With the introduction of MS 1480:2025, many food manufacturers are unsure where to begin.
A rushed or unstructured transition often leads to audit findings, nonconformities, and rework.
The key to a smooth transition is knowing what to do first—and what to prioritize.
MS 1480:2025 is not a minor update.
It emphasizes:
Stronger risk-based thinking
Clear hazard justification
Effective system implementation
Ongoing verification and review
Transitioning successfully requires system review—not document replacement.
This should always be the first step.
Key focus areas:
Hazard analysis completeness
CCP determination logic
PRP effectiveness
Verification and validation activities
HACCP team competency
A proper gap analysis:
Identifies non-compliant areas early
Prevents unnecessary documentation changes
Sets clear transition priorities
Common gaps found include:
Outdated process flow diagrams
Generic hazard identification
Missing justification for hazard significance
Under MS 1480:2025, manufacturers must:
Link hazards directly to each process step
Justify why hazards are significant or not
Consider real operational conditions
Many existing HACCP plans:
Overuse CCPs
Lack technical justification
Use historical decisions without review
MS 1480:2025 requires:
Clear logic for CCP decisions
Evidence-based critical limits
Defined actions when controls fail
PRPs are a major audit focus under the new standard.
Food manufacturers should review:
Cleaning and sanitation effectiveness
Pest control monitoring and trend analysis
Maintenance and calibration programs
Personal hygiene and GMP controls
Weak PRPs often:
Lead to HACCP failures
Trigger major nonconformities
Many companies confuse these two activities.
MS 1480:2025 emphasizes:
Validation: proving controls work before use
Verification: confirming controls work continuously
Manufacturers should:
Validate CCPs and OPRPs
Review monitoring data trends
Conduct internal verification activities regularly
Transitioning requires evaluating:
New raw materials
Supplier changes
Process or equipment modifications
Production volume changes
MS 1480:2025 expects:
HACCP review triggered by change
Documented decision-making
Updated hazard analysis where needed
A major transition failure occurs when:
HACCP knowledge stays with one person
Team members cannot explain decisions
Training is outdated
The updated standard expects:
Competent HACCP team members
Understanding of risk-based decisions
Active participation in system maintenance
❌ Rewrite all documents without gap analysis
❌ Copy templates claiming “MS 1480:2025 compliant”
❌ Wait until the next audit to act
❌ Focus only on paperwork, not implementation
Transition timelines depend on:
HACCP system maturity
PRP effectiveness
Staff competency
Typically:
Simple operations: 2–3 months
Complex operations: 3–6 months
Early preparation reduces:
Audit pressure
Corrective action costs
Business disruption
MS 1480:2025 aligns closely with:
ISO 22000 risk-based thinking
System effectiveness requirements
Continuous improvement principles
For manufacturers planning ISO 22000:
MS 1480:2025 transition is a critical foundation
Weak HACCP systems often lead to ISO audit failure
The first step in transitioning to MS 1480:2025 is not updating documents—it is understanding where your current system truly stands.
Food manufacturers that:
Start with a proper gap analysis
Focus on real implementation
Engage their HACCP team
will experience a smoother, faster, and more successful transition.
Philippines