Introduction to Food Safety System Certification (FSSC22000)

Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 was created for food manufacturers and integrates the ISO22000:2005 food safety standard and the Food Safety Public Available Specification (PAS) 220. It was developed by a foundation based in the Netherlands for food safety certification and supported by the EU Food and Beverage Industry Alliance. FSSC22000 has been approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative and encouraged to promote its implementation. The certificate will be recognized under the standards of ISO22003 and ISO Guide 65 (product certification), providing organizations with a complete food safety management system.

FSSC 22000 is a global, auditable food safety management system standard that combines Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), HACCP and other management system requirements. FSSC 22000 provides a globally recognized standard for food companies to demonstrate that they have established a comprehensive management system and fully meet customer and industry regulatory requirements for food safety. This standard is designed to cover all processes in the food supply chain, whether directly or indirectly related to the final product. It provides a unified food safety management approach for companies in the food supply chain and is easy to be accepted, implemented and audited by organizations at different stages of the food supply chain.

FSSC22000 application scope:

1. Perishable animal products, including slaughter (e.g. canned meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, fish products)

2. Perishable vegetable products (e.g. juice, preserves, canned vegetables, pickles)

3. Products with a long shelf life (e.g. biscuits, snacks, oil, drinking water, beverages, flour, sugar, salt)

4. (Biological) chemical products that need to be added during the food manufacturing process (e.g. additives, vitamins and biological additives) excluding process technology and process aids

5. Feed products (animal feed, fish feed, etc.).