Icologiq Knowledge · Certification scheme
FSSC 22000
A food safety management system certification scheme based on ISO 22000, sector-specific prerequisite programmes and additional FSSC requirements.
FSSC 22000
Also known as:
Food Safety System Certification, FSSC 22000 V7, FSSC
At a glance
Type
Certification scheme
Topic
Food & Agri
Applies to
Food & Agriculture
Current version
Version 7
Status
Current FSSC 22000 Scheme Version 7, published May 2026
Last reviewed
October 9, 2026
Definition
FSSC 22000 is a certification scheme for food safety management systems. It combines ISO 22000 requirements with applicable sector prerequisite-programme requirements and additional FSSC requirements. The scheme is used internationally across relevant parts of the food supply chain.
Why it matters
FSSC 22000 matters because certified organizations need to maintain controlled food-safety processes, evidence, responsibilities and corrective actions that can withstand regular internal and external assessment.
The scheme uses ISO 22000 as the food-safety management-system foundation, including leadership, planning, operational food-safety controls, performance evaluation and improvement.
ISO 22000 requirements
•
Applicable prerequisite programme specifications address the hygienic and operational conditions needed for the relevant food-chain category.
Sector-specific prerequisite programmes
•
The scheme adds requirements and interpretation needed for FSSC certification beyond the underlying ISO and PRP documents.
FSSC additional requirements
•
Certification scope is linked to the activities and food-chain category covered by the scheme, so applicability must be checked against current scheme documents.
Defined scope and food-chain categories
•
Approved certification bodies audit organizations against the scheme rules and applicable requirements under FSSC governance.
Certification and audit process
•
Certified organizations need to monitor scheme decisions, transition requirements and updated documents rather than treating certification as fixed after the initial audit.
Ongoing scheme maintenance
•
Certification scheme explained
What FSSC 22000 Version 7 brings together
FSSC 22000 is a certification scheme rather than a standalone management-system standard. Version 7 combines ISO 22000 with sector-specific prerequisite programme requirements and additional FSSC requirements within a defined certification framework for organizations in the food supply chain.
The international standard specifying requirements for a food safety management system for organizations directly or indirectly involved in the food chain.
ISO 22000
Standard
· Food & Agri
A systematic food safety approach used to identify, evaluate and control significant hazards at defined points in a food production process.
HACCP
Framework
· Food & Agri
The coordinated planning, execution, reporting and follow-up of audits within a structured and traceable process.
Audit Management
Process
· Audit
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