The requirement that applies today
The third Codex principle, at step 8, is to establish a critical limit for each CCP. The current edition maps it to the hazard control plan, which requires limits at CCPs and criteria for OPRPs, with the rationale documented.
ISO/DIS 22000:2026, Annex A 7, Codex principle 3 and step 8: establish critical limits.
What the draft does
Mapped in the current Annex A to 8.5.4; the 2026 table is sold by ISO and not held here: The 2026 contents keep 8.5.4 and its subclause on limits and criteria. For this row the inferred 2026 destination is 8.5.4.2, 8.5.3, 8.7; that reading comes from the clause titles, not from the published 2026 table.
Source: public contents and foreword at A.7, retrieved 2026-10-19.
Why this clause matters
A limit without a basis is a number someone chose. The clause asks for the rationale, which is what makes the limit defensible when a process changes or an auditor challenges it. The 2026 contents keep the clause.
Suggested evidence to discuss with your auditor
For A.7, these are the artefacts we suggest discussing with your auditor. The standard publishes no evidence list, so this is our reading, not a requirement.
- Each limit or criterion with its value, unit and basis
- The link from the limit to the acceptable level
- Evidence that the measurement method can determine the limit reliably
Where systems usually fall short
- A limit copied from guidance with no basis for this product
- An action criterion that cannot be observed consistently
How to prepare
Pick the limit closest to a product safety decision and show why that number, for this product and this process. If the answer is "it is what we have always used", find the basis or validate it.
Dates
Cross-references
Source
Annex A, A.7. Current edition: ISO 22000:2018. Draft: ISO/DIS 22000:2026. Retrieved 2026-10-19. The full DIS text for A.7 is sold by ISO and not held here; the sources page lists what is.
Not legal advice; does not certify; our words, not the standard's, and the planning date is an estimate.