The ACS – GP USA ISO 22000:2018 Lead Auditor Course is a comprehensive professional training programme designed to develop the knowledge and auditing skills required to assess Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) against the requirements of ISO 22000:2018. This internationally recognised course equips learners with the expertise needed to plan, conduct, lead, and manage first-party, second-party, and third-party audits in accordance with internationally accepted auditing principles and practices.
The course provides an in-depth understanding of food safety hazards, risk-based thinking, HACCP principles, prerequisite programmes (PRPs), operational controls, legal compliance, and continual improvement within food supply chains. Learners will gain practical experience in audit planning, evidence collection, interviewing techniques, nonconformity reporting, corrective action verification, and audit team leadership.
Ideal for food safety professionals, quality managers, auditors, consultants, and compliance personnel, this course supports organisations in maintaining food safety, regulatory compliance, customer confidence, and operational excellence across the food industry.
Program Highlights
Course Objective
- Understand ISO 22000:2018 requirements and their application to FSMS auditing.
- Learn advanced audit principles and leadership techniques per ISO 19011:2018 guidelines.
- Develop skills to plan, manage, and lead FSMS audits for certification purposes.
- Identify food safety hazards, critical control points, and compliance issues in complex scenarios.
- Explore methods for evaluating non-conformities and recommending strategic corrective actions.
- Gain knowledge of audit reporting, follow-up, and certification decision-making processes.
- Understand the responsibilities of a lead auditor in managing audit teams and stakeholders.
- Learn to assess FSMS effectiveness and drive continual food safety improvement.
Entry Requirements
The following entry requirements are recommended to ensure learners can successfully complete the program:
- Age Requirement:Learners must be at least 18 years of age
- Educational Background: A secondary school qualification or equivalent is recommended.
- Professional Experience: Previous experience in food safety management, quality assurance, food production, auditing, compliance, manufacturing, or related fields is advantageous but not mandatory. A basic understanding of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) and food industry operations is recommended.
- English Proficiency: Learners should have a good understanding of English and strong communication skills.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Lead Food Safety Management System (FSMS) audits in line with ISO 22000:2018 and ISO 19011:2018 standards
- Plan, manage, and coordinate complex audit activities and lead audit teams effectively
- Identify food safety hazards, risks, and compliance issues during advanced audit scenarios
- Evaluate non-conformities and recommend effective corrective and preventive actions
- Prepare detailed, professional audit reports and support certification processes
- Drive continual improvement of FSMS through effective audit leadership and decision-making
- Communicate and manage relationships with auditees, stakeholders, and audit teams to ensure successful audit outcomes
Target Audience
The ACS – GP USA ISO 22000:2018 Lead Auditor Course is designed for professionals who are responsible for auditing, implementing, maintaining, or improving Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It is also suitable for individuals seeking to develop advanced auditing competencies and gain expertise in food safety management and ISO 22000:2018 compliance.
This course is ideal for:
- Food Safety Managers and Food Safety Team Leaders
- Quality Assurance (QA) Managers and Quality Control (QC) Professionals
- Food Safety Officers and Coordinators
- ISO 22000 Internal Auditors and Lead Auditors
- HACCP Team Members and HACCP Coordinators
- Compliance Managers and Regulatory Affairs Professionals
- Food Production and Manufacturing Managers
- Operations Managers within the food industry
- Food Processing and Packaging Professionals
- Supplier Quality and Vendor Management Personnel
- Food Industry Consultants and Advisors
- Laboratory Managers and Food Testing Professionals
- Agriculture, Farming, and Food Supply Chain Professionals
- Restaurant, Catering, and Hospitality Food Safety Personnel
- Import and Export Compliance Professionals in the food sector
- Management Representatives responsible for Food Safety Management Systems
- Professionals involved in implementing or maintaining ISO 22000:2018 certification
- Individuals seeking a career in food safety auditing and compliance
- Business owners and senior executives in food manufacturing and processing organisations
- Anyone responsible for ensuring food safety, regulatory compliance, and continual improvement within food-related operations
This course is particularly valuable for organisations involved in food production, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, retail, catering, and other sectors of the food supply chain that aim to strengthen food safety performance and meet international food safety standards.re compliance with health and safety requirements, reduce occupational risks, and promote continual improvement through effective internal auditing practices.
