FSSC 22000 certification is Food Safety System Certification 22000. It is a food safety management system certification scheme for organisations in the food chain. It combines ISO 22000-based management system requirements, sector-specific PRPs and FSSC additional requirements. Certification is granted by an approved or accredited certification body after successful audit and closure of findings. Consultants support preparation but do not issue certificates.

Food Safety System Certification 22000, commonly called FSSC 22000, is a certification scheme for food safety management systems. It helps food businesses control food safety hazards, improve HACCP and PRP systems, build traceability, manage suppliers, prepare for audits and demonstrate stronger food safety discipline. It is used by many food manufacturers, processors, packaging units and exporters seeking recognised food safety certification.

FSSC 22000 may be relevant for food manufacturers, food processing companies, food packaging manufacturers, dairy units, bakeries, beverage companies, snacks manufacturers, frozen food companies, ready-to-eat food companies, food ingredient suppliers, exporters, central kitchens and food storage or distribution businesses where applicable. It is especially useful when buyers, retailers, export customers or global supply chains require recognised food safety certification.

To get FSSC certification, a company should first define the certification scope, identify the applicable food chain category, conduct a gap assessment, prepare FSMS documents, implement PRPs, prepare HACCP, food fraud and food defense controls, conduct training, complete internal audit and management review, then apply through an approved certification body. Certification depends on audit outcome and closure of nonconformities.

To get FSSC 22000 certification, start with a readiness assessment and gap review. Then prepare the required documents, implement food safety controls, train employees, conduct internal audit and management review, and apply to an approved certification body. The certification body will conduct audits and make the certification decision. Fusion Certification supports preparation, implementation, documentation and audit readiness.

To apply for FSSC 22000 certification, finalise the site scope, identify the food chain category, prepare implementation evidence and select an approved or accredited certification body. Submit the application to the certification body, complete the audit process and close findings. Fusion Certification can support gap assessment, documentation, HACCP, PRPs, training, internal audit and audit readiness before application.

The FSSC 22000 certification process generally includes scope review, gap assessment, documentation, implementation, PRP review, HACCP plan preparation, food fraud and food defense documentation, training, internal audit, management review, certification body application, Stage 1 audit, Stage 2 audit, corrective action closure and certification decision. The process depends on business type, site complexity, readiness and audit findings.

FSSC 22000 certification documents required may include company profile, site layout, process flow, scope, food safety policy, FSMS documents, hazard analysis, HACCP plan, PRP procedures, supplier approval records, traceability procedure, recall procedure, food fraud assessment, food defense plan, allergen controls, internal audit records, management review minutes, training records and food safety culture evidence.

The FSSC 22000 certification fee depends on factors such as organisation size, employee count, food chain category, number of sites, certification scope, audit duration, certification body charges, documentation effort, training needs and consultancy involvement. Fixed fee claims without scope review are unreliable. Fusion Certification can review your business details and provide a practical consultancy fee estimate.

ISO 22000 is a food safety management system standard. FSSC 22000 builds on ISO 22000 by adding sector-specific prerequisite programme requirements and FSSC additional scheme requirements. A company certified to ISO 22000 may still need additional preparation for FSSC 22000. FSSC 22000 is often selected by businesses seeking a GFSI recognised food safety certification route.

HACCP is a hazard analysis and control methodology. It helps identify hazards, critical control points, monitoring requirements and corrective actions. FSSC 22000 is broader. It includes HACCP but also covers food safety management system requirements, PRPs, supplier approval, traceability, recall, food fraud, food defense, internal audit, management review and certification body audit requirements.

FSSC 22000 and BRCGS are both recognised food safety certification routes used in food supply chains. The better choice depends on buyer requirement, geography, export market, product category and customer expectation. One is not universally better for every company. Food businesses should check customer requirements before choosing between FSSC 22000 and BRCGS.

FSSC 22000 version 6 was published in 2023 and became a major version used for audits and implementation. It included updated scheme requirements and guidance documents. However, FSSC has now announced Version 7 as official. Businesses should check the latest official scheme documents and certification body guidance before implementation, transition planning or audit scheduling.

Yes. Fusion Certification provides FSSC 22000 certification consultancy support in Gurgaon, Gurugram, Delhi NCR and across India. The support includes gap assessment, documentation, HACCP plan support, PRP review, food fraud and food defense documents, training, internal audit, fee guidance and audit readiness. Fusion Certification is a consultant, not the certification body.