Certificación
FSSC 22000 Food Safety Management System
FSSC 22000 is a comprehensive food safety certification scheme, recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), that combines the requirements of ISO 22000, the prerequisite programs of the ISO/TS 22002 series, and additional requirements specific to the scheme. Its current version, FSSC 22000 v6, has been mandatory for all organizations seeking certification since April 2024.
¿Qué es FSSC 22000?
What is FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 combines three components: the ISO 22000 standard (which establishes the requirements for a Food Safety Management System), the prerequisite program specifications of the ISO/TS 22002 series (according to the sector: food manufacturing, packaging, transport, among others), and the Additional Requirements of the FSSC scheme, which include food defense, mitigation of food fraud, allergen management, environmental monitoring and a culture of quality and food safety.
Recognized by the GFSI, FSSC 22000 is accepted by major retailers and brands worldwide as evidence of a robust food safety system, thus avoiding multiple redundant audits from different clients. It applies to food manufacturing and processing organizations, food packaging companies, and other links in the food chain.
The conceptual basis
The pillars of FSSC 22000
Three integrated components
The scheme combines ISO 22000, the industry-specific ISO/TS 22002 prerequisite programs, and FSSC's own Additional Requirements, forming a complete and robust system.
GFSI Recognition
Because it is benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative, the certification is accepted globally by retailers and brands, reducing the need for multiple audits from different clients.
Culture of quality and food safety
Version 6 incorporated as a mandatory requirement the development of a culture of quality and safety, with objectives of communication, staff participation and training.
Additional high-risk requirements
It includes specific requirements on food defense, food fraud, allergen management, environmental monitoring and food loss and waste (aligned with UN SDG 12.3).
The structure of the standard
The 10 chapters of ISO 22000, the basis of FSSC 22000
Scope
Define the scope of the standard and which organizations it is directed to.
Regulatory references
Indicate the reference documents necessary for the application of the standard.
Terms and definitions
It brings together the specific food safety terms and definitions used in the standard.
Organizational context
It requires identifying internal and external factors, and the needs of stakeholders, that influence food safety.
Leadership
It establishes senior management's commitment to food safety policy and responsibilities.
Planning
Define food safety objectives, risk and opportunity assessment, and change planning.
Support
It covers the resources, skills, communication, documentation, and prerequisite programs necessary to sustain the system.
Operation
It establishes operational planning, operational prerequisite programs, the HACCP system, traceability, and non-conformity control.
Performance evaluation
It requires monitoring, measuring, analyzing, and auditing the performance of the food safety management system.
Improvement
It establishes the continuous improvement cycle based on non-conformities and system updates.
Why certify
Benefits of FSSC 22000 certification
Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), accepted by leading retailers and brands worldwide
It reduces the need for multiple audits from different clients, as it is a widely accepted standard.
It combines a robust management system (ISO 22000) with industry-specific prerequisite programs
It strengthens food defense, fraud mitigation, and allergen management within the organization.
It improves the confidence of customers, consumers, and health authorities in the safety of products.
It facilitates access to international markets that are demanding in terms of food safety.
Your journey with LSQA
Certification Process
Contact with LSQA
I receive advice
I provide the information needed for a quote
I receive a quote
I confirm the agreement by signing the contract
Welcome to the LSQA network
I am contacted to begin coordinating the service
I meet the audit team for my confirmation
I receive the audit plan
Audit
I receive the report
If applicable, I receive the certificate
My voice is heardPreguntas frecuentes
What is FSSC 22000 certification?
FSSC 22000 is a Food Safety Management System certification scheme recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which combines the requirements of ISO 22000, industry-specific prerequisite programs and additional requirements of the scheme itself.
What type of organizations does FSSC 22000 apply to?
It applies to food manufacturing and processing organizations, food packaging manufacturers, and other links in the food chain, according to the scope (category) that corresponds to their activity.
What is the difference between FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 establishes the requirements for a food safety management system, but it is not recognized by the GFSI on its own. FSSC 22000 incorporates ISO 22000 and adds specific prerequisite programs and additional requirements, thus achieving the GFSI recognition demanded by many global retailers and brands.
What changed with version 6 of FSSC 22000?
Version 6, mandatory since April 2024, incorporated a culture of quality and food safety as a mandatory requirement, expanded the requirements for reporting serious events to the certifying body, and strengthened the requirements for food defense, food fraud and validation of cooking instructions, among other changes.
How long does the FSSC 22000 certification process with LSQA take?
The FSSC 22000 certification process with LSQA, from application to certificate issuance, typically takes between two and four months, depending on the size and complexity of the organization. This timeframe includes service coordination, Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits, report preparation, and, if applicable, the time for the organization to present and demonstrate the effectiveness of corrective actions for any nonconformities.
What is the validity period of the FSSC 22000 certificate?
The FSSC 22000 certificate is valid for three years. During this period, LSQA conducts annual follow-up audits to verify that the Food Safety Management System remains compliant with the scheme's requirements. At the end of the cycle, a recertification audit is performed to renew the certificate for another three-year period.
Certify your Food Safety Management System with LSQA
Contact us and start your journey towards FSSC 22000 certification