What is ISO 22000 FSSC?

FSSC 22000 is a globally recognized food safety management system certification scheme. It’s based on existing ISO Standards and is designed to help organizations ensure the safety and quality of their food products. This certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in food safety and quality management. Here are some key aspects of FSSC 22000:

ISO-Based Framework

FSSC 22000 is built on the ISO 22000 standard for food safety management systems and includes sector-specific Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs), such as ISO/TS 22002-1 for food manufacturing and ISO/TS 22002-4 for food packaging manufacturing.

GFSI Recognition

It is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which means it meets international standards for food safety, and is accepted by major food retailers globally.

Scope and Application

It applies to a wide range of organizations within the food supply chain, including producers, manufacturers, transporters, and storage facilities.

Focus on Risk Management

The system focuses on identifying and managing food safety risks through a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) approach, integrated within an overall management system.

Continuous Improvement

Like other ISO standards, it emphasizes continual improvement and requires regular audits to maintain certification.

Benefit of ISO 22000 FSSC Certification

ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 certifications offer a multitude of benefits to organizations within the food industry. These certifications are based on globally recognized standards for food safety management systems, ensuring a comprehensive approach to food safety. Here’s a detailed look at the benefits they provide:

Enhanced Food Safety Management

Systematic Approach: They provide a framework for managing food safety risks and hazards effectively, integrating principles of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system.

Preventive Controls

These certifications focus on preventing food safety problems before they occur, rather than detecting food safety hazards post-production.

Global Recognition

International Acceptance: FSSC 22000 is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), making it globally accepted. ISO 22000 is also internationally recognized, enhancing the credibility of an organization’s food safety practices.

Market Access

This global recognition can open up new markets and increase opportunities for business expansion.

Assurance of Safety

Certification can build trust among consumers and clients, demonstrating a commitment to producing safe food.

Competitive Advantage

Being certified can provide an edge in the marketplace, particularly when dealing with customers who demand high standards of food safety.

Regulatory Compliance

Meets Legal Requirements: Both standards help organizations comply with food safety laws and regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues related to food safety.

Adaptability to Changes

The standards are designed to be flexible, enabling organizations to adapt quickly to changes in legal requirements.

Operational Benefits

Efficiency and Cost Savings: Implementing these standards can streamline processes, reduce waste, and prevent costly food recalls.

Consistency in Product Quality

They contribute to maintaining consistent quality in food production and handling.

Continuous Improvement

Regular Updates and Improvement: Both ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 require continuous monitoring and improvement of the food safety management system.

Performance Measurement

They facilitate better management control and reporting processes, leading to continual performance enhancements.

Supply Chain Management

Enhanced Supplier Relationships: Certification encourages better communication and collaboration with suppliers, ensuring food safety throughout the supply chain.

Supply Chain Assurance

It provides a framework for supplier evaluation and management, enhancing overall supply chain security.

Risk Management

These certifications help in identifying, assessing, and controlling food safety hazards and risks.

Emergency Preparedness

They include provisions for managing potential emergency situations and food safety incidents.

Integration with Other Management Systems

ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 can be integrated with other ISO management standards, leading to a more holistic approach to organizational management.

ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 certifications are more than just compliance tools; they represent a commitment to food safety, quality, and continuous improvement. They provide organizations with a structured approach to managing food safety risks, enhancing operational efficiency, and gaining international recognition, which is vital in the global food industry.

ISO 22000 FSSC Certificate with QIMS Certification

When an organization seeks ISO 22000 FSSC certification, choosing QIMS can offer several advantages:

Recognition and Credibility

QIMS is likely recognized and respected in the industry for providing certification services. Obtaining ISO 22000 FSSC certification through such a body can enhance the credibility of the certification. This recognition is important when presenting the certification to clients, partners, and regulatory bodies.

Expertise and Specialization

QIMS usually have a team of experts who specialize in Food Safey management systems. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, ensuring that the audit and certification process is thorough and reflects the latest best practices in Food Safety Management System.

Comprehensive Assessment

A QIMS with a strong reputation typically conducts a comprehensive and rigorous assessment of the FSSC. This thorough evaluation ensures that all aspects of the ISO 22000 FSSC standard are met and that the organization’s FSSC is robust and effective.

Global Recognition

If QIMS is internationally recognized, the ISO 22000 FSSC certificate issued by them would be valid and respected globally. This is particularly beneficial for organizations that operate or plan to operate in multiple countries.

Support and Guidance

QIMS often provide additional support and guidance throughout the certification process. This can include pre-audit assessments, training, and feedback that helps an organization improve its FSSC beyond just meeting the basic requirements of the standard.

Enhanced Market Image

QIMS can enhance the organization’s market image. It signals to customers, suppliers, and stakeholders that the organization is committed to maintaining high standards in Food Safety Management System.

Continuous Improvement

Certification bodies often provide insights and recommendations that can help in the continual improvement of the FSSC. This aligns with the ISO 22000 FSSC’s emphasis on continuous improvement and adaptation to changing risks and technologies.

Steps to get ISO 22000 FSSC Certification in your organization

ISO 22000 FSSC (Food Safety System Certification) is a globally recognized certification scheme for food safety management systems. It is based on the ISO 22000 standard, but includes additional requirements. Here are the general steps to obtain ISO 22000 FSSC certification for your organization:

Conduct Pre-Assessment (Optional)

We offer a pre-assessment service where they informally review the organization’s current process against ISO 22000 FSSC standards. This helps identify any major gaps before the formal audit.

Stage 1 (Documentation Review)

The auditor reviews the FSSC documentation to ensure compliance with 22000 FSSC.

Stage 2 (Main Audit)

The auditor assesses whether the 22000 FSSC is properly implemented and maintained, and whether it is effective in managing risk.

Address Audit Findings

If any non-conformities are identified during the audit, address them promptly. The QIMS will provide a report with their findings and recommendations.

Certification Issued

If you pass the audit and meet all the requirements, the certification body will issue the 22000 FSSC certification.

Conduct Surveillance Audits

Perform regular annually audits to ensure continued compliance with the 22000 FSSC.

Recertification

Before the three-year certification period ends, conduct a recertification audit to renew the 22000 FSSC certification for another cycle.

Frequently Ask Question

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) is a globally recognized, GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification scheme based on the ISO 22000 standard. It includes additional sector-specific prerequisite programs (PRPs) and other requirements.

FSSC 22000 is built upon the ISO 22000 standard but includes additional requirements, mainly sector-specific prerequisite programs. It is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which is not the case with ISO 22000 alone.

FSSC 22000 is intended for any organization in the food supply chain, including producers, manufacturers, transporters, storage facilities, and retailers.

Benefits include improved food safety management, enhanced customer confidence, compliance with legal and customer requirements, potential reduction in food safety incident costs, and an international recognition which may facilitate trade.

The key components include ISO 22000 standard requirements, sector-specific prerequisite programs (PRPs), and additional FSSC 22000 requirements.

The time frame varies depending on the organization’s size and readiness. Typically, it can take several months to a year to prepare for the certification process, which includes implementing the system, training staff, conducting internal audits, and undergoing the certification audit.

The process generally involves conducting a gap analysis, developing and implementing a food safety management system, training employees, conducting internal audits, choosing a certification body, undergoing a formal audit, and addressing any non-conformities.

After initial certification, surveillance audits are typically conducted annually, and re-certification is required every three years.

Yes, businesses of any size can achieve FSSC 22000 certification as long as they meet the standard’s requirements.

If a company fails to meet the requirements during the audit, it will be given a chance to address the non-conformities within a specified timeframe. Failure to resolve these issues may result in denial or revocation of certification.

No, it applies to the entire food supply chain, including producers, processors, transporters, storage facilities, and retailers.

While it significantly reduces the risk of food safety hazards, no certification can guarantee absolute food safety. Continuous compliance and improvement are necessary.