FSSC 22000

FSSC 22000 is a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Certification Scheme.

The FSSC 22000 System was designed to provide companies in the food industry with an ISO-based food safety management system certification that is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Recognition by GFSI provides worldwide recognition and acceptance by food manufacturers and retailers. FSSC 22000 defines requirements for integrated processes that work together to control and minimize food safety hazards.

Once a facility implements processes that address all the requirements of FSSC 22000, they can be certified to FSSC 22000. The certification program is managed by the Foundation for Food Safety Certification.

The FSSC 22000 system uses a management systems approach to food safety, using ISO 22000 for the management system requirements and ISO Technical Standards (for prerequisite program requirements). The food safety management system integrates nicely with other management systems such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

 

FSSC 22000 Prerequisite Program Requirements (PRP)

Prerequisite programs are programs and practices put in place to address the role the production environment plays in producing safe food products.

FSSC 22000 requires that the organization establishes PRP programs to control the likelihood of introducing contamination through the work environment. There are different PRP requirements depending on your industry:

ISO/TS 22002-1: Food Processing
ISO/TS 22002-3: Farming
ISO/TS 22002-4 Food Packaging Manufacturing

 

FSSC 22000 REQUIREMENTS

The certification scheme and requirements are defined in three documents:

  • FSSC 22000: Part 1 Requirements for organizations that require certification.
  • ISO 22000: 2005: Food safety management systems – Requirements for any organization in the food chain.

 

Requirements for Prerequisite Programs

The document you use for prerequisite programs will depend on your scope.

Food Processors use ISO/TS 22002-1: Prerequisite programs on food safety – Part 1: Food Manufacturing.

Food Packaging Manufacturers use the ISO/TS 22002-4 – Prerequisite programs and design requirements for food safety in the manufacture and provision of food packaging.

Manufacturers or Providers of Animal Food, Feed or Ingredients use the PAS 222 – Prerequisite programs for the manufacture of food and feed for animals.