The FSSC 22000 is an internationally recognized Food Safety Management System (FSMS) certification scheme, designed for organizations operating within the food and feed chain.

FSSC 22000 is based on ISO 22000, the relevant Prerequisite Programmes (PRPs) of the ISO 22002 series, and the additional requirements of the FSSC 22000 scheme, providing a comprehensive framework for managing and controlling food safety hazards.

The scheme:

• Provides a comprehensive framework for the identification, assessment and control of food safety hazards throughout the relevant stages of the production and supply chain.
• Can be applied by organizations operating at different stages of the food and feed chain, depending on the applicable scope and food chain category.
• Combines the requirements of ISO 22000, the relevant Prerequisite Programmes (PRPs) and the additional FSSC 22000 requirements into an integrated Food Safety Management System.
• Supports the effective management of issues such as Food Defense, Food Fraud, allergen management, environmental monitoring, equipment management and the prevention of contamination.
• Contributes to ensuring compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and customer requirements related to food safety.
• Enhances the organization's ability to implement systematic and documented procedures for the effective control of food safety hazards.
• Supports the development and maintenance of a strong food safety culture within the organization.
• Provides an internationally recognized framework that can be assessed through independent certification by accredited certification bodies.

Which organizations can benefit from FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 can be applied by organizations operating at different stages of the food and feed chain, depending on the applicable scope and food chain category, including:

• food manufacturing and processing companies,
• food packaging and packing facilities,
• food processing and preparation businesses,
• feed manufacturing companies,
• storage and distribution organizations,
• transport and logistics providers,
• manufacturers of food packaging materials,
• organizations providing services within the food chain,
• other organizations falling within the eligible categories of the FSSC 22000 scheme.

Status – Internationally recognized certification scheme

FSSC 22000 is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), contributing to its wide acceptance and recognition within the international food industry.

How does the organization benefit?
The implementation and certification according to FSSC 22000 contributes to:

• effective management of food safety hazards,
• improved control of raw materials, production processes and finished products,
• enhanced compliance with legal and regulatory requirements,
• meeting the requirements of major customers and markets,
• reducing the likelihood of non-conformities and food safety incidents,
• strengthening the organization's food safety culture,
• improving the organization and documentation of processes,
• strengthening customer and business partner confidence,
• enhancing the organization's competitiveness and access to international markets.

FSSC 22000 provides organizations within the food chain with a comprehensive and internationally recognized framework for the systematic management of food safety, strengthening prevention, hazard control and the continual improvement of the Food Safety Management System.