FSSC 22000

What is FSSC 22000?

1. Certification Scheme:

   • FSSC 22000 is a food safety management system certification scheme.
   • It integrates the ISO 22000 standard with additional requirements specified by FSSC 22000.
   • The scheme is recognized by GFSI, which benchmarks food safety standards to ensure they are recognized and accepted globally by retailers and food service providers.

2. Development and History:

   • FSSC 22000 was developed to meet the need for a certification scheme that covers the entire food supply chain, from primary production to retail and food service.
   • It was developed by the Foundation for Food Safety Certification, with input from various stakeholders in the food industry.

3. Objectives:

   • Ensure food safety through effective control of food safety hazards.
   • Provide a framework for continual improvement of food safety management systems.
   • Facilitate global harmonization of food safety standards and reduce audit duplication.

Components of FSSC 22000

1. ISO 22000 Requirements:

   • FSSC 22000 is based on ISO 22000:2018, which specifies the requirements for a food safety management system.
   • ISO 22000 covers general requirements, management responsibilities, resource management, planning and realization of safe products, and validation, verification, and improvement of the food safety management system.

2. Additional Requirements:

   • FSSC 22000 includes additional requirements specific to food safety, such as:
     • Prerequisite Programs (PRPs), which are fundamental programs and practices to maintain a hygienic environment.
     • Operational Pre-requisite Programs (OPRs), which are specific programs related to certain sectors, such as food packaging manufacturing.

3. Scope of Certification:

   • FSSC 22000 certification covers organizations in the food supply chain, including:
     • Food manufacturers
     • Packaging manufacturers
     • Storage and distribution
     • Retail and food service providers

Certification Process

1. Preparation:

   • Implement a food safety management system based on ISO 22000 and additional FSSC 22000 requirements.
   • Develop and document procedures and records required by the standard.

2. Certification Audit:

   • Conducted by an accredited certification body to assess compliance with FSSC 22000 requirements.
   • Includes a review of documentation, interviews with personnel, and a physical inspection of the facilities.

3. Certification Decision:

   • Certification is granted upon successful completion of the audit and any required corrective actions.

4. Maintaining Certification:

   • Regular surveillance audits are conducted to ensure continued compliance with FSSC 22000.
   • Periodic renewal audits are required to maintain certification.

Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification

1. Global Recognition:

   • Accepted by major retailers and food service providers globally, enhancing market access.
   • Recognized by GFSI, which facilitates acceptance by multiple retailers and food service providers.

2. Enhanced Food Safety:

   • Helps organizations establish systematic preventive measures for food safety hazards.

3. Operational Efficiency:

   • Improves operational efficiencies and reduces costs related to food safety incidents.

4. Legal Compliance:

   • Helps organizations comply with legal and regulatory requirements related to food safety.

Conclusion

FSSC 22000 provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring food safety throughout the food supply chain. Certification demonstrates an organization's commitment to food safety and quality, enhancing customer confidence and market access. Continuous improvement and compliance with the standard's requirements are crucial for maintaining certification.

• FSSC 22000 is a food safety management system certification scheme.
• It incorporates ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management Systems requirements) and additional requirements specified in the scheme.
• Ensure food safety through the control of food safety hazards.
• Provide a framework for continual improvement of food safety management
• Facilitate the supply of safe food and enhance customer confidence.

• Certification Requirements

  • Overview of ISO 22000 requirements
  • Additional requirements specific to FSSC 22000 (PRPs, PAS, etc.)

  c. Certification Process

  • Steps involved in achieving certification
  • Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders (management, auditors, certification bodies)

  d. Certification Audit

  • Types of audits (initial, surveillance, recertification)
  • Audit criteria and assessment process

• Key Components of FSSC 22000

  a. Food Safety Management System (FSMS)

  • Requirements of ISO 22000:2018
  • Application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)

  b. Additional Requirements

  • Pre-requisite Programs (PRPs) and Operational Pre-requisites (OPRs)
  • Specific requirements for food packaging materials (if applicable)

  c. Implementation Guidelines

  • Planning and designing the FSMS
  • Documentation requirements (policies, procedures, records)