FSSC 22000 Food Safety

FSSC 22000 is a GFSI-recognized food safety certification scheme designed for organizations throughout the food supply chain. It is based on ISO 22000 and combines food safety management system requirements with sector-specific prerequisite programmes and additional FSSC requirements.

FSSC 22000 certification helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to food safety, risk management and continual improvement.

FSSC 22000 certification is applicable to a wide range of organizations in the food supply chain, including food manufacturers, ingredient producers, packaging manufacturers, storage and distribution providers and food-related service organizations. 

The scheme is suitable for organizations seeking a structured, management system-based approach to food safety.

FSSC 22000 certification helps organizations establish, implement and maintain an effective food safety management system. Certification provides independent verification that food safety risks are identified and controlled throughout the organization.
As a GFSI-recognized certification scheme, FSSC 22000 is widely accepted by customers, retailers and food businesses worldwide.

Yes. FSSC 22000 is benchmarked and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This recognition provides confidence that certified organizations operate according to internationally accepted food safety requirements.

The certification process typically includes:
1. Application and quotation
2. Development and implementation of the food safety management system
3. Stage 1 audit (documentation and readiness review)
4. Stage 2 certification audit
5. Review of audit findings
6. Certification decision
7. Issuance of certificate

Kiwa's experts can guide organisations through every stage of the certification process

FSSC 22000 certification operates on a three-year certification cycle. Following the initial certification audit, certified organizations undergo annual surveillance audits and a recertification audit at the end of the certification cycle.
In addition, organizations are required to participate in unannounced audits as part of the scheme requirements.

The cost of FSSC 22000 certification depends on factors such as the size of the organization, number of employees, scope of certification, food chain category and audit duration.
Because every organization is different, certification costs are calculated individually. Kiwa can provide a quotation based on your specific activities and certification requirements.

Organizations interested in FSSC 22000 certification can contact Kiwa for a tailored quotation. The proposal will be based on factors such as organizational complexity, certification scope and number of locations.

Both FSSC 22000 and BRCGS Food Safety are GFSI-recognized food safety certification schemes. However, they differ in structure and approach.
FSSC 22000 is based on ISO management system principles and focuses on integrating food safety into an organization's management processes.

BRCGS Food Safety follows a more prescriptive audit framework with detailed operational requirements and grading outcomes.
The most suitable scheme often depends on customer expectations, business objectives and existing management systems.

FSSC 22000 and IFS Food are both internationally recognized food safety certification schemes used throughout the food industry.
FSSC 22000 follows an ISO-based management system approach, while IFS Food applies a detailed audit framework with a scoring methodology focused on food safety, product quality and legal compliance.

Organizations often select a scheme based on customer requirements, supply chain expectations and their preferred management system approach.

Yes. ISO 22000 forms the foundation of the FSSC 22000 certification scheme. FSSC 22000 combines ISO 22000 with sector-specific prerequisite programmes and additional scheme requirements.
This combination provides a comprehensive framework for managing food safety hazards and establishing effective food safety management systems.

Yes. Unannounced audits are an integral part of the FSSC 22000 certification scheme.
An unannounced audit is conducted without prior notification to the organization and assesses how effectively food safety controls are implemented during normal operations. In line with GFSI benchmarking requirements, certified organizations must undergo an unannounced audit at least once during each three-year certification cycle.

FSSC 22000, BRCGS Food Safety and IFS Food are all GFSI-recognized food safety certification schemes. Each scheme is designed to provide assurance that food safety management systems and operational controls meet internationally accepted requirements.

While there is significant overlap in their objectives, the most suitable scheme depends on factors such as customer requirements, supply chain expectations, target markets and the maturity of existing management systems. Many organizations select a certification scheme based on customer specifications or industry expectations.  

Kiwa can help identify the certification scheme that best aligns with your business activities, customer requirements and certification objectives.