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What is ISO 22000 certification?
FSSC 22000 certification is a global food safety management standard that combines ISO 22000 with industry-specific requirements. It ensures companies identify, control, and reduce food safety risks across the supply chain. Certification demonstrates compliance with international regulations and improves trust with customers and retailers.
Why is FSSC 22000 certification important?
FSSC 22000 food safety certification is important because it ensures consistent control of food safety hazards across the supply chain. It demonstrates compliance with global standards, strengthens consumer trust, and reduces risks of contamination, recalls, and noncompliance with regulatory requirements.
The Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 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, manufacturing, and handling of a wide range of foods. Since the first version of the FSSC 22000 Scheme was published in 2009, more than 17,000 sites have been certified.
Certification demonstrates that your 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) recognized 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.
Why choose TÜV SÜD for FSSC 22000 certification
Years of experience:
TÜV SÜD has more than 15 years of experience in food and feed management systems certification and was one of the first certification bodies acting in this field.
International presence:
TÜV SÜD’s global network of FSSC 22000 auditors provides the assurance that a formalized and structured approach to attaining certification is applied without bias, ensuring that audit approaches are consistent, regardless of product or country of production.
Expert partnership:
With in-depth experience in food testing, inspection, auditing and certification, TÜV SÜD is globally recognized as a trusted brand throughout the food industry value chain.
Dedicated account manager:
Enjoy the convenience of having a single point of contact with a dedicated account manager who ensures your audit project is managed efficiently and delivered on time.
FSSC 22000 certification: helping organizations ensure food safety
TÜV SÜD’s international network of food testing laboratories, inspectors and auditors deliver local support with global expertise. This will assist you in the development and improvement of your food safety management system (FSMS), helping to keep the supply chain safe wherever your operations are based.
The 3-year audit cycle includes 2 surveillance audits, of which one must be unannounced, while the initial and re-certification audits are always announced. The audit process includes a site inspection, as well as an assessment of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) systems, prerequisite programs, and relevant documentation and processes. TÜV SÜD’s auditors will also interview operators and responsible persons within the company in order to assess food safety knowledge.
Upgrade your ISO 22000 certification to FSSC 22000
ISO 22000 is an international food safety management standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization. It defines requirements for organizations in the food chain to ensure food safety from production to consumption. It combines HACCP principles with ISO 9001 structure to manage food safety risks effectively.
Many organizations start with ISO 22000 to establish a strong food safety management system (FSMS). When suppliers or customers require GFSI compliance, they upgrade to FSSC 22000 by adding the required prerequisite programs (PRPs) and additional FSSC elements. The upgrade usually involves an integrated audit where the auditor verifies compliance with both ISO 22000 and the FSSC-specific extensions.
Food companies already certified against ISO 22000, a GFSI recognized scheme, or the Dutch HACCP only need a transition audit to meet FSSC 22000.
We can help you transition to FSSC 22000 if you want to gain GFSI recognition which is accepted by most of the largest brands and retailers. The transition can be made at any audit in your three-year cycle and will result in a new FSSC certificate.
What our FSSC 22000 food safety services include:
Animal farming
FSSC 22000 integrates ISO 22000 principles with sector-specific prerequisites (such as ISO/TS 22002-6 for animal feed production). This ensures comprehensive control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards in feed and farming operations.
Food manufacturing
FSSC 22000 certification provides a comprehensive framework that not only ensures food safety but also enhances operational performance, customer confidence, and regulatory compliance.
Feed & pet food production
The feed and pet food production industry plays a critical role in the global food chain, and FSSC 22000 certification provides a structured, internationally recognized framework to ensure safety, quality, and consistency across these operations.
Biochemical (the production of food & feed additives)
FSSC 22000 integrates ISO 22000’s risk-based food safety management approach with ISO/TS 22002-1 (for food manufacturing) or ISO/TS 22002-6 (for feed production). These standards address contamination risks specific to biochemical production such as microbial contamination, cross-contamination, and chemical residues from fermentation, extraction, or purification.
Packaging
FSSC 22000 integrates ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management) with ISO/TS 22002-4, which is tailored specifically for food packaging manufacturing. This combination ensures robust management of risks such as contamination from inks, adhesives, lubricants, or contact materials.
Catering
FSSC 22000 certification provides a powerful and structured framework for ensuring food safety, quality, and trust in the catering industry, where food is prepared and served directly to consumers. This includes restaurants, hotel kitchens, institutional caterers, airline and cruise catering, and event food service operations.
Distribution (retail, wholesale)
FSSC 22000 enforces systematic monitoring of temperature, humidity, hygiene, and product segregation during storage and transport, especially for perishable or allergen-sensitive foods. FSSC 22000 requires detailed traceability systems, ensuring rapid recall and isolation of unsafe products which is critical in large-scale distribution and retail operations.
Transport & storage services (both perishable & ambient stable food & feed)
FSSC 22000 integrates ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management) with ISO/TS 22002-5, the prerequisite program (PRP) specific to transport and storage. This combination ensures robust control over hazards such as temperature abuse, cross-contamination, pest infestation, and packaging damage.
Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification
- Access global markets - Certification is accepted by major retailers and manufacturers worldwide and is often required as a condition to become a supplier
- Achieve regulatory compliance - Meet international food safety laws and requirements
- Reduce risks - Identify and control potential hazards across your supply chain
- Increase brand trust - Enhance your reputation as a safe and reliable food producer
- Improve customer satisfaction - Deliver products and reliable services that consistently meet customer requirements
- Reduce audit fatigue - As an ISO-based scheme, FSSC 22000 can be combined with other ISO standards through integrated audits reducing the number of audits
FAQs
How does FSSC differ from ISO 22000, BRC or SQF?
The main difference between FSSC 22000 and standards like ISO 22000, BRC, or SQF is scope and recognition. FSSC 22000 builds on ISO 22000 by adding sector-specific requirements and is GFSI recognized, making it widely accepted by retailers. BRC and SQF are detailed prescriptive standards, while FSSC is process-based and more flexible.
ISO 22000 is a baseline FSMS standard, not GFSI-recognized.
FSSC 22000 builds on ISO 22000, adds prerequisite programs (PRPs) + FSSC extras and is a GFSI-recognized, flexible approach.
British Retail Consortium Global Standards (BRCGS) are highly prescriptive and retailer-focused, especially strong in the UK/EU supply chains.
Safe Quality Food (SQF) is more prescriptive than FSSC and is strong in North America and covers both food safety and quality.
ISO 22000 is a baseline FSMS standard, not GFSI-recognized.
FSSC 22000 builds on ISO 22000, adds prerequisite programs (PRPs) + FSSC extras and is a GFSI-recognized, flexible approach.
British Retail Consortium Global Standards (BRCGS) are highly prescriptive and retailer-focused, especially strong in the UK/EU supply chains.
Safe Quality Food (SQF) is more prescriptive than FSSC and is strong in North America and covers both food safety and quality.
What types of organizations are eligible for FSSC certification?
FSSC 22000 certification is designed for organizations across the entire food supply chain that want to demonstrate robust food safety management and meet Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognition requirements.
How is FSSC 22000 different from ISO 22000?
The main difference between FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000 is that FSSC 22000 includes ISO 22000 requirements plus additional programs and regulatory compliance set by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). FSSC 22000 also requires Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) and sector-specific technical specifications, making it more comprehensive.
Who can get FSSC 22000 certified?
FSSC 22000 certification is available to organizations in the food supply chain, including food manufacturers, packaging producers, catering services, transport operators, and retailers. Any company involved in food production, handling, or distribution can obtain certification if it meets the scheme’s food safety and management system requirements.
What are the specific food categories covered by FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 covers a broad range of food chain categories, each linked to a specific ISO/TS 22002-x (or equivalent) Prerequisite Program (PRP) standard. These categories are defined in the FSSC 22000 Scope of Certification and align with ISO/TS 22003 sector codes. Categories include:
• Farming
• Food Manufacturing
• Animal Feed Production
• Catering
• Distribution
• Provision of Services
• Production of Food Packaging and Packaging Materials
• Production of Biochemicals
• Farming
• Food Manufacturing
• Animal Feed Production
• Catering
• Distribution
• Provision of Services
• Production of Food Packaging and Packaging Materials
• Production of Biochemicals
How to get FSSC certification?
Get FSSC 22000 certification by implementing a food safety management system that meets ISO 22000, sector-specific requirements, and FSSC’s additional clauses. Companies must train staff, document processes, conduct internal audits, and undergo a certification audit by an accredited body. Certification is granted once compliance is verified.
How long does it take to get FSSC 22000 certification?
Getting FSSC 22000 certification usually takes 6 to 12 months. The timeline depends on company size, existing food safety systems, staff training, and audit readiness. Small businesses with strong systems may certify faster, while larger or less prepared organizations often need more time to align with FSSC requirements.
How long is FSSC certification valid?
FSSC 22000 certification is valid for three years. During this period, certified organizations must undergo annual surveillance audits to maintain compliance. After the three-year cycle, a full recertification audit is required to renew certification and confirm continued adherence to FSSC 22000 standards.
Is FSSC 22000 mandatory?
FSSC 22000 is not legally mandatory, but many food manufacturers adopt it to meet customer and retailer requirements. It provides globally recognized proof of food safety management, enhances market access, and helps organizations comply with regulatory and industry expectations for safe food production.