Hazard control and cross-contamination — foreign matter and category specifics
Plain-language summary
Foreign-matter management with a justified choice of detection equipment and breakage controls, plus specific rules for functional packaging, lairage inspection and feed additives.
What the clause is really asking
This clause adds category-specific hazard controls on top of ISO 22000 8.5. For every category except brokers and traders, foreign-matter management must start with a risk assessment that decides whether foreign-body detection equipment is needed and of what type — magnets, metal detectors, X-ray, filters, sieves — with documented justification where none is required; a documented procedure for managing and using the equipment chosen; and controls covering breakages that could contaminate product (metal, ceramic, hard plastic). Category-specific additions: BIII, C and I need specific requirements where packaging provides a functional effect on food such as shelf-life extension; C0 needs an inspection process at lairage and/or evisceration to confirm animals are fit for human consumption; Category D needs procedures for ingredients and additives with adverse animal-health potential.
What auditors look for
Auditors ask why you have (or do not have) a metal detector and want the risk assessment that answers it. They test the detector with the check pieces, look at the breakage register and ask what happened the last time a glass item broke near open product.
Typical evidence
Foreign-matter risk assessment with equipment decision and justification; detection-equipment procedure, test-piece records and calibration; breakage procedure and register; functional-packaging requirements (BIII, C, I); lairage/evisceration inspection records (C0); adverse-additive procedures (D)
How to comply — recommendations
Write the foreign-matter risk assessment as a real decision — by product, process step and hazard — rather than a justification of the equipment you already own. Keep a glass and brittle-materials register and make the breakage procedure a stop-and-clear rule everyone knows.
Common nonconformities
Detection equipment with no risk assessment behind it; no justification for having none; breakage register not maintained or procedure not followed; functional packaging with no specific controls; C0 or D category items missing
Related clauses
ISO 22000 8.2.4 (h), 8.5.1.3, 8.5.2; ISO 22002-1:2025 clause 12 (contamination control); ISO 22002-6:2025 clause 12 (feed); FSSC 22000 2.5.7, 2.5.15
Get the free ISO 9001:2026 Readiness Scorecard
Free, instant download. We'll only email you the occasional practical quality update — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Qlause provides interpretive guidance only and is not a substitute for the standard. Refer to your licensed copy of the relevant standard for the authoritative text.