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.

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Why MS 1480:2025 Transition Requires a Structured Approach

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.

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First Things Food Manufacturers Should Do to Transition to MS 1480:2025

1️⃣ Conduct a HACCP Gap Analysis Against MS 1480:2025

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

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2️⃣ Review and Update the HACCP Hazard Analysis

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• Outdated process flow diagrams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

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3️⃣ Reassess CCP Determination and Control Measures

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

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4️⃣ Strengthen Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)

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

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5️⃣ Verify and Validate Food Safety Controls

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

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6️⃣ Review Change Management Procedures

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

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7️⃣ Train and Re-Engage the HACCP Team

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

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What Food Manufacturers Should NOT Do First

❌ 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

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How Long Should the MS 1480:2025 Transition Take?

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

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MS 1480:2025 and ISO 22000: Why Alignment Matters

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

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Final Thought

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.