The latest version of FSSC 22000 is Version 6, which is an upgrade from Version 5.1. FSSC 22000 Version 6 was released by the FSSC Foundation on March 31, 2023.

The most notable updates are:

1. Inclusion of five new requirements, namely: Food Safety and Quality Culture, Equipment Management, Quality Control, Communication Requirements, and Food Loss and Waste.
2. 11 new topics were included in existing requirements: Supplier Management, Product Labeling, Food Defense, Food Fraud, Logo Use, Management of Allergens, Environmental Monitoring, Transportation and Delivery, Product Design and Development, Requirements for multi-site organization, and Hazard Control and measures to prevent cross-contamination.
3. Two requirements are unchanged: Verification of PPRs and Health Status.

Companies that hold certification under Version 5.1 are granted time until April 1, 2024, for preparation. All certification audits starting from April 1, 2024 will adhere to FSSC 22000 Version 6. The transition period spans 12 months, requiring all companies to complete the upgrade audits before March 31, 2025.

The FSSC 22000 standard is based on:

• ISO 22000 Requirements for any organisation in the food chain
• Industry-specific Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) based on technical specifications (i.e. ISO/TS 22002-x)
• FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements

With FSSC 22000, your company must fulfill the following requirements:

• Develop and implement an effective Food Safety Management System in line with FSSC 22000 standards.
• Establish and maintain prerequisite programs to ensure a hygienic and controlled environment.
• Conduct hazard analysis and risk assessments to identify and manage potential food safety hazards.
• Implement HACCP principles to control critical points in your processes.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 are both international standards to ensure food safety. There are some key differences between both, which include:

FSSC 22000 is a step further from ISO 22000, offering not only enhanced requirements but also higher recognition in the industry. Here’s how to make the upgrade:

1. Gap Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive gap analysis to identify specific areas where your current system falls short of meeting FSSC 22000 requirements.
2. Training and Awareness: Ensure your team is well-informed about the FSSC 22000 requirements, including any new elements introduced by the standard.
3. Document Updates: Revise your documentation, manuals, and procedures to reflect the changes necessary for FSSC 22000 compliance.
4. Implementation: Address the additional requirements of FSSC 22000, such as the Pre-Requisite Programs (PRP) and sector-specific elements.
5. Internal Audits: Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with FSSC 22000 requirements.
6. Certification Audit: Undergo the FSSC 22000 certification audit conducted by an accredited certification body.

Tip: Engaging an FSSC 22000 consultant can help streamline the upgrade process, saving valuable time and resources while ensuring a successful transition.

No, it is not mandatory to obtain ISO 22000 certification before pursuing FSSC 22000 certification. While ISO 22000 serves as the foundation for FSSC 22000, organizations can directly seek FSSC 22000 certification.

Yes, FSSC 22000 is widely recognized and accepted on an international level. Moreover, FSSC 22000 is acknowledged by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), this recognition validates FSSC 22000’s alignment with internationally accepted best practices. FSSC 22000 is also frequently required by European customers.

Yes, FSSC 22000 certification is not limited solely to food manufacturers; it is also eligible for various sectors throughout the supply chain:

• Food Packaging Manufacturers
• Warehousing Facilities & Transport
• Cold Chain Management
• Retailers/ Traders/ Wholesalers
• Farmer & Slaughterhouse
• Animal Feed Manufacturer
• Catering and Event Services

• Global Recognition: FSSC 22000 is aligned with GFSI, demonstrating compliance with global food safety standards
• Regulatory Compliance: Many export markets have stringent food safety regulations. FSSC 22000 helps ensure that your products meet these regulatory requirements,
• Competitive Advantage: FSSC 22000 certification sets your business apart from competitors

Generally, the audit frequency involves the following:

• Initial Certification Audit: This is the first audit conducted to assess your organization’s compliance with FSSC 22000 requirement
• Surveillance Audits: After obtaining certification, surveillance audits are typically conducted annually.
• Unannounced Audits: Occur at any time without prior notification.
• Recertification Audit: Periodically, usually every three years for renewal of certification.

Major corporations support FSSC 22000 due to its robust food safety framework, recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). FSSC 22000 provides a globally accepted standard that aligns with their high-quality standards and regulatory requirements, and enabling international trade.