The requirement that applies today
The organization considers the intended use of the end product, including reasonably expected handling and any unintended but reasonably expected mishandling or misuse, and keeps that as documented information. Where appropriate it identifies groups of consumers or users, and it names consumer groups that are particularly exposed to particular hazards.
ISO 22000:2018, 8.5.1.4 Preliminary steps: intended use; ISO/DIS 22000:2026, 8.5.1.4.
What the draft does
Subclause of 8.5.1; not listed separately in the public contents: The public contents name 8.5.1 at this position but do not list its subclauses. The subclause structure shown here comes from the held current edition; whether the draft keeps it is sold by ISO and not held here.
Source: public contents and foreword at 8.5.1.4, retrieved 2026-10-19.
Why this clause matters
Intended use is where the analysis decides who it is protecting. A product intended for cooking is a different risk from one eaten raw, and a product for a vulnerable group carries a higher bar. Sites often state "general public" and stop, which weakens every downstream decision.
Suggested evidence to discuss with your auditor
For 8.5.1.4, these are the artefacts we suggest discussing with your auditor. The standard publishes no evidence list, so this is our reading, not a requirement.
- An intended use statement for each product, including mishandling scenarios
- Identification of vulnerable consumer groups where relevant
- Evidence that the label and the instructions match the stated use
Where systems usually fall short
- Intended use described as "normal consumption" with no scenarios
- Vulnerable groups not identified for products that reach them
How to prepare
Write the worst realistic misuse of your main product, such as defrosting on a bench or eating it cold when the label says cook. Then check whether the hazard analysis and the label deal with it. That is the clause in one exercise.
Dates
Cross-references
Source
Clause 8.5.1.4. Current edition: ISO 22000:2018. Draft: ISO/DIS 22000:2026. Retrieved 2026-10-19. The full DIS text for 8.5.1.4 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.