Home Schemes FSSC 22000 FSSC 22000 Version 6 FAQ

FSSC 22000 Version 6 FAQ

Equipment Management

  • How can food equipment suppliers be educated on hygienic design requirements, especially in developing countries with no legal regulations on hygienic design?  

    To effectively educate food equipment suppliers on hygienic design requirements, particularly in regions lacking legal regulations on the matter, we recommend leveraging resources and training programs offered by reputable institutions like EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) and 3-A SSI (3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc.).
    They provide comprehensive training courses based on recognized training programs tailored explicitly to hygienic design principles, which can assist in educating organizations on hygienic design. EHEDG, in particular, offers training programs and guidelines that are widely recognized and respected in the industry. Their guidelines cover various aspects of hygienic design, offering practical insights and best practices to ensure equipment meets stringent hygiene standards.
    For a more in-depth understanding and practical application of hygienic design principles, we encourage food equipment suppliers to explore the guidance catalog on the EHEDG website.

  • Does Version 6 of the FSSC 22000 Scheme require equipment suppliers to have specific certification?

    Under Version 6 of the FSSC 22000 Scheme, specific certification for equipment suppliers is not mandatory. However, while not compulsory, it is highly recommended and preferred as this would assist organizations in meeting the equipment management requirements under Version 6.
    Having certification in place indicates that equipment manufacturers are familiar with the concept of hygienic design and have implemented processes to ensure hygienic design is considered in their production. Their alignment with hygienic design principles makes their equipment more likely to meet your organization’s purchase specifications.

  • How should an FSSC 22000 Certified Organization deal with the purchase specification of equipment that was installed a few years ago?

    When dealing with equipment installed several years ago, it’s essential to understand that the equipment management requirement does not apply retrospectively. This means that an organization is only required to assess its existing equipment against the equipment management requirement if the existing equipment undergoes significant change.
    However, it is essential to note that organizations must still address hazards and associated risks related to existing equipment and their design within the hazard analysis. According to ISO 22000:2018, specifically in clause 8.5, organizations must conduct a hazard analysis, which includes assessing hazards associated with equipment used within the production process.
    Additionally, organizations shall refer to the respective clause of the related sector-specific PRP (Pre-Requisite Program) standard for hygienic design.

  • How can the requirements on equipment management for the production of packaging materials be managed? Is EHEDG evaluating the possibility of developing guidelines for this sector?

    EHEDG serves as a valuable reference with a range of guidelines that encompass not only materials of construction but also the hygienic design of equipment, including machinery utilized in packaging and packing processes. These guidelines provide practical assistance in understanding and implementing hygienic design principles, and these principles can also be applied within the context of packaging material production equipment.
    For more information, please refer to the guidance catalog on the EHEDG website.

  • Regarding FSSC 22000 Version 6 Clause 2.5.15, will it be mandatory to refer to a published EHEDG document regarding the hygienic design requirement when defining the purchase specification of future equipment purchases?

    In addressing Clause 2.5.15 concerning hygienic design requirements, organizations may wonder if it’s obligatory to reference a published EHEDG document when defining the purchase specification for future equipment acquisitions. Referring to EHEDG Guidelines in this context is not compulsory; however, it is highly recommended.
    EHEDG Guidelines offer comprehensive insights and best practices in hygienic equipment design, assisting equipment in meeting stringent hygiene standards. By incorporating EHEDG recommendations into purchase specifications, organizations can facilitate clear communication with equipment suppliers regarding hygiene expectations and enhance the likelihood of acquiring equipment that aligns with the highest hygiene standards.

  • Should the equipment risk assessment be a part of the food safety hazard analysis and assessment, or can it be a separate document?

    When considering the integration of the equipment design risk assessment within the hazard analysis to address food safety hazards, organizations may wonder whether it should be conducted together or separately. It is important to understand that organizations have the flexibility to choose the approach that best suits their needs. Thus, an organization may integrate the equipment design risk assessment within its hazard analysis or keep the equipment design risk assessment as a separate document.
    Whether integrated or separate, the key is ensuring that all relevant hazards are identified, risk assessed, and effectively managed.
    For suggestions on implementation, consult the FSSC Guidance document on Equipment Management.

  • What is the definition of equipment? Is a shovel, for example, already equipment? Or only a technical/mechanical device?

    The definition of equipment is indicated in the FSSC Guidance document on Equipment Management and follows the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements (v2020.1).
    Accordingly, the definition of equipment is as follows: Machines and equipment (including their parts and components necessary to link them together and their services and utensils necessary for their operation), feed and food transport systems to bring ingredients/packaging to them, together with food storage and display units to allow the processing and retail of food, feed and packaging materials in GFSI scopes of recognitions.
    For more information, download the FSSC Guidance document on Equipment Management free of cost from our website.

  • Is there any documented reference or standard that relates to or recommends which category of hygienic design is used for a specific type of food material that it comes into contact with? (i.e. for dairy, preferred to be A?/ for raw, at least Class III?)

    Organizations may seek guidance on recommended practices or standards when determining the appropriate category of hygienic design for equipment that comes into contact with specific types of food materials.
    EHEDG’s guidelines encompass materials of construction and hygienic design of equipment, offering insights into best practices for various food applications. While EHEDG guidelines do not explicitly prescribe specific categories of hygienic design for different types of food materials, they provide comprehensive guidelines based on industry expertise and research.
    We recommend referring to the guideline catalog on the EHEDG website for more information.

  • Does transferring equipment to another site of the same organization for a similar product/process only require a risk assessment, or is a purchase specification also required?

    When transferring equipment from another site of the same organization for a similar product or process, organizations must still ensure compliance with the FSSC 22000 Version 6 Additional Requirement on Equipment Management, as with all other equipment new to the site.

Food Fraud

  • What are the contact details when identifying Certificate Fraud?  

    Please get in touch with us via the contact details on our website if you identify that an FSSC 22000 Certificate does not appear on the Public Register: Certified Organizations

    Contact Page

  • Can we review the status of an FSSC 22000 certification for a particular supplier?

    The validity of an FSSC 22000 certificate may be verified on the FSSC 22000 website via our Public Register: Certified Organizations

  • Is it true that FSSC 22000 requires an organization to include the company/site/production processes in its vulnerability assessment?

    Yes, the food fraud mitigation plan required by the FSSC 22000 Scheme shall cover both the processes and products (including raw materials, packaging materials and final products) within the FSMS scope of the organization, as there may be a a risk for food fraud both from within and outside the organization.

  • Does FSSC 22000 require an organization to address food packaging fraud vulnerabilities? Especially keeping in mind increased popularity of recycled packaging and its availability.

    Yes, the requirements of the Scheme, Part 2, Section 2.5.4 on food fraud mitigation are applicable to all Food Chain Categories, including Category I (Production of Food Packaging and Packaging Materials).

  • Would the work done around Context of Organization support a company’s Food Fraud prevention effort?

    Food fraud is one of the issues to be considered as referenced in ISO 22000:2018, Clause 4.1, Note 2; however, the FSSC 22000 Scheme, Part 2, Section 2.5.4 has further detailed requirements that need to be considered as part of food fraud mitigation.

  • Are VACCP documents the same as HACCP documents?

    No, the requirements for food fraud mitigation (VACCP) are different from HACCP.

    VACCP is concerned with the prevention of economically motivated food fraud. HACCP is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product.

    Please refer to our Guidance Document on Food Fraud Mitigation for further information, which is available in our section for Guidance Documents

  • Does fraud prevention with FSSC 22000 certification extend to Feed?

    Yes, the requirements of the Scheme, Part 2, Section 2.5.4 on food fraud mitigation are applicable to all Food Chain Categories, including Category D (Animal Feed Production).

  • If food fraud occurs, it is related back to our company or only to the particular supplier?

    The food fraud mitigation plan shall cover both the processes and products (including raw materials, packaging materials and final products) within the FSMS scope of the organization.

  • Should the vulnerability assessment of an organization include ‘finished goods’, alongside ‘raw materials’?

    Yes, the food fraud mitigation plan required by the FSSC 22000 Scheme shall cover both the processes and products (including raw materials, packaging materials and final products) within the FSMS scope of the organization, as there may be a a risk for food fraud both from within and outside the organization.

Food Loss and Waste

  • How does the FSSC 22000 Additional Requirement on Food Loss and Waste connect to ensuring food safety?

    Incorporating food loss and waste reduction measures into Version 6 of the FSSC 22000 underscores the Foundation’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly indicator 12.3 on Global Food Loss and Waste. This alignment reflects the Foundation’s overarching vision of Creating a Better World and reinforces its dedication to promoting sustainable food production practices that prioritize food safety and quality. The rationale of less food loss and waste, resulting in more efficient processes, also means the production of more safe food for the world.

  • How can the FSSC 22000 Additional Requirement on Food Loss and Waste be implemented in a company that does not produce food but bio-chemicals (FSSC food chain category K)?

    For companies in food chain category K that are involved in the production of biochemicals such as CO2 for the food manufacturing industry or other additives that do not provide direct nutritional value, our Guidance Document on Food Loss and Waste can help them implement the new Additional Requirement on Food Loss and Waste.
    The comprehensive Guidance Document on Food Loss and Waste offers specific strategies and recommendations suitable for organizations in category K. Published last year, the document provides general guidance on implementing a food loss and waste strategy and addresses the unique considerations and challenges that category K organizations face.
    You can access the Guidance Document on Food Loss and Waste on our website free of cost.

  • Does the FSSC 22000 Additional Requirement on Food Loss and Waste apply to organizations involved in food packaging?

    In the context of the FSSC 22000 Scheme, food loss and waste, as defined in Appendix 1 of Scheme Version 6, primarily refers to the loss or wastage of food products themselves and does not encompass wastage of packaging material. Therefore, the requirement on food loss and waste does not apply to category I organizations, which are involved in food packaging.
    While not mandated by the certification Scheme, it is still highly recommended that packaging organizations explore ways to contribute to reducing food loss and waste from a packaging design perspective. By optimizing packaging materials and design, companies can play a crucial role in minimizing food loss and waste throughout the supply chain, enhancing sustainability, and supporting responsible consumption and production practices.

  • Can the Food Loss and Waste policy be integrated with an organization’s existing Food Safety and Quality policy?

    An organization can integrate its Food Loss and Waste policy within its existing Food Safety and Quality policy; a separate policy is not required.
    By incorporating food loss and waste considerations such as specific provisions, goals, and strategies related to reducing food loss and waste into the existing policy framework, organizations can ensure a comprehensive approach to managing food safety, quality, and sustainability throughout their operations, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and responsible food safety management system.

  • Should the organization’s Food Loss and Waste policy and objectives cover the whole supply chain, or does the focus have to be on its own business only?

    The requirement on food loss and waste within FSSC 22000 Version 6 primarily refers to your organization and its related supply chain. It is important to recognize the interconnected nature of food supply chains and the shared responsibility for reducing food loss and waste.
    While an organization may not have direct control over all aspects of the supply chain, it is expected to collaborate with its suppliers, partners, and stakeholders to address food loss and waste issues collectively. By working together, organizations can identify opportunities for improvement, share best practices, and implement measures to reduce food loss and waste throughout the supply chain. This collaborative approach enhances the effectiveness of food loss and waste initiatives and fosters a culture of sustainability and responsibility across the entire food supply chain.

  • Does an organization need to define food loss and waste separately? If so, should it set two targets, one for food loss and one for food waste?

    According to Appendix 1 of the FSSC 22000 Scheme Version 6, food loss and waste (FLW) are distinguished as follows:
    – Food loss occurs before the food reaches the consumer due to issues in the supply chain, including production, processing, storage, and distribution phases.
    – Food waste refers to food that is fit for consumption but is consciously discarded at the retail or consumption levels.
    Organizations should assess whether food loss, food waste, or both are relevant to their operations and direct supply chain. Depending on the nature of their business and the specific challenges they face, organizations may choose to set targets separately for food loss and food waste, or they may opt to address them collectively as food loss and waste.

  • Do organizations need to use a defined methodology for accounting and reporting their food loss and waste?

    While the Foundation does not prescribe a specific methodology for accounting and reporting food loss and waste, the Guidance Document on Food Loss and Waste offers examples and guidance for organizations to consider.
    Although it is not mandatory, we recommend referring to the related industry information section of the Guidance Document and Appendix A, as they provide valuable insights and resources to assist organizations in developing their food loss and waste protocols.
    You can access the Guidance Document on Food Loss and Waste for free on our website.
    Ultimately, the approach to accounting for and reporting on food loss and waste may vary depending on the organization’s size, nature of operations, and specific circumstances.

  • Does the FSSC 22000 Additional Requirement on Food Loss and Waste also extend to an organization’s internal onsite restaurant, or are they only applicable to the organization’s primary product and processes?

    While the primary focus of the requirement on food loss and waste within FSSC 22000 Version 6 is on the main products and processes of the business, the intent of the requirement is that the organization considers the overall strategy to reduce food loss and waste across all aspects of its operations, including internal restaurant facilities.
    By including the internal restaurant facilities in organizations’ food loss and waste reduction efforts, they can enhance their sustainability initiatives, promote responsible consumption practices among employees, and contribute to the broader goal of reducing food loss and waste throughout the food supply chain. This may involve implementing measures to minimize food waste during food preparation, service, and consumption in the internal restaurant.

  • What is the reason behind considering non-edible food parts as a type of food loss and waste?

    The inclusion of non-edible food parts, such as eggshells or banana peels, encourages organizations to adopt a comprehensive approach to waste reduction and resource utilization. While these parts are not typically consumed directly, they still represent a significant portion of the food product and can contribute to environmental impacts if not appropriately managed.
    By considering non-edible parts in their food loss and waste strategy, organizations can explore alternative uses or disposal methods for these materials rather than simply discarding them as waste. For example, instead of sending non-edible parts to landfills, organizations could investigate options such as composting or co-digestion, where these materials are repurposed for energy generation or soil enrichment.
    Incorporating non-edible food parts into the food loss and waste strategy not only helps minimize environmental impact but also promotes efficient resource utilization and supports sustainable practices across the food supply chain. Therefore, it is important for organizations to recognize the value of these materials and explore opportunities for responsible management within their food loss and waste reduction efforts.

General

  • How does FSSC 22000 V6 fit into an Integrated Management System (IMS)?

    FSSC 22000 fits perfectly into an IMS, as it is based on the ISO harmonized structure. Although V6 includes additional requirements on Quality Control and Quality Culture, the overall management system approach remains the same. Beyond food safety, the additional Food Loss and Waste requirements support a silo-breaking approach contributing towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • Is the audit preparation and reporting time still the same as for V5.1?

    The preparation time remains the same. However, for V6, the reporting time has been increased to at least 1.0 auditor days (8 working hours) to ensure sufficient time is provided for auditors to construct the audit report following the requirements of Annex 2 of the Scheme.

  • Is a full remote audit possible?

    A full remote audit is only applicable in the case of a serious event and can only be applied where the requirements of the Full Remote Audit Addendum have been met. Category FII (Trading and Brokering) is the exception to this rule, where a full remote audit is allowed under normal circumstances in the case of surveillance audits; the requirements of the Full Remote Audit Addendum must also be met.

  • Has the Foundation included any additional measures to ensure certificate authenticity?

    In addition to the COID (Certified Organization Identification Code) introduced to the Scheme via the BoS Decision List in December 2022, Version 6 of the Scheme also includes a requirement for a QR Code to be included on the certificate.

  • Does the upgrade audit need to be delivered as an announced audit?

    The upgrade audit may be conducted, announced, or unannounced if the latter meets the 3-yearly unannounced audit requirements.

  • Can an organization utilize the ICT audit approach method for upgrade audits?

    For upgrade audits using the ICT Audit Approach method, both the remote and onsite components shall be completed against V6 from 1 April 2024 onwards. It is not possible to conduct part of the audit to a different Scheme version.

  • Does the FSSC 22000 Scheme cover all the categories of ISO 22003-1:2022?

    Version 6 of the Scheme covers (sub)categories: BIII, C (C0, CI, CII, CIII, CIV), D, E, F (FI, FII), G, I, and K.

  • Where can I find the FSSC 22000 logo, and what are the rules for applying it?

    Certified organizations shall use the FSSC 22000 logo only for marketing activities such as the organization’s printed matter, website and other promotional material. In case of using the logo, the certified organization shall request a copy of the latest FSSC logo from their Certification Body.

    Additional requirement 2.5.5 ‘Logo use (all food chain categories)’ of the FSSC 22000 Version 6 Scheme document covers requirements around this topic.

Guidance Documents

  • Will FSSC also update the existing Guidance Document on Food Safety Culture to include Quality Culture?

    The Foundation has revised and published a Food Safety and Quality Culture Guidance Document.

    Download the Guidance Documents here

  • Is there a Guidance Document available for Allergen Risk Assessments?

    Currently, the Foundation does not have a Guidance Document on Allergen Risk Assessments. We have Guidance Documents on the following subjects:

    • Environmental Monitoring,
    • Equipment Management,
    • Food Defense,
    • Food Fraud Mitigation,
    • Food Loss and Waste,
    • Food Safety and Quality Culture, and
    • Transport Tanker Cleaning

    All documents have been updated to align with Version 6 and were published in 2023. These guidance documents can be downloaded from our website.

    Download the Guidance Documents here

  • Is there a Guidance Document for Food Loss and Waste?

    Yes, there is a free FSSC Guidance Document available on Food Loss and Waste. You can download it from the V6 Scheme page on our website.

    Download the Food Loss and Waste Guidance Document here.

Integrated Management Systems

  • The Retail Sector of the Consumer Goods Industry appears very focused on BRC & IFS. Why would a manufacturer or supplier prefer FSSC certification?

    Many retailers accept any of the GFSI-recognized certification schemes. In that case, manufacturers and suppliers are free to choose what is the best approach and potentially avoid additional costs when suppliers need more than one certification. When there is a free choice, FSSC 22000 is preferred for having the management system approach.

  • Can a Food Production facility implement FSSC 24000?

    Yes, a food production facility can implement and become certified for FSSC 24000.

     

    The FSSC 24000 Scheme can be applied in the manufacturing and processing sector (food and non-food), including their related service provision across the consumer goods industry and their associated supply base. Please refer to our website for further details: FSSC 24000 Scheme

  • Is the harmonized structure of the different standards what is called a “higher-level structure”?

    The ISO harmonized structure was previously called the high-level structure (HLS). Annex SL defines the harmonized approach for management system standards, available on the ISO website.

  • How would we harmonize the risk assessment if our organization integrated ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and FSSC 22000?

    An organization can integrate the risk assessments of its different management system standards. However, the individual requirements of each management system standards relating to risk assessment would still need to be met when developing the integrated risk assessment.

  • We are currently certified to FSSC 22000 and ISO 9001:2015; does this count as an Integrated Management System (IMS)? Or, would we need to secure another certification for our system to be recognized as an IMS?

    An integrated management system has one operating management system that covers more than one management system standard. Therefore you would need to integrate your management systems for FSSC with your management system for ISO 9001 to be considered an IMS.

  • Is establishing an integrated management system between Quality, Food Safety, Environment, OHS, and Energy possible?

    An organization could implement an integrated management system that covers any of the ISO management system standards; there is no restriction on which management system standards can be integrated.

  • Can we integrate ISO 9001 & FSSC 22000 V6?

    An organization can integrate FSSC 22000 with ISO 9001 based on the harmonized structure of ISO management system standards. ISO standards are copy-righted and available for purchase from their website: Go to the ISO website

  • What should we do if our business wants to migrate from ISO 22000 to FSSC 22000?

    Please refer to the following page on our website, which details the process to transition: From ISO 22000 to FSSC 22000

  • What is the difference between FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000?

    In addition to ISO 22000:2018, the FSSC 22000 Scheme includes the sector-specific PRPs (Technical specifications for pre-requisite programs) and the FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements in Part 2 of the FSSC 22000 Scheme.

  • Who is able to access the new FSSC On-Site subscription service?

    FSSC On-site is available for everyone. It gives access to the public register of the FSSC database. It includes several valuable features like automatic FSSC 22000 certificate status updates, e-mail notifications on changes in the certificate validity of selected organizations, and integration of data in your system through an API. More information is available via the link below: FSSC On-site

  • Is it possible for an organization to have FSSC 22000 Certification without ISO 9001?

    It is not required to have ISO 9001 certification to be certified for FSSC 22000. They are two separate standards.

  • Is there a separate Insights Webinar about the changes from FSSC 22000 Version 5.1 to 6.0?

    Yes, the Foundation hosted an Insights Webinar about FSSC 22000 Scheme version 6 with information about the changes from FSSC 22000 Version 5.1 to 6.0. You can find the webinar recording and presentation here.

Main Changes

  • Does FSSC 22000 V6 replace FSSC-Quality?

    FSSC 22000-Quality has been removed from the Scheme. An additional requirement is now included in Scheme Version 6 on Quality Control. However, this only contains elements of Quality Control and is not equivalent to a Quality Management System (QMS). Organizations wanting a complete QMS certification still need certification against ISO 9001.

    Find more information here.

  • What does FSSC 22000 expect of organizations on the topic of Food Waste?

    The organization must have a documented policy and objectives detailing its strategy to reduce Food Loss and Waste within the organization and the related supply chain. The Foundation has published a Guidance Document on this topic.

    You can download it for free from our website here.

  • Why has the audit duration increased for audits conducted to V6?

    Audit duration has increased to ensure a robust audit is delivered, meeting the audit objectives and accommodating the new additional requirements included in V6 of the Scheme. The audit duration calculation has also been revised to take into account the requirements of ISO 22003-1:2022.

  • The Scheme has added Category BIII, C0, and FII. How do we extend our CB license with the Foundation to include these categories?

    Please take a look at Section 2.2.3.1 of FSSC 22000 Version 6 Upgrade Process, which details the requirements for sub-category licensing.

    Take a look at Section 2.2.3.1. here.

  • Our business is currently licensed for FSSC 22000-Quality. What is the transition process for clients that are presently certified to FSSC-Q?

    You can find more information on this under Section 2.2.6 of the Version 6 Upgrade Process, which details the FSSC 22000-Quality Transition Plan.

    See the Version 6 Upgrade Process here.

  • Our CB currently offers certification against Category A. We see that FSSC has removed this category from Scheme V6. What process must we follow for organizations presently certified in this category?

    Please refer to Section 2.2.5 of the Version 6 Upgrade Process, which details the transition process.

    See the Version 6 Upgrade Process here.

Requirements

  • Are Interpretation Articles on MyFSSC Knowledge Base required to be adhered to?

    The Scheme interpretation articles further clarify requirements and the application or implementation thereof. These interpretation articles need to be adhered to by CBs and certified organizations, as applicable. The CB is responsible for keeping up to date with these interpretation articles and communicating them to the relevant parties within the CB and the Certified Organizations.

    Therefore, CBs may sometimes reference and share interpretation articles published by the Foundation with their certified organizations to assist in clarifying specific requirements included within the Scheme.

    These Scheme interpretation articles are in place to assist with the clarification of existing requirements rather than to include new requirements. Any further requirements or changes to existing requirements are done through the BoS Decision list or a Scheme version update.

    Please take a look at Part 2, Section 2.2 of the V6 Scheme for more details.

Timing

  • When will audits against Version 6 commence?

    Audits against Version 6 commenced as of 1 April 2024, and V5.1 audits are no longer possible. Upgrade audits against FSSC 22000 Scheme V6 shall be completed by 31 March 2025.

  • Our organization is planning to go for initial FSSC 22000 certification in 2024. Do the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits need to be conducted against the same version of the Scheme?

    Both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit must be conducted to Version 6 when the audit takes place from 1 April 2024 onwards

    OR

    Conduct the Stage 1 audit to Version 5.1 (when conducted before 1 April 2024) and Stage 2 to Version 6 (when conducted on or after 1 April 2024). This is as per the Version 6 Upgrade Process document, Section 2.2.2.1 (1). Download the V6 Upgrade Process Requirements document here

  • What are the consequences if my certificate still needs to be upgraded to V6 after the upgrade period ends?

    All remaining V5.1 certificates will automatically be set to withdrawn in the Assurance Platform after 31 May 2025 and will no longer be visible on the FSSC 22000 public register of certified organizations on the FSSC website.

Transition from ISO to FSSC

  • Why move to FSSC if we already have ISO 22000?
     

    Although being certified against ISO 22000 is a great achievement, there are additional benefits to being FSSC 22000 certified. FSSC 22000 covers ISO 22000 entirely and is also recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) – where ISO 22000 is not.

    Many food organizations (over 28.000) use FSSC 22000 and request GFSI-recognized certification from their suppliers. In those cases, ISO 22000 will not be enough. Other benefits are the Integrity Program of FSSC 22000 for the Certification Bodies and a certification process that ensures reliable audits and certificates. The visibility of FSSC 22000 certified organizations in a public register, clear and robust requirements from the international technical specifications from sector-specific pre-requisite programs, supportive guidance documents, e.g., food fraud, food defense, and food safety culture.

  • By emphasizing the integrity of auditing in FSSC 22000, is there a doubt about auditing with just ISO 22000?

    It is not a question of doubt, but FSSC 22000 has a more vigorous, more robust integrity program. It covers requirements for the Certification Bodies and the certification process, approval and onboarding process for the Certification Bodies, and a performance review process, including a sanction policy. This system supports a higher level of reliability of audits and certificates.

  • We have implemented a HACCP system at my company (a startup in biotechnology/food). Still, we aim to become FSSC 22000 certified. What are the steps you recommend to obtaining FSSC 22000 certification? I’ve heard that FSSC has different levels of certification.

    FSSC also has a “stepping-stone” model for organizations that can not meet the FSSC 22000 requirements in one step. This process is the FSSC Development Program. With this program, you can reach FSSC 22000 in 2 or 3 steps. The program has two levels and is very flexible to use. You can start with a Conformity Assessment at Level 1, the minimum requirements for food safety, and grow through Level 2 (intermediate level of requirements) to meet full FSSC 22000 certification. You can also go from Level 1 directly to FSSC 22000 or start at Level 2.

    For Level 1 and 2, your organization will receive a conformity statement when you meet the requirements and be listed on the FSSC website. A self-evaluation tool is available to download for free from our website. You can find more information on this program and a list of approved Assessment Bodies that deliver the conformity assessments on the same web page.

  • If a company is already ISO 22000 certified and wants to obtain FSSC certification, is it necessary to perform the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits? Could it be possible to omit the Stage 1 audit since we are keeping the same CB (accredited for both ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000)?

    When an organization already has a valid ISO 22000 certificate, the transition to FSSC 22000 does not require the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit. The Certification Body can do the transition in just one audit.

  • When stating that the ISO certificate is “updated” to the FSSC Certificate, does that mean ISO 22000 audits will not be conducted after FSSC 22000 certification?

    After a successful transition audit from ISO 22000 to FSSC 22000, an ISO 22000 certificate will be switched to an FSSC 22000 certificate. And from there, the Certification Body will conduct only FSSC 22000 audits. As FSSC 22000 covers ISO 22000 entirely, keeping the ISO 22000 certificate and separate ISO 22000 audits is unnecessary. But if an organization wishes to keep the ISO 22000 certificate, it is allowed. You can agree to this with your Certification Body.

  • Do I first need to be ISO 22000 certified to become FSSC 22000 certified?

    You do not need to be ISO 22000 certified first to become FSSC 22000 certified, as you can also achieve FSSC 22000 certification directly. You’re free to choose!

Translations

  • Are the V6 Scheme documents available in other languages than English?

    Yes, the FSSC 22000 V6 Scheme has been translated into different languages. These languages are: Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Turkish. You can download the V6 Scheme documents in your preferred language.

    Download the V6 Scheme documents here.

    Please note that the English Scheme version is the official and binding version.

General FSSC 22000

  • Must the Second Surveillance be unannounced?

    At least one (1) surveillance audit is undertaken unannounced after the initial certification audit and within each three (3) year period after that; therefore, either the first or the second surveillance audit in the first cycle can be unannounced.

  • What are the significant differences between FSSC 22000 and other GFSI-recognized schemes?

    One of the most important differences is that FSSC 22000 uses globally independent ISO standards. ISO 22000 is used for food safety management systems and sector-specific technical specifications cover our prerequisite programs.

    On top of this, there are additional requirements, for instance, concerning food fraud and food defense. These ISO standards ensure a robust and effective food safety management system that is risk-based and focused on continuous improvement. Designated for the different food supply chain sectors, the technical specifications for prerequisite programs ensure a solid base for the primary conditions of food safety.

  • If a company doesn’t have ISO 22000 but is certified under ISO 9001: 2015, is it still possible to obtain FSSC 22000 certification?

    Yes, it is. FSSC 22000 includes the ISO 22000 requirements fully, so you must meet them, but it is not mandatory to be certified for ISO 22000 first. A company can move directly to FSSC 22000 certification at any time.

    However, there are some advantages if your organization already meets ISO 9001. As ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 are both management system standards and the management system requirements are generally very similar, it is relatively straightforward to satisfy FSSC 22000 requirements when ISO 9001 is already implemented.

    Plus, combining FSSC 22000 and ISO 9001 leads to an integrated Food Safety and Quality Management System. That is a win for food safety!

  • As a CB, how can we educate organizations regarding certificate authenticity? Often, clients choose a Certification based on their budget but never stop to check if their certificate is valid or not. The certificate requester may not know how to assess the validity in the first place. Is there an end-user-friendly way available to check certificates?

    Foundation FSSC has released a short instructional video on “How to verify an authentic FSSC 22000 certificate,” which is available on our website.

    Watch our instructional video here.

    It provides insight to all organizations on verifying the authenticity of an FSSC certificate.

    Using the FSSC website and our public register, you can check not only the validity of an FSSC certificate but also the status of a CB. Both the register & CB database are free to use.

    Check our public register here.

    Check our CB database here.

  • My company in Ghana is trying to implement FSSC 22000, but it has been a very tedious and expensive process for a small business like ours looking to export. How can FSSC assist small businesses to get certified, and is FSSC considering a progressive licensing Scheme for small businesses?

    For organizations that cannot meet the FSSC 22000 requirements in one step, we recommend the FSSC 22000 Development Program.

    See our FSSC 2000 Development Program page.

    The program is a stepping-stone model with staged requirements at level 1 and level 2. It includes a voluntary conformity assessment program conducted by a recognized Assessment Body. Organizations that meet level 1 or 2 are published on our website as conforming organizations.

    There is a free requirement and self-evaluation document available.

    Check out the document here.

Here is a list of the most asked questions and their answers about FSSC 22000 V6.
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