FSSC 22000

In short

FSSC 22000 is a certification scheme run by the Foundation FSSC in the Netherlands. It combines three parts: ISO 22000 for the management system, a sector prerequisite standard (for food manufacturing, ISO/TS 22002-1) and additional FSSC requirements such as food defence, food fraud mitigation, allergen management and environmental monitoring.

It is recognised by GFSI, so a buyer that says "any GFSI scheme" has to accept it alongside BRCGS, IFS Food and SQF. It is common in industrial food manufacturing and, for many exporters, is the GFSI scheme that is easiest to reach.

What it covers

• Food-safety management system (ISO 22000)
• Prerequisite programmes for the sector, such as hygiene, pest control, cleaning and maintenance
• Food defence and food fraud vulnerability assessments
• Allergen management, labelling and environmental monitoring

What it does not cover

• Not an organic, fair-trade or social certification
• Does not by itself certify the product’s origin or quality grade

Who asks for it

Industrial manufacturers and packers, and retailers that accept "any GFSI scheme". Some retailers name BRCGS or IFS Food specifically.

How to check a certificate

Search the FSSC public register by company name or certificate number, and check that the scope and category match the product.

How a company gets it

1. Get the FSSC 22000 scheme documents and ISO 22000 and ISO/TS 22002 standards, then run a gap assessment
2. Implement the system, including the additional FSSC requirements
3. Choose a certification body licensed by FSSC and book stage 1 and stage 2 audits
4. After certification, keep annual surveillance audits and prepare for the three-year recertification

Questions