GFSI recognised safety scheme for the food chain
GFSI recognised safety scheme for the food chain
The increasing globalisation of the food supply chain has brought with it the challenges of producing products that are safe to consume. Consequently, food safety is now a truly global concern as it is not uncommon for processed food to contain ingredients from multiple countries.
The FSSC 22000 certification scheme meets the requirements of the international food sector for an independent ISO-based food safety scheme. The Food Safety Management Systems cover the processing, manufacture and handling of a wide range of foods. Since the first version of the FSSC 22000 Scheme was published in 2009, more than 16,000 sites have been certified.
FSSC 22000 demonstrates that a company has a robust and effective food safety management system in place, and it is often mandated by purchasers within the supply chain.
Based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, FSSC 22000 is a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognised food safety scheme, and is also supported by the European Food and Drink Association (CIAA) and the American Groceries Manufacturing Association (GMA) - opening up the global market for food producers and associated businesses.
TÜV SÜD’s international network of food testing laboratories, inspectors and auditors, deliver local support, but with global expertise. This will assist you in the development and improvement of your food safety management system, helping to keep the supply chain safe, regardless of where your operations are located.
Our services support the following areas:
TÜV SÜD offers auditing and certification services based on the following standards:
TÜV SÜD has more than 15 years’ experience in food and feed management system certification, and was one of the first certification bodies acting in this field. Accredited for the FSSC 22000 certification, TÜV SÜD’s global network of auditors provides the assurance that a formalised and structured approach to attaining certification is applied without bias, ensuring that audit approaches are consistent, regardless of the product or country of production. With indepth experience in food testing, inspection, auditing and certification, TÜV SÜD is globally recognised as a trusted brand throughout the food industry value chain.
Hear what our client says about our FSSC 22000 Food Safety System Certification: View testimonials
FSSC 22000 certification is based on ISO 22000, meaning organisations already certified to ISO 22000 can upgrade to FSSC 22000 relatively easily. However, organisations must comply with certain other requirements to achieve FSSC 22000 certification.
With TÜV SÜD’s expert guidance and support, organisations can achieve a smooth upgrade from ISO 22000 to FSSC 22000 and ensure they meet the highest standards for food safety and quality. Contact us today to learn more about our FSSC 22000 certification services.
The FSSC 22000 certification is a globally recognised food safety management system (FSMS) standard that provides a framework for managing food safety and quality throughout the supply chain. Here are some of the key benefits of an FSSC 22000 audit:
● Globally recognised standardisation for food safety
● Easy integration with ISO 9001
● Building trust in the supply chain process
● Improved food safety by reducing hazards and incidental risks
● Enhanced organisational reputation
● Resource optimisation for cost-effectiveness and cost-efficiency
● Continuous improvement
● Ensures production of food products with pre-requisite programs
● Helps facilities enter new markets and establish new customer relationships
● Simplifies food safety plans and programs
The FSSC 22000 certification is important because it helps organisations ensure food safety, meet customer requirements, comply with regulations, enhance their reputation, and improve efficiency. By successfully completing an FSSC 22000 audit, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to food safety and quality, which can help them succeed in the competitive food industry.
FSSC 22000 V6 is the latest version of the Food Safety System Certification Scheme 22000, released in March 2023. This new version includes significant updates and changes from the previous version to address some key issues better.
● Integrating the requirements of ISO 22003-1:2022: FSSC 22000 V6 can be integrated with the audit and certification of a Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
● Updated requirements: The requirements of FSSC 22000 V6 help organisations contribute to accomplishing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
● The scheme's scope has been expanded to include Trading and Brokering (FII). It has also been reduced by the elimination of Farming and FSSC 22000-Quality.
● Modifications and explanations regarding the Certification Process prerequisites have been incorporated.
● A QR Code has been introduced into FSSC 22000 certifications with the goal of improving traceability.
The FSSC 22000 requirements involve the following stages:
Step 1: Understand the Standard
First, familiarise yourself with the FSSC 22000 standard and its requirements. You can download the standard from the FSSC website and review it to understand the FSSC 22000 requirements, scope, and expectations.
Step 2: Develop a Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
The next step is to develop and implement a food safety management system that meets the requirements of the FSSC 22000 standard. It includes conducting a hazard analysis, developing operational pre-requisite programs (PRPs), implementing a food safety plan, and establishing a traceability and recall system.
Step 3: Implement the FSMS
Development and implementation of FSMS involves training employees, establishing communication channels, monitoring the system’s effectiveness, and implementing corrective actions.
Step 4: Conduct Internal Audits
The company must conduct internal FSSC 22000 audits of the FSMS to verify its effectiveness and identify any areas for improvement.
Step 5: Choose a Certification Body
The company must choose a certification body accredited by the FSSC 22000 foundation to audit the FSMS and issue the certification.
Step 6: Schedule and Conduct the Certification Audit
The company must schedule and conduct the certification audit, which involves a review of the FSMS to ensure compliance with the FSSC 22000 standard. The audit may include a review of documentation, interviews with employees, and a site visit.
Step 7: Address Non-Conformities
For any non-conformities identified during the certification audit, the company must address them and implement corrective actions as needed.
Step 8: Receive and Maintain Certification
Upon completion of the certification audit and any non-conformities addressed, the company can receive the FSSC 22000 certification. The certification is valid for three years, and the company must maintain compliance with the standard during that time. The company must also undergo periodic surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance with the standard.
FSSC 22000 and BRC (British Retail Consortium) are not the same, although they are both food safety management system standards.
FSSC 22000 certification is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
Based on the ISO 22000 standards, it includes additional requirements for PRPs (pre-requisite programs) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) to ensure food safety throughout the supply chain.
On the other hand, BRC is a standard developed by the British Retail Consortium that sets out requirements for food safety, quality, and operational criteria for food manufacturers. The GFSI recognises both FSSC 22000 and BRC.
FSSC 22000 covers HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). HACCP is a key component of the FSSC 22000 food safety management system.
The HACCP plan systematically identifies, evaluates, and controls food safety hazards by analysing the process and identifying critical control points. Implementing HACCP ensures that food safety hazards are identified and controlled at each stage of the food production process.
In summary, FSSC 22000 covers HACCP as an essential component of its food safety management system to ensure the safe production of food products.
An FSSC 22000 audit is conducted by an accredited certification body to assess an organisation’s compliance with the FSSC 22000 standard. The audit is a key step in the FSSC 22000 process.
The FSSC 22000 audit is typically conducted in two stages:
Stage 1 Audit: The first stage of the audit is a documentation review. The auditor will review the organisation’s food safety management system documentation to assess compliance with the FSSC 22000 standard.
Stage 2 Audit: The second stage of the audit is an on-site audit. The auditor will visit the organisation’s facilities and observe the food production process to assess the effectiveness of the food safety management system in controlling food safety hazards. The auditor will also interview employees, review records, and check that the organisation is meeting the requirements of the FSSC 22000 standard.
At the end of the audit, the auditor will provide a report detailing their findings, including any non-conformities or areas for improvement. If the organisation meets the requirements of the FSSC 22000 standard, the auditor will recommend that the organisation receive FSSC 22000.
FSSC stands for “Food Safety System Certification.” FSSC standards are a set of requirements and guidelines for implementing a food safety management system that meets the requirements of food safety standards and regulations.
The FSSC 22000 standard specifies the requirements for a food safety management system based on the ISO 22000 standard, which includes the principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). The FSSC 22000 standard also includes additional requirements for PRPs (pre-requisite programs) that are critical for controlling food safety hazards in food production.
FSSC standards provide a framework for organisations to implement a food safety management system that meets the requirements of food safety standards and regulations and promotes continuous improvement in food safety performance.
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