Strategy
System Design & Documentation
- Developed a fully integrated management system encompassing ISO 22000, HACCP, and GMP principles
- Created SOPs for all departments — from farm inputs to dispatch
- Formalized policies for hygiene, fire safety, feedback handling, and supply chain control
Food Safety and HACCP Framework
- Conducted a hazard analysis and developed a comprehensive HACCP plan
- Introduced critical control points (CCPs) and monitoring procedures
- Established traceability and batch coding across production and packaging
Infrastructure & Facility Enhancements
- Recommended improvements such as:
- RO filtration for process water
- Mechanical oil filling systems
- Fire extinguishers, dust curtains, and CCTV systems
- Rodent traps and closed-lid garbage bins
- Temperature monitoring tools for storage areas
Training & Culture Building
- Conducted awareness sessions for food handlers, supervisors, and warehouse teams on:
- Food hygiene and safety practices
- GMP and hazard control measures
- Emergency response (first aid, fire safety)
Digital & E-commerce Controls
- Introduced cybersecurity recommendations including VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing)
- Drafted SOPs for handling returned products, complaints, and customer service queries
- Structured return and refund policies with online transparency
Types Of Certification
- ISO Certification
- ISO 9001 Certification
- ISO 14001 Certification
- ISO 45001 Certification
- ISO 22000 Certification
- ISO 27001 Certification
- ISO 17025 Certification
- ISO 13485 Certification
- ISO 20000-1 Certification
- ISO 22301 Certification
- ISO 50001 Certification
- ISO 37001 Certification
- IATF 16949 Certification
- ISO 29001 Certification
- ISO 31000 Certification
- ISO 20121 Certification
- ISO 10002 Certification
- ISO 41001 Certification
Get Free Consultation
Our Clients
Results & Certification
Following the implementation, the client underwent a successful external audit and received triple certification for:
- ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management
- GMP – Good Manufacturing Practices
- HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
The audit was smooth, with only minor non-conformities related to documentation control, which were swiftly resolved by the team.
Key Business Outcomes
- Enhanced credibility with domestic and export clients
- Improved food safety, traceability, and operational hygiene
- Structured online and offline complaint resolution process
- A sustainable, documented system for continual improvement
- Empowered workforce with increased awareness and accountability
Conclusion
This case study highlights PopularCert’s capability in delivering end-to-end food safety and quality certification services, even for complex operations with multiple business verticals. With a certified and compliant system now in place, the client is poised for long-term growth, regulatory alignment, and international business expansion.
FAQ
What is the benefit of integrating ISO 22000, HACCP, and GMP?
Combining these systems provides a comprehensive food safety framework — ISO 22000 offers structure, HACCP identifies and controls risks, and GMP ensures cleanliness, equipment hygiene, and best handling practices.
Is GMP certification necessary for farms and food processors?
Yes. GMP certification is vital for demonstrating that your facility adheres to basic hygiene and safety principles, which are essential for gaining buyer confidence and complying with legal standards.
How long does it take to implement an integrated food safety system?
For a mid-sized facility like this client, implementation and certification typically take 3 to 5 months, depending on documentation readiness and infrastructure status.
Can e-commerce businesses selling food products get ISO or HACCP certified?
Absolutely. As long as the business handles food processing, packaging, or storage, and maintains traceability and hygiene protocols, they can be certified — even if sales happen online.