FSSC 22000
The FSSC 22000 standard is a worthy alternative to BRCGS or IFS certification and is also recognised by GFSI.
FSSC 22000 combines the ISO 22000 standard with the technical specification ISO/TS 22002-1:
- ISO 22000 sets requirements for a food safety management system that apply to all links in the food chain.
- The technical specification sets requirements for the prerequisite programmes for food safety.
This management system standard combines ‘the best of both worlds’: specific food safety requirements based on basic hygiene conditions and the Codex Alimentarius HACCP principles, and effective management of the control measures based on the ISO 9001 quality management standard.
In this way, ISO 22000 meets the international demand for a certifiable standard that combines prerequisite programmes, HACCP and management elements into an efficient management system standard for food safety.
Advantages of FSSC certification
- Accepted worldwide.
- Recognised by GFSI.
- FSSC 22000 takes supply-chain thinking as its main starting point.
- FSSC places strong emphasis on the internal risk analysis, which allows a pragmatic application.
Frequently asked questions about FSSC 22000
What is the difference between ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000?
ISO 22000 is the international baseline standard for food safety management systems. FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) builds on it: it combines ISO 22000 with sector-specific technical specifications (such as ISO/TS 22002-1 for food manufacturing) and additional requirements covering areas such as food fraud, food defence and allergen management. As a result, FSSC 22000, unlike ISO 22000 on its own, is recognised by GFSI.
Is FSSC 22000 recognised by GFSI?
Yes. FSSC 22000 has been GFSI-recognised (Global Food Safety Initiative) for several versions, which means the certificate is accepted internationally by retailers and brand owners that require GFSI recognition from their suppliers.
Which version of FSSC 22000 currently applies?
Version 7 was published on 1 May 2026. A transition period applies: audits against version 6 remain valid until 30 April 2027, upgrade audits to version 7 run from 1 May 2027 to 30 April 2028, and from 1 May 2028 all audits must be carried out against version 7. Until then, a certificate against version 6 can still be fully valid.
Which companies is FSSC 22000 suitable for?
For every link in the food chain that falls within the GFSI-recognised scopes of FSSC 22000: from food and animal feed manufacturing to packaging manufacturing and storage & distribution. It is a sought-after alternative to BRCGS or IFS, particularly for companies that supply international customers with a GFSI requirement.
