TL;DR — Key Takeaways
- FSSC 22000 offers a comprehensive, globally recognised framework that elevates food safety and ensures consistent, controlled operations across the supply chain.
- It minimises the chances of contamination, quality lapses, and operational disruptions through stronger hygiene practices, preventive controls, and structured procedures.
- Certification increases your acceptance among international buyers and retailers who prioritise GFSI-recognised food safety systems.
- It improves traceability, audit readiness, and overall process efficiency, helping teams respond quickly to potential risks.
- In a market where safety expectations are rising, FSSC 22000 strengthens brand credibility and supports sustainable business growth.
Every year, about 600 million people worldwide, nearly 1 in 1,0, fall ill due to contaminated food, and around 420,000 die from foodborne diseases. That’s why FSSC 22000 matters so much. It gives food businesses a globally accepted framework to control hazards, manage hygiene, and deliver safe, high-quality products.
By following FSSC 22000 standards, your processes become more transparent, traceable, and aligned with strict safety norms not just for local compliance, but for global trust as well. The technical nature of FSSC 22000 makes expert guidance valuable, as a consultant helps you implement requirements correctly and achieve certification with ease.
What is FSSC 22000 Certification?
FSSC 22000 Certification is a globally recognised food safety scheme based on ISO 22000, PRPs, and additional requirements. It ensures safe, consistent, and high-quality food production.
Beyond compliance, it helps organisations control hazards, strengthen hygiene practices, and build a reliable food safety management system. Its GFSI recognition also makes it a preferred choice for global retailers and export markets. It’s recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), making it a top choice for food producers, processors, packaging units, transporters, and distributors.
Why is FSSC 22000 Important for Food Businesses?
FSSC 22000 provides a comprehensive system that ensures food safety, risk control, traceability, and compliance at every stage of the supply chain. It helps businesses meet both customer expectations and regulatory demands across global markets.
Who Needs FSSC 22000 Certification?
This certification is ideal for organisations involved in:
- Food manufacturing and processing
- Beverage production
- Dairy, poultry, seafood, and meat industries
- Food packaging material manufacturing
- Catering and food service
- Cold storage and warehousing
- Transport and logistics providers
- Retail and wholesale food operations
If your processes influence food safety, FSSC 22000 supports your compliance and brand protection.
Key Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification
FSSC 22000 Certification offers powerful advantages that strengthen food safety, improve global acceptance, and enhance operational control across every stage of the supply chain.
1. Strengthens Food Safety Management
FSSC 22000 ensures a structured approach to identifying hazards, controlling risks, and maintaining consistent hygiene and safety practices across the organisation.
2. Recognised by GFSI Worldwide
As a GFSI-approved scheme, FSSC 22000 is accepted by global retailers, importers, and top food brands, making it essential for international trade.
3. Reduces Contamination and Operational Risks
The certification minimises the chances of microbial, physical, and chemical hazards through preventive controls and rigorous monitoring.
4. Builds Consumer Trust and Brand Credibility
Certified companies demonstrate a strong commitment to food safety, earning higher consumer confidence and strengthening market reputation.
5. Improves Process Efficiency
FSSC 22000 helps organisations streamline operations, reduce waste, and increase productivity through defined procedures and better documentation.
6. Enhances Supplier and Customer Relationships
Being certified makes you a preferred supplier to major retailers, exporters, and manufacturers seeking strict food safety compliance.
How FSSC 22000 Works?
FSSC 22000 works through an integrated system that combines ISO standards, PRPs, and additional requirements to ensure strong, consistent, and preventive food safety controls.
FSSC 22000 integrates:
- ISO 22000 FSMS
- Industry-specific PRPs (like ISO/TS 22002-1 for manufacturers, ISO/TS 22002-4 for packaging, etc.)
- Additional scheme requirements (fraud prevention, allergen management, environmental control)
Together, these create one of the strongest and most reliable food safety systems in the industry.
What are the Mandatory Requirements of FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 requires implementing ISO 22000, sector-specific PRPs, and additional elements like food fraud prevention, allergen management, product labelling control, and environmental monitoring. These requirements ensure strong prevention and consistent food safety performance.
How is FSSC 22000 Different from ISO 22000?
FSSC 22000 builds on ISO 22000 by adding industry-specific PRPs and extra requirements like food fraud and allergen controls. This makes it stronger, more detailed, and fully GFSI-recognised, something ISO 22000 alone doesn’t offer.
How to Get FSSC 22000 Certification?
Getting FSSC 22000 certified follows a clear, step-by-step approach that guides your team from preparation to audits while building a strong food safety system.
The certification process includes:
- Gap analysis
- Implementing ISO 22000 + PRPs
- Building additional FSSC requirements
- Internal audits
- Stage 1 audit
- Stage 2 certification audit
- Certification approval
- Annual surveillance audits
How Much Does FSSC 22000 Certification Cost?
Costs depend on company size, sector, number of sites, and complexity. Small businesses may spend ₹80,000 to ₹2,50,000, while large facilities may require higher budgets depending on audits and implementation scope.
How Long Does It Take to Get FSSC 22000 Certified?
Most organisations complete the certification in 3 to 6 months, depending on their readiness, documentation quality, and process complexity.
Sector-Specific PRPs Included in FSSC 22000
- ISO/TS 22002-1 – Food Manufacturing
- ISO/TS 22002-4 – Packaging Manufacturing
- NEN/NTA 8059 – Transport & Storage
- Catering PRPs
- Retail PRPs
These ensure that every industry follows hygiene and safety practices tailored to its operations.
Best Practices to Maintain FSSC 22000 Certification
- Train teams on food safety and hygiene
- Strengthen supplier evaluation
- Conduct regular internal audits
- Maintain allergen and environmental controls
- Update documentation frequently
- Perform mock recalls to test traceability
Consistent monitoring helps sustain the certification and improves long-term performance.
Partner with Altus.Asia for FSSC 22000 Certification
Altus.Asia makes your FSSC 22000 certification journey easier with clear guidance, customised documentation, practical training, and complete implementation support. Their experts help you meet every ISO, PRP, and scheme requirement without stress or confusion. If you are ready to strengthen your food safety system and achieve certification smoothly, contact us today. We are here to support you at every step.
FAQs
1. Is FSSC 22000 mandatory for export-oriented food businesses?
Not mandatory, but highly preferred. Many global buyers, retailers, and brands require FSSC 22000 certification as proof of strong food safety management and GFSI compliance.
2. Can small food manufacturers get FSSC 22000 certified?
Yes, the scheme is scalable for businesses of all sizes. With expert support, even small manufacturers can implement PRPs and ISO 22000 effectively.
3. Does FSSC 22000 cover allergen control?
Yes, allergen management is a mandatory requirement under the scheme, ensuring accurate labelling, storage, and handling to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Is training necessary for FSSC 22000 implementation?
Absolutely. Well-trained employees maintain hygiene, follow procedures correctly, and manage hazards more effectively, a key requirement for successful certification.
5. Does FSSC 22000 improve traceability?
Yes, the system enhances traceability across all stages, enabling quick response during recalls and strengthening customer confidence.
