As Bill Marler, a notable attorney specializing in foodborne illness cases, pointedly noted, "Food safety often falls to the wayside in pursuit of short term profit, but companies underestimate the astronomical cost paid in the aftermath of a foodborne illness outbreak." With the increasing need for food safety assurance, ISO 22000, also known as Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), is more crucial to global business than ever.

ISO 22000 is an internationally recognized standard that synergizes various existing national and industry standards, providing an overarching framework to ensure safety in the entire food supply, from farm to table. The framework operates on system-based approach comprised of prerequisite programmes and principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).

Embedding the ISO 22000 standard within existing Corporate Management Systems benefits the organization in numerous ways. It bolsters Consumer Confidence by demonstrating that an organization has implemented an effective food safety system. Furthermore, it shows conformance with applicable food safety regulations, hence averting potential legal and financial pitfalls. ISO 22000 also engenders resource Optimization through combined and aligned processes, which prevents duplication and generates savings.

The certification process involves a review of the management system documents, a pre-audit assessment, and the certification audit. The organization needs to thoroughly review requirements, establish its food safety system, and undergo training before initiating the certification process.

A critical aspect of the certification process is the choice of the certification body. To ensure credibility and reliability, the chosen certification body should have an excellent track record, be accredited by a recognized accreditation body, and have the necessary industry-related technical competence.

1. Top-down Approach: The responsibility of food safety should not be compartmentalized within departments. Instead, it should be a shared responsibility, driven by the top management's commitment and disseminated throughout the organization.
2. Education and Training: Continual education enhances understanding of the food safety concept among stakeholders, and robust training programs equip the workforce to effectively implement and maintain the FSMS.
3. Review and Update: Regular internal and third-party audits should be undertaken to ensure that FSMS remains effective. The results should be reviewed by top management and form part of the Continuous Improvement strategy.
4. Supplier Management: Ensuring the food safety process's integrity requires managing suppliers. Therefore, supplier contracts should include penalties for non-compliance and reward structures for exceeding the standard.

According to McKinsey's Global Institute report, in the next 15 years, the global demand for food will increase by about 20% due to a rapidly growing population. Therefore, implementing and impeccably maintaining ISO 22000 is no longer optional; it is a strategic necessity. Further, ISO 22000 presents an opportunity to make a definitive shift from the frequently reactive stance in handling food crises, towards a more proactive, preventative approach. This would signify a sea change in Strategic Risk Management towards food safety.

C-Level executives carry the mantle of ensuring the company's brand reputation and potential liability are well-protected. In this respect, ISO 22000 serves as an effective tool in their arsenal. Beyond immediate financial implications, robust food safety practices result in enhanced consumer confidence and loyalty, trust from stakeholders, and a positive impact on the company's bottom line.

In an increasingly uncertain world, ISO 22000 offers companies the opportunity to anticipate, prevent, and manage risks related to food safety, demonstrating a responsible approach to business. It thus deserves a critical spot in the management playbook, particularly for those businesses involved in the global food supply chain.