FSSC 22000

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is an internationally recognized certification scheme for food safety management systems. It combines ISO 22000—the global standard for food safety management—with category-specific Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) from the ISO/TS 22002 series and additional FSSC-specific requirements.

FSSC 22000 is fully recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). While standards like IFS Food and BRCGS are retailer-driven, FSSC 22000 is the preferred choice for manufacturers supplying global food corporations and B2B customers, such as ingredient suppliers, additive producers, and semi-finished product manufacturers.

The Three Pillars of FSSC 22000

The scheme is modular, consisting of three integrated layers:

1. ISO 22000 (The Core): The international foundation following the High-Level Structure (HLS). it covers the management system, risk assessment, and continuous improvement (PDCA cycle).
2. ISO/TS 22002-x (Technical PRPs): Category-specific technical requirements. For example, ISO/TS 22002-1 applies to food manufacturing, covering infrastructure, cleaning, pest control, and personal hygiene.
3. FSSC Additional Requirements: These supplement the ISO standards with specific mandates on Food Fraud, Food Defense, allergen management, and environmental monitoring.

Current Version: FSSC 22000 Version 6 (published 2023) is mandatory as of April 2024. It introduces stricter requirements for Food Safety Culture, environmental monitoring, and equipment management.

HACCP Methodology: oPRPs vs. CCPs

A key technical difference between FSSC 22000 and other standards (like IFS or BRCGS) is the ISO 22000 approach to HACCP. It distinguishes between:

• CCPs (Critical Control Points): Specific steps where control is essential to prevent or eliminate a hazard.
• oPRPs (Operational Prerequisite Programs): A "middle tier" of controls identified by the hazard analysis as essential for controlling significant food safety hazards.

This distinction requires a deep methodological understanding and is often a hurdle for companies switching from retailer-based standards.

Key Operational Audit Focus Areas

The FSSC 22000 audit goes beyond documentation to verify active implementation on the shop floor:

• Traceability: Auditors perform a "traceability test" (forward and backward). You must typically trace a batch through the entire process within four hours.
• Food Safety Culture: Version 6 requires measurable KPIs. You must prove that food safety is lived by all employees through data like complaint rates, internal audit results, or employee feedback trends.
• Environmental Monitoring: For high-risk or Ready-to-Eat (RTE) production, documented programs to monitor pathogens (e.g., Listeria, Salmonella) in the production environment are mandatory.
• Allergen Management: Requires validated cleaning procedures and strict labeling checks, especially during product changeovers.

FSSC 22000 vs. IFS Food vs. BRCGS

While all are GFSI-recognized, their focus differs:

• FSSC 22000: International focus (180+ countries), ISO-based, preferred by global B2B corporations (e.g., Nestlé, Danone, Unilever).
• IFS Food: Strong in Central Europe, focused on quality and safety for retailer-branded products.
• BRCGS: Dominant in the UK and North American markets.

FAQ

Is ISO 22000 alone enough for market access? No. ISO 22000 alone is not GFSI-recognized. To meet the requirements of major retailers and global food groups, you need the full FSSC 22000 certification (ISO 22000 + PRPs + Additional Requirements).

How long is the certificate valid? FSSC 22000 follows a three-year cycle. A full recertification audit occurs every three years, with shorter surveillance audits in the years between. This differs from IFS/BRCGS, which require full recertification every year, often resulting in lower annual administrative effort for FSSC.

Does FSSC 22000 apply to packaging? Yes. There is a specific sub-scheme: FSSC 22000 Packaging, which uses the ISO/TS 22002-4 prerequisite program tailored specifically for manufacturers of food contact materials.

What happens if I fail the audit? Non-conformities must be addressed within defined timelines. Critical "Major" non-conformities can lead to certificate suspension. Retailers and B2B customers are usually notified or can see the status on the FSSC portal, potentially halting deliveries.