Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000) is a complete GFSI recognized food safety certification system for food manufacturers, based on the ISO 22000, ISO/TS 22002-1 and ISO/TS 22002-4 standards. NSF International Strategic Registrations (NSF-ISR) is accredited to provide this certification under ISO/IEC 17021.
FSSC 22000 was developed to certify food safety systems of companies in the food chain that process or manufacture animal products, perishable vegetable products, products with a long shelf life and other food ingredients like additives, vitamins and bio-cultures.
GFSI certification increases brand protection and minimizes risk. Achieving certification to FSSC 22000 provides independent certification that a product or process complies with specific international standards. It enables a food supplier to give assurances that food has been produced, prepared and handled according to the most recognized standards. It also demonstrates a commitment to quality processes and continual improvement, and enables access to top retailers.
Other benefits to be highlighted include:
FSSC 22000 is based on ISO 22000, ISO/TS 22002-1 and ISO/TS 22003. Certification according to this scheme will be accredited under the standard ISO 17021 management system certification.
The distinctive item of this certification scheme is the use of ISO/TS 22002-1:2009, which specifies the requirements for prerequisite programs to assist in controlling food safety standards within the manufacturing processes of the food supply chain. Until early 2012, FSSC 22000 was based on PAS 220, which has been withdrawn and replaced by ISO/TS 22002-1. The technical requirements are the same, hence causing minimal changes to certified customers.
ISO/TS 22002-1, complements ISO 22000 and provides a common set of 18 pre-requisite programmes for use by food and food packaging manufacturers:
FSSC 22000 is the first food safety certification scheme that is fully consistent with all relevant ISO standards.