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FSSC 22000 Development Program

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What is the FSSC 22000 Development Program?

In the expanding global food Industry, small and medium-sized organizations (SMEs) play a significant role in the food supply chain. To support these organizations in the supply of safe food, Foundation FSSC offers the FSSC 22000 Development Program.

The FSSC 22000 Development Program provides a two level approach to support SMEs in producing safe food. It is aligned with CODEX HACCP, GFSI Global Markets and fits into the FSSC 22000 structure. As such, the Program is especially suitable for SMEs who want to meet the food safety requirements of their clients or have the ambition to enlarge their market access.

Organizations that conform with the FSSC 22000 Development Program requirements have the added benefit of being listed on the FSSC website. Integrating the Program in vendor assurance programs supports food organizations in contributing towards food safety of their SME suppliers.

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Especially for smaller and medium sized food organizations

  • It is an easy-to-use Program that is especially suitable for organizations that want to develop and improve their food safety system but might not achieve GFSI-recognized certification in one step.
  • The Program offers organizations the flexibility to start at the conformity level, which meets the maturity of their food safety system. Once conforming, the organization decides whether to remain at a certain level, proceed to the next level, or proceed toward full FSSC 22000 certification.
  • The Program contains a self-evaluation tool to support organizations in developing and improving their food safety system (click here for the self-evaluation tools and program documents).
  • The Program is aligned with CODEX HACCP, GFSI Global Markets, and the FSSC 22000 structure, including the option to progress to full FSSC 22000 certification.
  • Conforming Organizations are listed here.
  • Integrating the Program into vendor assurance programs supports food organizations in ensuring the food safety of their SME suppliers. This integration will also improve harmonization and cost efficiency in the food supply chain.
  • The Program is owned by a non-profit Foundation and managed by an independent Board of Stakeholders.
  • The Program is delivered by independent licensed Assessment Bodies and is governed by an Integrity Program.
  • The Program documents are available in English and translated into several languages.

Which organizations can use the Development Program?

The FSSC 22000 Development Program is applicable to smaller and medium sized food organizations in the sectors food manufacturing, catering, retail, and transport & storage. Both manufacturers of ingredients that supply to other food manufacturers and those that supply to retailers and food service organizations can benefit from the FSSC 22000 Development Program. Examples of organizations that could benefit from the FSSC 22000 Development Program are listed below.

Food manufacturing

  • artisan food manufacturers and “start-ups”
  • food product and food ingredient manufacturers in emerging markets
  • developers of novel foods and ingredients
  • manufacturers of food products for delivery to restaurants and retail
  • food shops like bakeries and butchers

Catering

  • catering facilities (including on-board service on airline, railways, cruise and passenger ships)
  • school and industry dining rooms
  • restaurants and coffee shops
  • hotels, hospitality and banqueting functions, food services and food stores

Retail

  • supermarkets and hypermarkets
  • convenience stores, wholesale (cash and carry) stores, mass or club stores

Transport & Storage

  • Transport companies including transport services by road, rail, air and water
  • Storage companies including warehouses and distribution centres
  • Cross-docking activities

How to become a Conforming Organization?

The FSSC 22000 Development Program requires that food organizations meet minimum food safety requirements (Level 1 or Level 2) and allows them to proceed towards accredited third-party certification such as FSSC 22000.

The steps shown in the image are proposed for a successful result. Start now by downloading the relevant Program requirement documents.