FSSC 22000 Food Safety Management System

FSSC 22000 is a specialized certification system related to quality and food safety. It combines the requirements of ISO 22000 with specific requirements for the food sector. FSSC 22000 is a popular choice for food manufacturers, providing additional specialized requirements to this sector.

The FSSC Foundation is an independent, non-profit global organization with a blueprint for building trust and influence in the consumer goods industry. At FSSC, the Foundation has impacted global food security for over 12 years by helping the consumer goods industry implement ISO-based management systems, and achieve its goals and sustainable development Goals.

FSSC 22000 Food Safety Management System is designed to certify the food safety systems of food-producing companies that process or produce animal products, perishable crops, products with extended shelf life, additives, vitamins, and similar food additives.

What are the requirements of FSSC 22000?

FSSC 22000 requirements include a set of guidelines and standards that organizations must adhere to obtain FSSC 22000 certification. These requirements aim to ensure the safety and quality of food products. Here are some key points:

1. Food Safety Management System (FSMS):
   • An organization must be committed to implementing a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) following ISO 22000 requirements.
   • It includes identifying and managing hazards and monitoring and improving processes.
2. Prerequisite programs (PRPs):
   • Include the basic processes that must be in place in an organization to ensure the safety of food products.
   • They include personal hygiene, equipment hygiene, storage and transportation, training, pest control, and more.
3. Operational Prerequisite Programmes (OPRPs):
   • Include marginal processes that could impact the safety of food products.
   • These processes must be monitored and controlled.
4. Customized Prerequisite Programs (cPRPs):
   • These requirements are for a particular sector, such as dairy, meat, or packaged foods.
   • They include additional requirements that are important to that sector.
5. Quality Management System (QMS) Requirements:
   • The organization must be committed to implementing a Quality Management System following ISO 9001.
   • Organizations must comply with and properly implement these requirements for FSSC 22000 certification.

The difference between FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000 relates to their application areas and the specific details in each:

1. ISO 22000:

• Provides a general framework applicable to all sectors of the food industry.
• Aims to ensure consumers’ access to reliable, high-quality, and healthy food.
• It does not express the prerequisites explicitly, but only provides general statements.

2. FSSC 22000:

• It is a sector-specific certification system, that integrates the requirements of ISO 22000 with sector-specific requirements.
• Recognized by the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative).
• It offers a more comprehensive approach for organizations in specific food sectors.

FSSC 22000 is a popular choice for food manufacturers, as it provides additional requirements specific to the sector

How do you know if your organization/company has obtained FSSC 22000 certification?

To verify the authenticity of the certificate, you can follow these steps:

Advantages of obtaining FSSC 22000 certification

One of the most important features of FSSC22000 is that its purpose is to apply only to food manufacturers. FSSC22000 is a globally recognized standard for auditing, controlling, and accreditation of all food products to ensure food safety. The combination of ISO 22000 and PAS 220 standards, FSSC22000, is based on ISO 22000:2005 and PAS 220:2008. FSSC22000 is suitable for any food production or processing organization. Producers of private label products for retailers, whether they work with animal or plant products, with a long shelf life, or other additives or vitamins, need a GFSI-accredited certification, such as FSSC22000.

Benefits of Obtaining FSSC 22000 Certification in Saudi Arabia

• Reassure stakeholders in the agri-food chain that your company effectively controls food safety risks.
• Be recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative as equivalent to private standards, in terms of food safety management.
• FSSC22000 certification indicates that you have taken steps to reduce food safety risks and reduce the risk of accidents.
• Distinguish because major food industry groups use it as a benchmark for selecting their suppliers.
• Improve food safety processes reduce the risk of accidents, and optimize your resources by reducing costs.
• The system enables you to ensure that your work is of high quality by supporting the food industry.
• Ensure collective responsibility of all employees and thus implement an effective self-control system.
• The system certification helps you enter new markets and establish new partnerships.
• You can prove that your products and services are of high quality, healthy and reliable.
• Ensure that food is produced with the necessary programs.
• Prioritize access to international markets.
• Establish discipline in production activities.
• Improve food quality.
• Build trust in the supply chain.

Based on FSSC22000, ISO 22000, and HACCP, it simplifies food safety studies and improves documents and procedures.

Certification Instructions

1. Assessment Visit (Optional): Pre-diagnosis to understand audit challenges and increase your chances of obtaining accreditation.
2. Initial Audit: Our auditor interviews your teams, and analyzes your practices, and data concerning the standard requirements.
3. Audit of accounts Presentation: A summary of the audit of accounts findings, and provides an audit of accounts report.
4. Certification: Issuance of your certificate and its accreditation logo for 3 years
5. Monitoring and Renewal: A follow-up review is planned every year and a renewal review every 3 years.

Guidance for Consulting and Training

We have the knowledge and experience to help organizations and individuals, to comply with the requirements of the Saudi Standards and Quality Organization, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and other entities that impose legal and mandatory requirements in the Saudi market.