FSSC 22000 certification is a food safety certification scheme that helps food businesses identify, control, and prevent food safety hazards throughout the food supply chain. A single contamination incident, undetected allergen, or failed customer audit can damage brand reputation, affect customer trust, and disrupt business operations. As retailers and regulators increasingly expect documented food safety controls, implementing a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) has become essential. This guide explains how FSSC 22000 V6 helps food manufacturers, processors, suppliers, and other food businesses strengthen food safety, manage risks, meet customer and regulatory requirements, and demonstrate their commitment to producing safe food.
What is FSSC 22000 Version 6?
FSSC 22000 is a GFSI-recognised food safety
scheme. It's a combination of ISO 22000:2018, sector-specific PRPs, and
additional FSSC requirements. V6 is the current version, so again we're talking
about FSSC 22000 V6 certification. That's the certification that the customers
and the auditors are looking for.
Key Requirements and Updates in
Version 6
The core structure remains familiar, but
several areas receive sharper attention:
• Food safety culture: visible leadership
commitment and measurable objectives
• Supplier and service control: risk-based
approval of purchased materials and outsourced services
• Food defence and food fraud: documented
vulnerability assessments and mitigation plans
• Allergen management and labelling: verified
controls and accurate product information
• Communication, equipment management, and
food loss and waste: clearer expectations across the supply chain; confirm the
exact wording in the current FSSC Foundation scheme documentation.
Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification
FSSC certification gives market access to
manufacturers, processors, packaging companies and suppliers (as many buyers
will require GFSI-recognised certification). It reduces the risk of recall and
production stoppages, speeds up customer approvals, and brings a degree of
operational discipline through traceability, monitoring, and continual
improvement.
FSSC 22000 Certification Process
1. Define the scope and food chain category.
2. Perform a gap analysis against ISO 22000,
the relevant PRP standard, and the FSSC additional requirements.
3. Implement the system, train the staff, and
carry out the internal audits and management reviews.
4. Select an accredited ISO certification
body.
5. Carry out the Stage 1 (readiness) and
Stage 2 (on-site implementation) audits and then close the non-conformities.
6. Maintain certification via annual
surveillance audits and three-year recertification.
Documentation and Preparation
Put in place a food safety policy, process
flow diagrams, hazard analysis, PRP's, supplier controls, traceability and
recall records, allergen and food defence plans, training records, internal
audit reports and management review minutes. The auditors will be interviewing
the operators, so the people in that area need to be very familiar with the
hazards in their own area.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome
Them
The usual pitfalls are treating the cert as
just a piece of paper, doing a generic hazard analysis, doing absolutely no
supplier reviews, and having your records not in any way reflect what you're
actually doing. Get production and quality on board from day one, base your
hazard analysis on your actual site, and use internal audits to pick up the gaps
before the cert audit.
Who needs FSSC 22000 certification?
Food manufacturers and food processors, the
packaging people, the exporters, and the suppliers to the multinationals/brand
owners all benefit from this, especially in the instance where the customer is
asking for a GFSI-benchmarked certificate.
Choosing an ISO Certification Body
An ISO certification body will do an independent audit
of your system and then decide whether or not to certify it. You'll need to
pick one that is accredited and approved for FSSC 22000, has auditors with
experience in your particular sector, is genuinely independent, and will be able
to give you a clear picture of the scope of the audit, how long it will take, and what it will cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between FSSC 22000 and
ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 certification is the base standard. FSSC 22000
adds the sector-specific PRPs and other requirements, which is what gets it GFSI recognition.
How long does the FSSC certification take?
Businesses with an existing system may be
ready in a matter of months; those starting from scratch will likely take six
to twelve months.
How long is the certificate valid for?
Three years (subject to annual surveillance
audits).
Conclusion
FSSC 22000 Version 6 is a recognised
framework for food businesses in terms of safety, trust and market access. AQC
World provides professional audit and certification services to food
manufacturers, packaging companies and suppliers. For more information on our
FSSC 22000 certification services, please get in touch and start your FSSC
certification journey today.
