FSSC 22000

FSSC 22000

FSSC 22000 builds on ISO 22000 and adds sector-specific technical requirements and additional controls for food safety governance.

Who It Fits

• Food manufacturers and packaging material producers
• Organizations supplying major retailers and export markets
• Businesses that require recognized GFSI-aligned certification

Core Requirements

• A robust ISO 22000 management system foundation
• Compliance with sector PRP technical specifications
• Additional controls for food defense, food fraud and food safety culture

Practical Standard Focus

FSSC 22000 extends ISO 22000 with sector-specific PRP requirements and additional scheme controls. It is particularly relevant for export-oriented operations and supplier approval in major retail chains.

Implementation Steps

1. Readiness assessment against scheme requirements
2. Control and documentation strengthening
3. Preparation for multi-stage certification audit

Audit and Certification Pathway

1. Initial technical review of scope, objectives and applicable obligations.
2. Documentation build-out and verification of real operational implementation.
3. Internal audit with corrective-action closure based on objective evidence.
4. External certification audit (stage 1/2), surveillance and ongoing maintenance.

Business Benefits

• Higher acceptance in international supply chains
• Integrated control of food safety risks
• Greater confidence from large procurement teams

Typical implementation timeline: 10-16 weeks.

Typical Evidence and Documented Information

• Documented mapping of scheme requirements to operating processes.
• Evidence for food defense, food fraud vulnerability and food safety culture.
• Process-level verification plans with measurable effectiveness outcomes.

Common Readiness Gaps Before Audit

• Partial coverage of additional scheme requirements beyond ISO 22000.
• Mismatch between documented controls and shop-floor execution.
• Limited vulnerability analysis for critical raw materials.

Frequently Asked Questions