Development and Background: FSSC 22000 was developed by the Foundation for Food Safety Certification (FSSC), a non-profit organization based in the Netherlands. It was established to provide a single, internationally accepted certification scheme for food safety management systems.
Recognition and Acceptance: FSSC 22000 is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which means it meets the requirements of leading retailers, manufacturers, and food service providers worldwide. This recognition facilitates market access and demonstrates a commitment to food safety excellence.
Scope: FSSC 22000 certification covers various aspects of food safety management, including hazard analysis, risk assessment, control measures, prerequisite programs, legal compliance, and continuous improvement. It applies to organizations of all sizes and sectors within the food industry.
Structure: The FSSC 22000 certification scheme is based on the ISO 22000 standard for food safety management systems, supplemented by additional requirements specific to the food sector. It incorporates elements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and other relevant standards.
Certification Process: The certification process involves several steps, including gap analysis, documentation review, on-site audits, corrective actions, and issuance of the certificate. Organizations must demonstrate compliance with the FSSC 22000 requirements and undergo periodic audits for recertification.
Benefits: FSSC 22000 certification offers numerous benefits to organizations, including improved food safety performance, enhanced consumer confidence, compliance with regulatory requirements, access to new markets, risk mitigation, cost savings through efficiency improvements, and competitive advantage.
Continuous Improvement: FSSC 22000 emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in food safety management. Organizations are encouraged to monitor performance, analyze data, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement corrective actions to enhance their FSMS effectiveness continually.
Global Adoption: FSSC 22000 has been widely adopted by food manufacturers, processors, packers, distributors, and other entities across the globe. It has become a benchmark for food safety excellence and a prerequisite for doing business in many markets.
Organizational Information:
Scope of Certification:
Food Safety Policy:
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP):
Food Safety Management System (FSMS):
Standard Requirements: FSSC 22000 is based on ISO 22000:2018, which specifies the requirements for a food safety management system. Organizations seeking FSSC 22000 certification must comply with the ISO 22000 standard, including its clauses and requirements.
Additional Requirements: FSSC 22000 incorporates additional requirements specific to the food industry, including prerequisite programs (PRPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.
Documentation: Organizations are required to develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of their food safety management system (FSMS). This documentation typically includes:
Implementation Records: Organizations must demonstrate evidence of implementing their FSMS effectively. This may include records of training sessions, audit findings, corrective actions taken, monitoring results, and management reviews.
Audit Reports: FSSC 22000 certification involves audits conducted by accredited certification bodies. Organizations must provide audit reports documenting the findings of these audits, including any non-conformities identified and corrective actions taken.
What is FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a globally recognized certification scheme for food safety management systems. It provides a framework for ensuring food safety throughout the food chain.
Who can apply for FSSC 22000 certification?
Any organization involved in the food industry, including food manufacturers, processors, packers, distributors, and suppliers, can apply for FSSC 22000 certification.
What are the benefits of FSSC 22000 certification?
FSSC 22000 certification offers benefits such as improved food safety performance, enhanced consumer confidence, compliance with regulatory requirements, access to new markets, risk mitigation, and competitive advantage.
How does FSSC 22000 certification differ from ISO 22000 certification?
FSSC 22000 is based on ISO 22000 but includes additional requirements specific to the food industry. It is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is often preferred by food businesses seeking certification.
What are the steps involved in obtaining FSSC 22000 certification?
The steps typically include gap analysis, documentation development, implementation of food safety management system (FSMS), internal audits, management review, certification audit by an accredited certification body, and issuance of the certificate.
