CSQ CERTIFICATION
The CSQ Certification Program and applicable standards were built around ISO/IEC 17067
FSSC 22000 Certification & Audit Services
FSSC 22000 is a GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification scheme built on ISO 22000, sector-specific prerequisite programs (PRPs), and additional FSSC requirements. Kiwa ASI is an accredited certification body that guides food manufacturers, packaging facilities, and logistics providers through every stage of the FSSC 22000 audit process, from initial certification to surveillance and recertification.
- GFSI-Benchmarked
- ISO 22000 Based
- 3-Year Certification Cycle
What Is FSSC 22000 Certification?
FSSC 22000 certification is a globally recognized, GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative)-benchmarked scheme that certifies an organization's food safety management system (FSMS) meets international standards for safe production, processing, and handling of food and food packaging products. The scheme combines ISO 22000, sector-specific prerequisite programs (ISO/TS 22002 series), and additional FSSC requirements into a single, comprehensive certification framework.
Developed and managed by the Foundation FSSC, the scheme provides a rigorous, audit-based pathway for organizations to demonstrate food safety excellence to retailers, brand owners, regulatory bodies, and supply chain partners worldwide.
GFSI-Benchmarked Worldwide
Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative since 2010 and endorsed under the IAF MLA sub-scope since March 2021, FSSC 22000 provides internationally accepted proof of food safety system compliance.
Built on ISO 22000:2018
The certification scheme uses ISO 22000:2018 as its foundation — the internationally recognized standard for food safety management systems — supplemented by sector-specific prerequisite programs and additional FSSC requirements.
8 Food Chain Categories
FSSC 22000 covers the complete food supply chain across categories B through K: farming, food manufacturing, animal feed, catering, retail/wholesale, transport & storage, packaging, and bio/chemicals.
Three-Pillar Audit Structure
Every audit evaluates three interconnected components: your ISO 22000:2018 food safety management system, sector-specific prerequisite programs (ISO/TS 22002-x), and FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements covering food fraud, food defense, allergens, and more.
WHO IT'S FOR
Who Needs FSSC 22000 Certification?
FSSC 22000 certification applies to organizations across 8 food chain categories. Whether you manufacture food products, produce animal feed, operate a catering business, or provide transport and storage services, FSSC 22000 provides the appropriate scope and prerequisite programs for your sector.
Category B
Farming & Handling of Plants
Fruit and vegetable packhouses performing minimal processing such as washing, sorting, grading, trimming, and waxing (subcategory BIII). Normative: ISO/TS 22002-3.
Category C
Food Manufacturing
Processing of perishable animal products (CI), plant-based products (CII), mixed products (CIII), ambient stable products (CIV), and animal carcass conversion (C0). Normative: ISO/TS 22002-1:2009.
Category D
Animal Feed Production
Facilities processing feed material for food and non-food producing animals — including grain, oilseeds, by-products, premixes, medicated feed, and compound feeds. Normative: ISO/TS 22002-6:2016.
Category E
Catering & Food Service
Restaurants, hotels, food trucks, institutional cafeterias, event catering, coffee shops, and any operation delivering food directly to consumers for on-site consumption or take away. Normative: ISO/TS 22002-2:2013.
Category F
Retail, Wholesale & E-Commerce
Retail outlets, shops, warehouses, and wholesalers selling goods to consumers or businesses (FI). Also covers food brokering, trading, and e-commerce without physical product handling (FII). Normative: BSI/PAS 221:2013.
Category G
Transport & Storage Services
Third-party logistics providers physically storing and/or transporting food, feed, or food packaging materials — including perishable, ambient, and frozen product handling. Normative: ISO/TS 22002-5:2019.
Category I
Food Packaging & Packaging Materials
Manufacturers of primary, secondary, and functional food packaging materials — including direct food contact surfaces, labels, desiccants, and in-line packaging production. Normative: ISO/TS 22002-4:2013.
Category K
Bio/Chemicals Production
Producers of food and feed additives, vitamins, minerals, bio-cultures, flavorings, enzymes, gases, and processing aids used in the food supply chain. Normative: ISO/TS 22002-1:2009.
Important: Products classified as pharmaceuticals or medical products under applicable legislation are outside the scope of FSSC 22000 certification, even if they are food supplements. Multi-site certification (with sampling) is only available for categories E, FI, FII, and G.
ADVANTAGES
What Are the Advantages of FSSC 22000 Certification?
FSSC 22000 certification demonstrates your organization's commitment to internationally recognized food safety standards. It opens doors to global markets, satisfies retailer requirements, and builds stakeholder confidence across the supply chain.
GFSI Recognition & Global Market Access
FSSC 22000 is benchmarked by GFSI, meaning it is accepted by major global retailers, food service companies, and manufacturers as proof of a robust food safety management system — reducing audit duplication and opening international markets.
Regulatory Compliance Alignment
The scheme's foundation on ISO 22000:2018 and sector-specific PRPs aligns with key regulatory frameworks including FSMA, EU food safety regulations, and Codex Alimentarius HACCP principles — helping you stay ahead of compliance requirements.
Complete Supply Chain Coverage
With 8 food chain categories covering farming through retail, transport, packaging, and bio-chemicals, FSSC 22000 provides a single certification framework that can cover your entire supply chain under one recognized scheme.
Continuous Improvement Culture
The 3-year certification cycle with annual surveillance audits and mandatory unannounced audits drives a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring your food safety management system evolves with changing risks and regulations.
Beyond Food Safety: Fraud, Defense & Culture
FSSC 22000 goes beyond traditional food safety by requiring dedicated programs for food fraud mitigation, food defense threat assessment, allergen management, environmental monitoring, and food safety culture — addressing modern supply chain risks.
Brand Reputation & Customer Confidence
Certification signals to customers, retailers, and consumers that your organization meets the highest international food safety standards. Certified organizations are listed on the FSSC 22000 public register, providing transparent verification of your achievement.
What Does an FSSC 22000 Audit Cover?
An FSSC 22000 audit evaluates your organization against three interconnected pillars: the ISO 22000:2018 food safety management system standard, sector-specific prerequisite programs, and FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements. Together, these pillars ensure comprehensive food safety assurance.
PILLAR 1
ISO 22000:2018 — Food Safety Management System
The core foundation evaluating your organization's FSMS, including management commitment, resource allocation, hazard analysis, and risk-based thinking. Key clauses assessed include:
- Organizational context and leadership commitment (Clauses 4–5)
- Planning, support resources, and competence (Clauses 6–7)
- Operational planning, HACCP principles, and prerequisite programs (Clause 8)
- Performance evaluation, internal audits, and management review (Clause 9)
- Nonconformity management and continual improvement (Clause 10)
PILLAR 2
Sector-Specific Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)
Technical specifications detailing the prerequisites for your specific food chain category. The applicable standard depends on your category:
- ISO/TS 22002-1:2009 — Food manufacturing (C) and bio-chemicals (K)
- ISO/TS 22002-2:2013 — Catering and food service (E)
- ISO/TS 22002-3 — Farming / handling of plants (B)
- ISO/TS 22002-4:2013 — Food packaging manufacturing (I)
- ISO/TS 22002-5:2019 — Transport and storage (G)
- ISO/TS 22002-6:2016 — Animal feed production (D)
- BSI/PAS 221:2013 — Retail and wholesale (FI)
PILLAR 3
FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements
Scheme-specific requirements that go beyond ISO 22000 and the PRPs. These address critical areas of modern food safety management that apply across all food chain categories:
- Management of services and purchased materials
- Product labeling and printed materials
- Food defense (threat assessment and plan)
- Food fraud mitigation (vulnerability assessment and plan)
- Allergen management program
- Food safety and quality culture
- Quality control procedures
- Food loss and waste reduction
CATEGORY SPECIFIC
Additional Requirements by Category
Certain FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements apply only to specific food chain categories, adding targeted rigor where it matters most:
- Environmental Monitoring — Categories BIII, C, I, and K
- Foreign Matter Management — All categories except FII
- PRP Verification — Categories BIII, C, D, G, I, and K
- Product Design & Development — Categories BIII, C, D, E, F, I, and K
- Equipment Management — All categories except FII
- Multi-Site Certification — Categories E, F, and G only
- Health Status Procedures — Category D (animal feed) only
How Should You Prepare for a FSSC 22000 Audit?
FSSC 22000 follows a structured 3-year certification cycle. Initial certification involves a two-stage audit, followed by annual surveillance audits and a recertification audit in Year 3. Here's what to expect at each stage.
01
Select a Certification Body & Apply
Choose a licensed FSSC 22000 certification body accredited to ISO/IEC 17021-1. Submit an application detailing your facility size, scope, number of FTEs, HACCP studies, and food chain category. The CB calculates your audit duration based on these parameters.
02
Stage 1 — Documentation Review
An off-site or on-site review of your food safety management system documentation. The auditor evaluates your FSMS structure, HACCP plan, prerequisite programs, and readiness for the Stage 2 audit. Gaps are identified so you can address them before the full on-site assessment.
03
Stage 2 — On-Site Certification Audit
The comprehensive on-site audit evaluating your FSMS implementation. Auditors verify ISO 22000:2018 compliance, sector-specific PRPs, and all FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements. This includes facility inspections, document reviews, staff interviews, and traceability exercises. The interval between Stage 1 and Stage 2 shall not exceed 6 months.
04
Address Nonconformities
If nonconformities are identified, submit corrective action plans within the required timelines (28 calendar days for minor and major NCs). Major NCs require an on-site follow-up. Critical NCs result in immediate certificate suspension.
05
Certification Decision
The CB conducts a technical review to confirm audit team competency, correct audit duration, and report completeness. Upon positive review, a 3-year FSSC 22000 certificate is issued. Your organization is listed on the FSSC 22000 public register and Assurance Platform.
06
Annual Surveillance Audits
Each calendar year, a surveillance audit is conducted to verify ongoing compliance. These are full system audits covering all Scheme requirements. The first surveillance must occur within 12 months of the certification decision. At least one surveillance in each 3-year cycle must be unannounced.
07
Recertification Audit
Before your certificate expires, a recertification audit (equivalent to two-thirds of initial audit duration plus TFSSC) is conducted to renew your certification for another 3-year cycle. Recertification should begin at least 3 months before the certificate expiry date.
Why Choose Kiwa ASI for FSSC 22000 Certification?
With nearly a century of food safety expertise and a global network spanning 30+ countries, Kiwa ASI brings unmatched depth and consistency to your FSSC 22000 certification journey.
Accredited
Licensed FSSC 22000 Certification Body
Kiwa ASI is a licensed FSSC 22000 certification body accredited to ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO 22003-1. Our auditors meet all Foundation FSSC competence requirements for your food chain category.
Expertise
Nearly a Century of Food Safety Experience
Since our founding, ASI has been at the forefront of food safety auditing and certification. Our institutional knowledge helps clients navigate complex requirements with confidence and efficiency.
Efficiency
Responsive Scheduling & Support
Our dedicated client services team provides fast audit scheduling, clear communication throughout the process, and expert guidance on nonconformity closure — helping you achieve and maintain certification without unnecessary delays.
Comprehensive
Integrated Training & Consulting
Through ASI Training and Consulting, LLC, we offer FSSC 22000 lead auditor courses, gap analysis services, and pre-assessment audits — all conducted separately from our accredited certification body to safeguard against conflicts of interest.
Partnership
Global Kiwa Network
As part of Kiwa, a global testing, inspection, and certification company operating in 30+ countries, we provide consistent audit quality and international support wherever your operations are located.
Questions Before You Enroll?
FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for food safety management systems. It is important because it is recognized globally by major retailers, food manufacturers, and food service companies as proof that an organization meets rigorous food safety standards. The scheme is owned by the non-profit Foundation FSSC in the Netherlands and has been GFSI-recognized since February 2010.
FSSC 22000 integrates three components: (1) ISO 22000:2018 — the international standard for food safety management systems, (2) sector-specific prerequisite programs from the ISO/TS 22002-x series or BSI/PAS 221, and (3) FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements covering food defense, food fraud mitigation, allergen management, food safety culture, quality control, and more. Version 6.0 (April 2023) is the current version and incorporates ISO 22003-1:2022.
FSSC 22000 certification is valid for 3 years from the initial certification decision date. During this period, annual surveillance audits are required each calendar year to maintain certification. At least one surveillance audit in each 3-year cycle must be unannounced. Before the certificate expires, a recertification audit is conducted to renew for another 3-year cycle.
The minimum audit duration for FSSC 22000 is 2 days for all food chain categories. The actual duration is calculated based on your facility's FTE count, number of HACCP studies, and food chain category, plus an additional 1.0–1.5 auditor days of FSSC-specific audit time (TFSSC). A standard audit day is 8 working hours. Surveillance audits are approximately one-third of the initial duration plus TFSSC, and recertification audits are two-thirds plus TFSSC.
ISO 22000 is an international standard for food safety management systems, while FSSC 22000 is a complete certification scheme that builds on ISO 22000. FSSC 22000 adds sector-specific prerequisite programs (ISO/TS 22002-x) and its own Additional Requirements (food defense, food fraud, allergen management, food safety culture, etc.). Critically, FSSC 22000 is GFSI-benchmarked while standalone ISO 22000 certification is not — meaning FSSC 22000 is more widely accepted by global retailers and food companies.
FSSC 22000 covers 8 food chain categories: Category B (Farming/Handling of Plants), Category C (Food Manufacturing, with subcategories C0–CIV), Category D (Animal Feed Production), Category E (Catering/Food Service), Category F (Retail/Wholesale/E-Commerce, with subcategories FI and FII), Category G (Transport & Storage), Category I (Food Packaging & Packaging Materials), and Category K (Bio/Chemicals Production). Each category has its own applicable prerequisite program standard.
The FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements are scheme-specific requirements beyond ISO 22000 and the PRPs. They include: management of services and purchased materials, product labeling, food defense (threat assessment and plan), food fraud mitigation (vulnerability assessment and plan), logo use, allergen management, environmental monitoring, food safety and quality culture, quality control, transport/storage/warehousing, hazard control and cross-contamination prevention, PRP verification, product design and development, equipment management, food loss and waste, communication requirements, and multi-site certification requirements.
FSSC 22000 certification costs vary based on several factors: your facility size (FTE count), number of HACCP studies, food chain category, number of sites, and geographic location. Additional costs may include travel expenses, pre-assessment services, and multi-site coordination. Contact Kiwa ASI at 1 (800) 477-0778 or info@asifood.com for a customized quote tailored to your specific requirements.
Yes. FSSC 22000 allows the transfer of existing, valid, and accredited certifications between licensed certification bodies. Kiwa ASI, as the accepting CB, will conduct a pre-transfer review (documentation review and possible pre-transfer visit) to confirm the validity of your current certification. Only existing, valid certificates may be transferred — expired or suspended certificates are not eligible. The transfer must be completed before your current certificate expires.
A critical nonconformity is issued when there is a significant system failure with direct adverse food safety impact. If raised at a certified organization, the certificate is suspended within 3 working days. You must provide objective evidence of investigation, root cause analysis, and a corrective action plan within 14 calendar days. A full on-site follow-up audit is then conducted between 6 weeks and 6 months later to verify effective implementation. If the critical NC is not resolved within 6 months, the certificate is withdrawn. If raised during an initial certification audit, the audit is failed and must be repeated.
All consulting services are offered through ASI Training and Consulting, LLC. All activity is conducted separately from our accredited certification body, ASI Food Safety, LLC, in order to safeguard against any conflicts of interest.