The FSSC 22000 Scheme is a robust, ISO-based, internationally recognized certification scheme for auditing and certification of food safety for organizations in the food supply chain, regardless of size and complexity. This scheme, developed by Foundation FSSC, sets out requirements to develop, implement and operate a food safety management system. FSSC 22000 audit requirements are based on the existing standard ISO 22000:2018, relevant prerequisite programs (PRPs), technical specifications, and the FSSC Additional requirements.

Since February 2010 the FSSC 22000 Scheme has been recognized by GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) and since March 2021 has been endorsed as a sub-scope of the IAF MLA (International Accreditation Forum Multilateral Recognition Arrangement).

The current version of the FSSC 22000 Scheme is version 5.1. Foundation FSSC published version 6 of the FSSC 22000 scheme in April 2023.

Audits against the FSSC 22000 v5.1 are only allowed to be delivered up to 31 March 2024.

Upgrade audits against FSSC 22000 v6 shall be conducted from 1 April 2024 until 31 March 2025.

The main reasons for the release of FSSC 22000 v6 include:

• Incorporating the requirements of ISO 22003-1:2022,
• Strengthening the requirements to support organizations in their contributions to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and
• Continuous improvement.

For more details about FSSC v6 scheme documents and transition requirements visit the FSSC Version 6.0 website.

Certification to FSSC 22000 demonstrates a commitment to food safety and delivers a variety of benefits that will impact different parts of your organization. FSSC 22000 benefits:

• Provides a systematic methodology to effectively identify and manage food safety risks
• ISO-based certification model can be used across the food supply chain
• Recognized by the GFSI
• Flexibility allowing you to determine how your business will meet the scheme requirements for the structure and documentation of your food safety management system
• Facilitates internal benchmarking and management through consistent application across multiple/international sites
• Promotes the review of and continual improvement of your food safety management system
• Shows your commitment to food safety, providing confidence to your customers
• Improved employee engagement, increasing awareness of food risks and promotion of safety Commitment to continuous improvement of the food safety system and its performance

Whether you're ready for the next step in best practice food safety management or you're more concerned about meeting the requirements of your customers, or protecting consumers, certifying to the FSSC 22000 Scheme can drive meaningful change in your organization. From an initial introduction to the standard through to training and certification, no matter how far along you are, BSI can support your journey. Want to know more about the requirements of the standard, the steps to certification or how BSI is here to help?

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Kathy Ellem Quality Assurance and Food Safety Manager Farm Fresh Fine Foods

“We’re continually targeting new customers, and although we’ve had ISO 9001 and HACCP certification since the business first opened, there was a roadblock in getting some new clients – we needed one of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards…FSSC22000, which was developed by the Foundation for Food Safety Certification, was the most similar to our existing system.

We’ve used BS/ for about 10years, and they were very helpful in advising us on the process and how long it would take to reach that target.”

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