FSSC 22000 Certification

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) supports organisations worldwide in managing food safety through an integrated management system. Manufacturers, processors and logistics providers across the food industry use the standard to demonstrate that their food safety system meets a high level of assurance.

FSSC 22000 is based on ISO 22000, supplemented with sector-specific requirements and mandatory Prerequisite Programmes (PRPs) for good hygiene practice. Together, these elements ensure compliance with international requirements for process control, risk assessment and hygiene management.

What is FSSC 22000?

FSSC 22000 is a certification scheme that safeguards food safety through an integrated management system. It combines the structure of ISO 22000 with additional requirements recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

This provides a widely applicable and internationally trusted framework for controlling risks and demonstrating food safety. Through a structured HACCP approach, quality, hygiene and critical control points are systematically managed and continually improved. It also helps businesses comply with applicable legislation and strengthens confidence among customers and supply chain partners.

The standard applies not only to food manufacturers, but also to companies involved in the production, handling or transport of packaging materials. As a result, FSSC 22000 aligns closely with the level of control required across modern food supply chains.

The Key Components of FSSC 22000

The scheme consists of three pillars:

• ISO 22000 management system: focused on risk control, documentation, internal communication and continual improvement.
• Sector-specific PRPs (Prerequisite Programmes): covering requirements for cleaning, personal hygiene, allergen management, buildings, air quality and pest control. These PRPs are tailored to specific sectors such as manufacturing, logistics or packaging.
• Additional FSSC requirements: including provisions for food defence, fraud prevention, allergen management and labelling control.

Together, these elements make FSSC 22000 more comprehensive and more stringent than ISO 22000 alone.

Who is FSSC 22000 Relevant For?

FSSC 22000 is suitable for organisations that need to meet the requirements of retailers, brand owners and international customers. Certification is not a legal requirement, but many sectors expect it — particularly in export markets and private label production.

The scheme applies to manufacturing companies, logistics providers, packaging suppliers and producers of food contact materials.

How Do You Comply with FSSC 22000?

A robust food safety management system requires clear procedures, committed staff and consistent maintenance of hygiene and quality processes. Organisations must demonstrate that they identify and assess risks, implement appropriate controls and maintain reliable records. Regular internal audits and periodic reviews help ensure the system remains up to date and effective.

Hygiene and PPE Within FSSC 22000

FSSC 22000 sets clear expectations regarding hygiene practices and the prevention of contamination. Although the standard itself is less product-focused than BRCGS or IFS, personal protective equipment (PPE) plays an important role within the Prerequisite Programmes (PRPs).

Examples of PPE that support a safe production process include:

• Hairnets, beard covers and protective clothing that prevent hair or fibres from entering the product.

• Disposable PPE and protective garments that help reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

• Detectable products in production lines where metal detection is used.

• Food-safe plasters and wound care products.

• Many businesses operating under FSSC 22000 recommend waterproof plasters, as they are more resistant to moisture and less likely to come loose. This reduces the risk of product contamination.