FSSC 22000 | FSSC 22000 Certification

FSSC 22000 INTEGRATES ISO 22000 FOR COMPREHENSIVE FOOD SAFETY.

FSSC 22000 provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve their food safety management systems, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Achieving this certification demonstrates an organization's commitment to producing safe food, enhances customer confidence, and opens up new market opportunities, while also improving operational efficiency and risk management practices.

FSSC 22000 integrates ISO 22000 for comprehensive food safety management.

WHAT IS FSSC 22000 CERTIFICATION?

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a globally recognized certification scheme for food safety management systems. It integrates ISO 22000, sector-specific Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs), and additional FSSC requirements to provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and quality of food products.

ASI Food Safety, LLC provides FSSC 22000 Certification through our parent company Kiwa

PREPARING FOR FSSC 22000 AUDIT:

Preparing for FSSC 22000 certification involves a comprehensive process to ensure that your organization meets the stringent food safety requirements of the standard. Here are the key steps to prepare:

1. Understand the Requirements

Obtain and Study the Standards: Acquire copies of ISO 22000, ISO/TS 22002-1 (or other applicable prerequisite programs), and the FSSC 22000 additional requirements. Understand their requirements thoroughly.
Training: Consider training for key personnel on FSSC 22000 requirements and implementation. This could include workshops, seminars, or courses on food safety management systems.

2. Conduct a Gap Analysis

Evaluate Current Systems: Perform a detailed assessment of your current food safety management system against the FSSC 22000 requirements. Identify areas of non-conformity or gaps that need to be addressed.
Document Findings: Create a report outlining the gaps and necessary actions to comply with FSSC 22000.

3. Develop and Implement the Food Safety Management System

Create Documentation: Develop the required documentation, including food safety policies, procedures, work instructions, and records.
Establish Prerequisite Programs (PRPs): Implement PRPs such as cleaning and sanitation, pest control, allergen management, and traceability, as required by ISO/TS 22002-1 or applicable technical specifications.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP): Develop a HACCP plan, identifying critical control points (CCPs) and implementing control measures.

4. Engage and Train Employees

Employee Training: Train all employees on the new food safety management system, emphasizing their roles and responsibilities in maintaining food safety.
Awareness Programs: Conduct awareness programs to ensure that all staff understand the importance of food safety and are committed to following the procedures.

5. Internal Audits

Conduct Internal Audits: Perform internal audits to assess compliance with FSSC 22000 requirements. Use these audits to identify any non-conformities and areas for improvement.
Corrective Actions: Develop and implement corrective actions to address any non-conformities identified during the internal audits.

6. Management Review

Review Meetings: Conduct management review meetings to evaluate the effectiveness of the food safety management system. Discuss audit results, corrective actions, and any changes needed to improve the system.
Continuous Improvement: Use feedback from the management review to drive continuous improvement in your food safety management system.

7. Select a Certification Body

Research Certification Bodies: Choose an accredited certification body with experience in the food industry and a good reputation.
Application Process: Submit an application to the chosen certification body and schedule the certification audit.

8. Pre-Certification Assessment (Optional)

Pre-Audit Assessment: Some organizations opt for a pre-certification assessment by an external consultant or the certification body to identify any final gaps before the official audit.

9. Certification Audit

Stage 1 Audit: The certification body conducts an initial review of your documentation and readiness for the certification audit.
Stage 2 Audit: The certification body conducts an on-site audit to verify the implementation and effectiveness of your food safety management system. This includes interviews with employees, review of records, and observations of processes.

10. Addressing Non-Conformities

Audit Report: Review the audit report from the certification body, which will outline any non-conformities or areas for improvement.
Corrective Actions: Implement corrective actions to address any non-conformities identified during the audit. Provide evidence of these actions to the certification body for review.

11. Certification Decision

Certification Award: If all non-conformities are addressed satisfactorily, the certification body will grant FSSC 22000 certification.
Celebrate and Communicate: Announce your certification to customers, stakeholders, and the market to highlight your commitment to food safety.

12. Maintaining Certification

Surveillance Audits: Undergo annual surveillance audits conducted by the certification body to ensure continued compliance with FSSC 22000.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and improve your food safety management system to maintain certification and adapt to any changes in standards or regulations.

By following these steps, your organization can effectively prepare for and achieve FSSC 22000 certification, demonstrating a robust commitment to food safety.

FAQs ABOUT FSSC 22000 CERTIFICATION

1. What is FSSC 22000 Certification?

Answer: FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) is a globally recognized certification scheme for food safety management systems. It is based on ISO 22000, ISO/TS 22002-1, and additional FSSC-specific requirements. It covers the entire supply chain, ensuring that food safety practices are applied from farm to fork.

2. Why should our business get FSSC 22000 certified?

Answer: FSSC 22000 certification demonstrates a commitment to food safety, helps comply with regulatory requirements, improves customer confidence, and can open up new market opportunities. It also enhances risk management and operational efficiency.

3. What are the main components of the FSSC 22000 certification scheme?

Answer: The main components include ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System), ISO/TS 22002-1 (Prerequisite Programs for Food Manufacturing), and additional FSSC 22000-specific requirements.

4. How long does the FSSC 22000 certification process take?

Answer: The duration varies depending on the size and complexity of the organization. Typically, it can take several months from initial preparation to the final certification audit. This includes the time needed for implementing necessary changes and conducting internal audits.

5. What is the cost of FSSC 22000 certification?

Answer: Costs can vary based on factors such as the size of the business, the complexity of operations, and the chosen certification body. Costs typically include application fees, audit fees, and any necessary training or consulting services.

6. What steps are involved in achieving FSSC 22000 certification?

Answer: The steps include:

Gap Analysis: Assess current practices against FSSC 22000 requirements.
Implementation: Develop and implement the food safety management system.
Internal Audit: Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance.
Certification Audit: A certification body conducts a two-stage audit.
Certification Decision: If the audit is successful, certification is granted.
Surveillance Audits: Ongoing audits to ensure continued compliance.

7. What happens during the FSSC 22000 audit?

Answer: The audit is conducted in two stages:

Stage 1 Audit: Review of documentation and initial evaluation.
Stage 2 Audit: On-site assessment of the implementation and effectiveness of the food safety management system. Auditors will examine records, interview employees, and observe operations.

8. How can we prepare for the FSSC 22000 audit?

Answer: Preparation involves:

Ensuring all documentation is up-to-date.
Training employees on food safety procedures.
Conducting internal audits and addressing any non-conformities.
Implementing corrective actions for identified gaps.

9. What are the common challenges in achieving FSSC 22000 certification?

Answer: Common challenges include:

Understanding and implementing the standard's requirements.
Ensuring employee engagement and training.
Maintaining thorough and accurate documentation.
Managing the costs and resources needed for implementation.

10. How often do we need to renew our FSSC 22000 certification?

Answer: Certification is valid for three years. During this period, surveillance audits are conducted annually to ensure continued compliance. A full re-certification audit is required every three years.

11. Can FSSC 22000 certification be integrated with other management systems?

Answer: Yes, FSSC 22000 can be integrated with other management systems such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), providing a comprehensive approach to organizational management.

12. What should we do if we identify a non-conformity during the audit?

Answer: If a non-conformity is identified, the organization must develop and implement a corrective action plan to address the issue. The certification body will review and verify the effectiveness of these actions during subsequent audits.

13. How does FSSC 22000 certification benefit our customers?

Answer: Customers gain confidence that the certified organization is committed to food safety, reducing risks associated with foodborne illnesses. It also ensures that products meet international standards and regulatory requirements.

14. How can we choose the right certification body for FSSC 22000?

Answer: When choosing a certification body, consider factors such as their accreditation status, experience in the food industry, reputation, customer reviews, and the support services they offer.

FSSC 22000 CERTIFICATION