The FSSC 22000 Certification Scheme is a program that is fully recognized by the Board of Directors of the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) and is also accepted by the EA (European Cooperation for Accreditation).
What Are the Benefits of the FSSC 22000 Certificate?
- Food safety is of great importance for consumers and businesses alike. When applied at every step, it also brings significant benefits to businesses.
- The FSSC 22000 certificate helps the business build trust in the market
- Gaining a competitive edge in the market and securing food safety.
- Measurable control over service quality and product quality
- A reduction in non-conforming production and the elimination of product returns, and therefore the protection of the brand image
- A systems approach that leaves behind the outdated product-based approach
- Active communication about food safety with consumers, auditors, suppliers and all other parties
- Increased confidence of all parties in the product concerned
- Meeting the requirements for entering international markets, because the certificate is internationally recognized, and making trade easier worldwide
- Supporting and developing a quality culture
- Bringing employee responsibilities onto a common ground and ensuring the effective implementation of a self-control system
- Effective time management
- Effective stock control and data availability
- Active customer service
- Establishing an effective and high-quality position in the supply chain while also building trust
- Increased technical competence
- Preventive provision of the necessary measures for identifying and controlling food safety hazards
FSSC 22000 — frequently asked questions
What Is FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 is an internationally recognized, ISO-based certification scheme created by the FSSC (Foundation for Food Safety Certification) and used to audit and certify the food safety systems of food manufacturers throughout the food chain.
How Is the FSSC 22000 Certificate Obtained?
1. Implementation of ISO 22000 & PAS 220 (ISO 22002-1),
2. Implementation of the FSSC 22000 food safety management system,
3. Conducting internal audits and closing nonconformities,
4. Being audited within the correct scope by a certification body approved by the Foundation (signed contract),
5. Minor and Major nonconformities and their corrective actions,
6. Approval of the report and certificate. (with the FSSC logo)
Which Companies Need the FSSC 22000 Certificate?
This certificate covers only food manufacturers, producers of food ingredients and packaging manufacturers. Non-food sectors are not among the sectors covered by this certification standard.
Which Manufacturing Sectors Does the Certificate Cover?
Products of animal origin with a shorter shelf life, such as meat, milk and eggs
More perishable plant-based products, such as vegetables and fruit
Food products with a long shelf life at room temperature, such as canned goods, vegetable oils and packaged flour
Biochemical products manufactured with technical infrastructure and technology, such as additives and vitamins
This certification program, which is an international standard, covers catering, food, beverage and packaging companies. In its simplest definition, it covers all organizations in the food chain, from production in the field to the table. It brings everyone in the food industry under one roof: primary producers, feed producers, product manufacturers, all food manufacturers, producers of additives, raw material producers, wholesalers, producers of cleaning and sanitation agents, warehouse operators, transport providers and food service providers.
Which Businesses Can Apply the FSSC 22000 Standards?
The sectors and organizations that can be certified under these management system standards are listed below.
Direct Implementers
Organizations in the harvesting sector,
Feed producers,
Organizations that produce food ingredients,
Farmers,
Food manufacturers,
Food services,
Food retailers,
Companies providing ready-meal services,
Companies providing sanitation and cleaning services,
Organizations providing storage, distribution and transport services.
Indirect Implementers
Companies that supply equipment to organizations providing food services,
Companies that produce sanitation and cleaning materials,
Companies that produce packaging materials.
Companies that produce items that come into contact with food.
All of the businesses on this list can obtain an FSSC 22000 certificate once they meet the necessary requirements.
What Are the Requirements of the FSSC 22000 Standard?
ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System Requirements
ISO 9001:2015 Requirements, if FSSC 22000-Quality certification is sought
Sector-specific prerequisite requirements. (Prerequisite Programs)
ISO/TS 22002-1 (food manufacturing),
ISO/TS 22002-2 (catering),
ISO/TS 22002-3 (farming),
ISO/TS 22002-4 (packaging materials),
ISO/TS 22002-5 (transport and storage),
ISO TS 22002-6 (feed),
PAS 221 (retail and wholesale)
Additional Requirements
