What is FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 combines ISO 22000 (food safety management system requirements), sector-specific prerequisite programmes from the ISO/TS 22002 series, and the scheme's own additional requirements. It is fully recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which is why major retailers and brand owners ask suppliers for it.
Version 6 added food safety and quality culture, food loss and waste, and stronger environmental monitoring and allergen management. FSSC 22000 Version 7 was published in May 2026, with V7 audits phasing in from 2027. We prepare your system for the version your certification body will audit against.
FSSC 22000 is designed for manufacturers and is very popular in Europe, and demand for FSSC-certified suppliers is growing quickly across Asia for export business.
Who needs FSSC 22000?
- Perishable animal products — meat, poultry, eggs, dairy and fish (excluding slaughter)
- Perishable plant products — fresh and preserved fruit, vegetables and juices
- Long shelf-life products — canned food, biscuits, snacks, oil, drinking water, beverages, pasta, flour, sugar, salt
- (Bio)chemical manufacturing — vitamins, additives and bio-cultures
- Food packaging and packaging material manufacturers
- Animal feed, catering, retail/wholesale, and transport & storage operations
FSSC 22000 requirements
- Context of the organisation, interested parties and a documented food safety policy
- A multidisciplinary food safety team and a hazard control plan (HACCP)
- CCPs and OPRPs with monitoring, verification and record keeping
- Prerequisite programmes per ISO/TS 22002 — layout, utilities, pest control, cleaning, hygiene
- Food defence plan and food fraud vulnerability mitigation plan
- Allergen management and a risk-based environmental monitoring programme
- Food safety and quality culture objectives
- Supplier (external provider) evaluation and monitoring
- Internal audits, management review and corrective actions
Benefits of FSSC 22000 certification
- Accepted by global retailers and brand owners that require GFSI-benchmarked suppliers
- Integrates easily with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001
- Covers food fraud and food defence — growing focus areas for buyers
- Better traceability and lower risk of recalls
- Reduced operating costs through more efficient, controlled processes
- Wins business where procurement requires certification
How HL Associates gets you certified
- 1Gap survey of your existing system and gap analysis report
- 2Review of documentation, process and infrastructure changes needed
- 3Food safety awareness training for all staff
- 4Development of SOPs, PRPs, HACCP plan and hazard analysis
- 5Food safety policy, objectives and complete FSSC 22000 documentation
- 6System implementation across all departments
- 7Internal auditor training and first internal audit
- 8Corrective actions and management review meeting
- 9Certification body selection and application
- 10Stage 1 & Stage 2 certification audit support and NC closure
FSSC 22000 — frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000?
ISO 22000 is the international food safety management standard. FSSC 22000 adds detailed prerequisite programmes (ISO/TS 22002) and extra scheme requirements, and — unlike ISO 22000 alone — it is recognised by GFSI, so global retailers accept it.
How long is an FSSC 22000 certificate valid?
The certificate is valid for three years. Each cycle includes annual surveillance audits (at least one of them unannounced) and a recertification audit in the third year.
Which version of FSSC 22000 should we implement now?
FSSC 22000 Version 7 was published in May 2026 and audits against it phase in from 2027. If your certification audit falls after the transition date we build your system to V7 directly; otherwise we implement V6 and plan the upgrade.
How long does FSSC 22000 implementation take?
Most food plants we work with are audit-ready in 4 to 8 months, depending on existing systems, infrastructure upgrades needed and team availability.