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Category: FSSC 22000

  • FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000 Difference

    FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000 Difference

    Food safety standards play a critical role in ensuring consumer protection, regulatory compliance, and brand credibility in the global food supply chain. Among the most widely discussed food safety frameworks are ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000. As the FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000 difference are closely related, many food businesses often ask the same question:


    Is FSSC 22000 different from ISO 22000?

    The simple answer is yes. While they are interconnected, they are not identical. This article explores what each standard represents, how they differ, and which one may be right for your organization.

    Understanding ISO 22000

    ISO 22000 is an internationally recognized standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It defines the requirements for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that can be applied to any organization within the food chain regardless of size or complexity.

    The main objective of ISO 22000 is to ensure food safety at every stage, from raw material sourcing to final consumption.

    Key Elements of ISO 22000

    ISO 22000 is built on four fundamental pillars:

    1. Interactive communication
      Ensures clear communication between all parties in the food chain regarding food safety hazards.
    2. System management
      Aligns with the ISO High-Level Structure, making it compatible with standards such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management).
    3. Prerequisite programs (PRPs)
      Basic conditions and activities necessary to maintain a hygienic environment, such as cleaning, pest control, and personal hygiene.
    4. HACCP principles
      Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points to identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards.

    ISO 22000 emphasizes a risk-based approach and continuous improvement. However, the standard does not prescribe detailed, sector-specific PRP requirements, leaving interpretation largely to the organization.

    What Is FSSC 22000?

    FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a certification scheme that expands upon ISO 22000. It is managed by the Foundation FSSC and is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

    FSSC 22000 was developed to bridge the gap between ISO 22000 and the more detailed requirements demanded by global retailers, food service providers, and multinational brands.

    Components of FSSC 22000

    FSSC 22000 is not a standalone standard. Instead, it is composed of three integrated components:

    1. ISO 22000
       Provides the core Food Safety Management System framework.
    2. Sector-specific Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)
       These are detailed technical requirements tailored to different sectors of the food chain, such as:
      • ISO/TS 22002-1 for food manufacturing
      • ISO/TS 22002-4 for packaging
      • ISO/TS 22002-6 for animal feed
    3. Additional FSSC requirements
       These include mandatory controls that go beyond ISO 22000, such as:
      • Food defense
      • Food fraud prevention
      • Allergen management
      • Environmental monitoring
      • Supplier and service management
      • Product labeling and information control

    These added layers make FSSC 22000 more prescriptive and operationally focused.

    Are ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 the Same?

    No, they are not the same.

    A useful way to understand the relationship is:

    • ISO 22000 = Foundation
    • FSSC 22000 = ISO 22000 + sector-specific PRPs + additional food safety requirements

    ISO 22000 defines what a food safety management system should achieve.
    FSSC 22000 defines how it should be implemented in practice to meet global food safety expectations.

    Key FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000 Difference

    Although ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 share the same foundation, their scope and market acceptance differ significantly.

    1. Standard vs. Certification Scheme

    ISO 22000 is a management system standard, while FSSC 22000 is a certification scheme that uses ISO 22000 as its base. In simple terms, FSSC 22000 includes ISO 22000—but not the other way around.

    2. GFSI Recognition

    One of the most important distinctions is GFSI recognition:

    • ISO 22000 alone is not GFSI-recognized
    • FSSC 22000 is GFSI-recognized

    Many international retailers and food brands require GFSI-recognized certification as a condition for doing business.

    3. Level of Detail

    ISO 22000 provides flexibility but fewer technical details. FSSC 22000, on the other hand, specifies exact PRP requirements and additional controls, reducing ambiguity during implementation and audits.

    4. Market Acceptance

    ISO 22000 is widely respected and useful for internal system development. However, FSSC 22000 has greater acceptance in global supply chains, especially in Europe, North America, and multinational operations.

    Which Certification Should You Choose?

    The choice between ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 depends on your organization’s goals, customer requirements, and market reach.

    ISO 22000 Is Suitable If:

    • You are a small or medium-sized organization
    • Your customers do not require GFSI recognition
    • You want a strong food safety framework with flexibility
    • You are starting your food safety certification journey

    FSSC 22000 Is Suitable If:

    • You supply to major retailers or multinational brands
    • GFSI recognition is a customer or contractual requirement
    • You want a comprehensive, globally accepted certification
    • You operate in a highly regulated or export-oriented market

    Transitioning from ISO 22000 to FSSC 22000

    Many organizations begin with ISO 22000 and later transition to FSSC 22000. Since ISO 22000 is already part of FSSC 22000, the transition typically involves:

    • Implementing sector-specific PRPs
    • Addressing FSSC additional requirements
    • Enhancing documentation and risk assessments

    This phased approach can reduce implementation time and cost.

  • A Complete Guide on FSSC 22000 Version 6 Clauses

    A Complete Guide on FSSC 22000 Version 6 Clauses

    Food safety has become a global priority, driven by increasing consumer awareness, regulatory requirements, and complex supply chains. To address these challenges, the FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) scheme provides a robust framework for managing food safety risks across the entire food chain. In April 2023, the Foundation FSSC released FSSC 22000 Version 6, introducing important updates to strengthen food safety culture, supply chain control, and risk management.

    This blog provides a clear, clause-by-clause overview of FSSC 22000 Version 6 clause, helping organizations understand the structure, key requirements, and changes compared to earlier versions.

    FSSC 22000 Version 6

    FSSC 22000 Version 6 is a GFSI-recognized food safety certification scheme applicable to food manufacturing, packaging, storage, distribution, animal feed, and food service organizations. It is built on three core components:

    1. ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management System
    2. Sector-specific Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) (ISO/TS 22002 series)
    3. Additional FSSC Requirements

    Version 6 enhances the scheme by focusing on:

    • Food safety culture
    • Quality management integration
    • Fraud and defense strengthening
    • Supply chain transparency
    • Sustainability and regulatory compliance

    Structure of FSSC 22000 Version 6 Clauses

    FSSC 22000 Version 6 follows the ISO High-Level Structure (HLS), making it compatible with other ISO standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

    The clauses are structured as follows:

    • ISO 22000 clauses (Clauses 4 to 10)
    • Sector-specific PRPs
    • FSSC additional requirements

    Clause 4: Context of the Organization

    Clause 4 focuses on understanding the organization and its operating environment.

    Key Requirements:

    • Identify internal and external issues affecting food safety
    • Understand needs and expectations of interested parties (customers, regulators, suppliers, consumers)
    • Define the scope of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
    • Establish and maintain FSMS processes

    Version 6 Focus:

    Organizations must now consider food safety culture, supply chain risks, and regulatory changes more explicitly when defining context.

    Clause 5: Leadership

    Leadership commitment is critical in FSSC 22000 Version 6.

    Key Requirements:

    • Demonstrate top management commitment
    • Establish a food safety policy
    • Assign roles, responsibilities, and authorities
    • Promote a strong food safety culture

    Version 6 Enhancement:

    Food safety culture is emphasized through:

    • Clear communication of food safety values
    • Employee engagement and awareness
    • Accountability at all levels of the organization

    Clause 6: Planning

    Clause 6 addresses risk-based thinking and planning actions to achieve FSMS objectives.

    Key Requirements:

    • Identify food safety risks and opportunities
    • Set measurable food safety objectives
    • Plan changes to the FSMS in a controlled manner

    Version 6 Emphasis:

    Risk management must now consider:

    • Supply chain vulnerabilities
    • Emerging food safety threats
    • Fraud and intentional contamination risks

    Clause 7: Support

    Clause 7 ensures the organization has adequate resources to maintain food safety.

    Key Requirements:

    • Provide competent personnel
    • Maintain infrastructure and work environment
    • Control documented information
    • Ensure effective communication (internal and external)

    Version 6 Additions:

    • Stronger emphasis on competency management
    • Digital document control and traceability
    • Awareness training aligned with food safety culture

    Clause 8: Operation

    Clause 8 is the core of FSSC 22000, covering food safety operations.

    Key Requirements:

    • Operational planning and control
    • Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)
    • Hazard analysis and control measures
    • Traceability systems
    • Control of nonconforming products
    • Emergency preparedness

    Version 6 Strengthening:

    • Improved supplier approval and monitoring
    • Enhanced allergen management
    • Stronger traceability and recall systems
    • Integration of food fraud and food defense plans into operations

     Clause 9: Performance Evaluation

    Clause 9 ensures the FSMS is monitored and evaluated for effectiveness.

    Key Requirements:

    • Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation
    • Internal audits
    • Management review

    Version 6 Focus:

    Management reviews must now consider:

    • Food safety culture performance
    • Supplier performance trends
    • Effectiveness of fraud and defense controls
    • Regulatory compliance status

    Clause 10: Improvement

    Clause 10 focuses on continuous improvement and corrective actions.

    Key Requirements:

    • Manage nonconformities and corrective actions
    • Continually improve FSMS effectiveness
    • Use audit findings and performance data for improvement

    Version 6 Alignment:

    Organizations are expected to:

    • Demonstrate proactive improvements
    • Address root causes, not just symptoms
    • Improve food safety maturity over time

    Sector-Specific Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)

    In addition to ISO 22000 clauses, FSSC 22000 Version 6 requires compliance with sector-specific prerequisite programs, such as:

    • ISO/TS 22002-1 – Food manufacturing
    • ISO/TS 22002-4 – Food packaging
    • ISO/TS 22002-6 – Feed production

    Prerequisite programs cover 

    • Facility hygiene
    • Equipment maintenance
    • Pest control
    • Cleaning and sanitation
    • Waste management
    • Personnel hygiene

    Version 6 requires stronger documentation and validation of Prerequisite programs.

    Key Changes from FSSC 22000 Version 5.1 to Version 6:

    AreaVersion 6 Enhancement
    Food Safety CultureStronger, mandatory focus
    Quality IntegrationNew requirement
    Supply ChainIncreased transparency
    Food Fraud & DefenseMore robust controls
    Regulatory FocusEnhanced compliance expectations

    Benefits of Implementing FSSC 22000 Version 6 Clause:

    Organizations certified to FSSC 22000 Version 6 clause benefit from:

    • Enhanced food safety assurance
    • Global market acceptance
    • Improved brand reputation
    • Reduced food safety incidents
    • Stronger customer and regulator confidence

    Understanding and implementing the FSSC 22000 Version 6 clauses is essential for organizations seeking certification, recertification, or system improvement. With proper planning, training, and continuous improvement, FSSC 22000 Version 6 becomes a powerful tool for ensuring safe, high-quality food across the global supply chain.