FSSC 22000 Scheme

The FSSC 22000 Scheme is managed by Foundation FSSC 22000 and governed by an independent Board of Stakeholders which consists of representatives from several sectors in the food industry.

To ensure transparency and involvement of the industry, an Advisory Committee is meant to make recommendations regarding a number of topics, including technical aspects like unannounced audits & Food Fraud, guidance documents and scheme revisions. The Advisory Committee reports to the Board of Stakeholders.

FSSC 22000 Certification

Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 is an internationally accepted certification scheme based on a combination of ISO 22000 sector specific PRP and FSSC additional requirements. FSSC 22000 has been developed in respond to customer demands for a recognizable standard against which a food safety management system can be audited and certified.

FSSC 22000 was given Global Recognition by the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative), as well as other food safety schemes such as BRC or IFS. The certification scheme is owned by the Foundation for Food Safety Certification.

FSSC 22000 has been developed for the certification of food safety systems, which guarantee the safety of products during primary production of animal products, manufacture of perishable animal and/or vegetable products, products with a long shelf life and (other) food ingredients like additives, vitamins and bio-cultures, animal food and feed production and food packaging manufacturing, and recently included catering, retail/wholesale and transport and storage services.

FSSC 22000 For Whom

FSSC 22000:2010 is specifically designed for food manufacturers, food processing, feed manufacturing and food packaging manufacturing. The scheme is intended for the audit and certification of the food safety management system of food manufacturers that process or manufacture:

• Perishable animal products, excluding slaughtering and pre-slaughtering (i.e. meat, poultry, eggs, dairy and fish products).
• Perishable vegetable products (i.e. fresh fruits and fresh juices, preserved fruits, fresh vegetables, preserved vegetables).
• Products with long shelf life at ambient temperature (i.e. canned products, biscuits, snacks, oil, drinking water, beverages, pasta, flour, sugar, salt).
• (bio) chemical products for food manufacturing (i.e. vitamins additives and bio-cultures) but excluding technical and technological aids.

Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification

Certification to FSSC 22000 demonstrates a commitment to food safety delivers a variety of benefits that will impact different parts of your organization.

FSSC 22000 implementation benefits

• Provides a systematic methodology to effectively identify and manage food safety risks
• ISO-based certification model can be used across the whole food supply chain
• Recognized by the GFSI and by the European cooperation for Accreditation (EA)
• Flexibility allowing you to determine how your business will meet the scheme requirements for the structure and documentation of your food safety management system 

FSSC 22000 operational benefits

• Facilitates internal benchmarking and management through consistent application across multiple/international sites
• Promotes the review of and continual improvement of your food safety management system

FSSC 22000 organizational benefits

• Shows your commitment to food safety, providing confidence to your customers
• Improved employee engagement, increasing awareness of food risks and promotion of safety
• Commitment to continuous improvement of the food safety system and its performance