The Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000) is a systematic programme to managing food organisation's safety responsibilities, fully recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and following the food chain category description as defined in ISO/TS 22003. 

FSSC certification is delivered by Eurofins Assurance India Pvt Ltd in India. You can view the relevant scope of accreditation here.

Scope of FSSC 22000 certification

FSSC 22000 certification features a 3-year cycle. This cycle consists of annual surveillance audits and a recertification audit every 3 years. The initial audit is performed in two stages. Surveillance and recertification audits all take a process based approach, instead of a checklist based audit. 

This audit scope is suitable for manufacturers of:  

• Perishable animal products (i.e. meat, poultry, eggs, dairy and fish products)  
• Perishable vegetal products (i.e. fresh fruits and fresh juices, preserved fruits, fresh vegetables, preserved vegetables)  
• Products with long shelf life at ambient temperature (i.e. canned products, biscuits, snacks, oil, drinking water, beverages, pasta, flour, sugar, salt)  
• (Bio)chemical products for food manufacturing (i.e. vitamins additives and bio-cultures) but excluding technical and technological aids 

Launch of FSSC Version 7

FSSC Version 7 adds a completely new dimension to the implementation of Relevant Prerequisite Program’s (PRP) by introducing the concept of one common PRP standard, with additional sector specific parts to standardise these requirements. This in turn will help organisations by simplifying the implementation requirements, and providing clearer audit expectations which will support more effective implementation.

Reasons for upgrade to FSSC Version 7:

• Incorporating the new ISO 22002-x series on Prerequisite Programs.
• Alignment of the Certification Scheme with the GFSI benchmarking requirements 2024.
• Strengthening requirements to help organizations meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Providing a more defined structure for the division of the food chain (sub)categories.
• Editorial changes and amendments as part of continuous improvement.

From the existing standard perspective, some new elements have been added and some requirements have been elaborated:

• Sub-subcategory classification has been introduced for some of the categories like C0, CI, CIV, I, K.
• Further elaboration in some of the additional requirements including:
  
  • Laboratory analysis
  • Food fraud and Food defense
  • Food safety and Quality culture
  • Allergen management
  • PRP verification
  • Product design and development
  • Food loss and food wastage
• A new additional requirement ‘Traceability’ has been introduced for category C0.
• Change to Tfssc to provide more flexibility in minimum audit duration for different Food Chain Categories.
• Exemption rules for small organizations.
• Specific rules related to remote audits and multisite audits.

Version 7 Transition rules and timelines:

• Audits against the FSSC 22000 Scheme V6 are only allowed to be delivered up to 30 April 2027.
• Upgrade audits against FSSC 22000 Scheme V7 shall be conducted from 1 May 2027 until 30 April 2028.
• All FSSC Version 7 upgrades shall be completed on the FSSC Assurance platform by no later than 30 June 2028.

FSSC 22000 certification Version 6

Version 6 incorporates latest requirements of ISO 22003-1:2022 and reinforced the relevance to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Benefits of obtaining the FSSC 22000 certificate

When a food company attains FSSC 22000 Certification, it can enjoy: 

• Meeting the HACCP requirement of retailers and food service customers 
• Improving food safety and management systems 
• Building higher consumer confidence in their products 
• Enhancing their brand and corporate image 
• Expanding their market presence to reach new and potential clients