FSSC 22000 Expands Reach in Türkiye beyond 1000 Certificates

Industry Engagement and Awareness Initiatives

The increasing commitment of Turkish food and beverage organizations to FSSC 22000 certification reflects FSSC’s proactive engagement with industry stakeholders. Events such as the FSSC Information Day in Istanbul in October 2024 brought together over 80 participants—including directors, academics, certification program managers, industry professionals, and retailers—to exchange insights on FSSC’s food safety and social sustainability certification programs.

Earlier that year, FSSC Türkiye and Middle East Representative Necat Kirkil participated in the Istanbul Food Safety Congress, where he engaged with regional professionals and provided updates on key developments in food safety certification.

Turkish Retailer and Wholesale Sectors Embrace FSSC 22000

These meaningful interactions have helped raise awareness of FSSC 22000 among retail and wholesale organizations—sectors that have historically adopted the certification less frequently than others. However, the extensive networks of suppliers and producers form a crucial ecosystem dedicated to upholding high food safety standards. Their growing trust in FSSC 22000 has significantly contributed to surpassing 1,000 certifications in Türkiye.

Among these organizations is Migros, a leading Turkish retailer. Their journey toward FSSC 22000 certification was driven by a strong understanding of the program’s value in establishing a robust FSMS. “FSSC 22000 helps organizations identify potential hazards, establish preventive measures, and maintain a strong food safety culture, ultimately protecting brand reputation and instilling customer confidence,” explains Sevil Sen, Quality Management Systems Manager at Migros Türkiye.

The significant number of ISO 22000-certified companies in Türkiye and the surrounding region also supports the steady expansion of FSSC 22000 certification. The seamless transition from ISO 22000 to the more comprehensive FSSC 22000 framework has further accelerated this adoption.

As more companies recognize the benefits of FSSC 22000, food safety experts emphasize its role in strengthening food safety practices. Necat Kirkil confirms this sentiment, , stating that “Organizations place their confidence in FSSC 22000 because of its integrity. The FSSC 22000 certification represents a robust, transparent standard that ensures consistency and reliability. By adopting FSSC 22000, organizations aren’t just meeting the highest global standards but demonstrating their ongoing commitment to food safety and quality. The FSSC 22000 certificate serves as proof of safe, high-quality food, helping businesses earn trust and credibility in Türkiye and beyond borders.” 

A Commitment to Accessible Food Safety Certification

The continued expansion of FSSC 22000 certification in Türkiye is a testament to the trust placed in FSSC by food and beverage organizations. It further reflects the confidence placed in FSSC as a trusted third-party certification Scheme owner for FSMS in Türkiye and the Middle East.

We sincerely thank all Certified Organizations and our valued partners for their dedication and collaboration. Together, we look forward to strengthening food safety standards and advancing our shared mission.

About the FSSC 22000 Scheme

Developed through extensive consultation with global stakeholders, the FSSC 22000 Scheme includes international and independent standards such as ISO as part of its normative documents. It provides a risk-based certification model that can be used across multiple food chain categories to contribute to the supply of safe food, feed, and packaging to the consumer goods industry. FSSC 22000 is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and follows the food chain category description defined in ISO/TS 22003.