FSSC 22000 Certification

FOOD SYSTEM SAFETY CERTIFICATION

What is the FSSC 22000 Certification?

Within the agri-food supply chain, food hygiene safety has always been a key issue, especially for food processing companies. To control the hazards related to the food safety of products placed on the market, whether they are raw materials, semi-finished products, or finished products, the ISO 22000 - Food Safety Management Systems standard, integrated with the Prerequisite Program, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), has evolved into a specific standard for companies that are specifically involved in food processing.

FSSC 22000 - Food Safety System Certification 22000 - is a certification system designed for the Food Industry, owned by the FSSC - Foundation of Food Safety Certification, and represents an evolution of ISO 22000, integrated with the Prerequisite Program and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Furthermore, the FSSC standard is recognized by the GFSI - Global Food Safety Initiative.

Contact us

What are the Requirements to Request the FSSC 22000 Certification?

  • Food Safety Management System: In accordance with ISO 22000:2018;
  • Prerequisite Programs: As required by the ISO 22002-1 and ISO 22002-4 standards;
  • Additional Requirements: management of applicable regulations, specific requirements for service companies, supervision of personnel in the application of hygiene rules.

How to Obtain the certification according to the FSSC 22000 guideline?

The main phases of the certification process proposed by Bureau Veritas include:

  • Preliminary Verification (upon request)
    Gap analysis and assessment of the organization's level of compliance with the requirements;
  • Initial and Certification Audit
    Stage 1: verification of the organization's level of preparedness;
    Stage 2: evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of the management system;
    The certification phase concludes with the issuance of the certificate;
  • Surveillance Visits
    During the validity period of the certificate, visits are carried out to monitor the maintenance of the System and continual improvement. One of the two surveillance audits must be conducted in an unannounced manner;
  • Renewal of the Certification (upon expiration).

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the FSSC 22000 guideline

  • In Which Sectors Can the FSSC Scheme be Applied?

    The FSSC scheme has been designed for the certification of the food hygiene management system of companies that produce food and food packaging. Bureau Veritas offers the certification service in the following sectors:

    • Processed fresh products of animal origin: red meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, seafood products;
    • Processed fresh products of vegetable origin: fruit and vegetable juices, canned fruits and vegetables under controlled temperature;
    • Perishable processed products of animal and vegetable origin: mixed origin products;
    • Shelf-stable food products at ambient temperature: canned products, biscuits, snacks, oil, beverages, pasta, flour, sugar, salt;
    • Production of chemicals and biologicals for the industry: vitamins, additives, bio-cultures, excluding technological aids;
    • Manufacturers of packaging for the food sector;
    • Livestock farms for the production of meat, milk, eggs, honey, fish: slaughtering, cutting, deboning, etc. activities. The transport and storage activities of the certified site/organization are included in the process control.

  • Does the FSSC 22000 scheme apply to all actors in the agri-food supply chain?

    This scheme has been designed for the certification of the hygiene management system of companies that produce the food products specifically indicated in the standard.

  • Can the FSSC 22000 scheme be integrated with other standards in the agri-food sector?

    Yes, the FSSC 22000 scheme can be integrated with the BRCGS and IFS standards, as well as the ISO 22000 standard.

  • Do I need to replace my company's ISO 9001 certification with FSSC 22000?

    No, the FSSC 22000 scheme is a natural complement to ISO 9001. The combination of the two standards will ensure excellence for companies engaged in food production.