The FSSC 22000 certification program is a Food Safety System that supplies a comprehensive framework for the production chain of a food product. The certification framework is an effective solution to manage and promote the food safety responsibilities in an organization. The food safety program is a globally accepted framework, and it is acknowledged by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). FSSC is based on the existing ISO Standards, and thus, the utility of the framework is unquestionable. 

FSSC 22000 has gained popularity in a short span. In fact, more and more retailers and manufacturers are pushing their limits to adhere to the norms. The certification has an integral role in preventing the possibility of recalling the products. There are 7600 facilities certified across the world, and FSSC 22000 is among the fastest-growing certification schemes.

The FSSC 22000 system employs a management system and defines the ideal approach to food safety. It is an effective choice and uses the ISO 22000 framework for optimal management system requirements and ISO Technical Standard maintenance. The food safety management system combines multiple management systems, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, delivering a comprehensive solution.

FSSC 22000 Certification – Understanding it rightly.

A standardized system ensuring the nobility and safety of the various links in a food chain is vital to maintaining quality. The FSSC standard has become critical to ensure optimal consumer protection. There are diverse benefits of the certification, making it a prime choice among manufacturers and consumers. The International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, has developed a Food Safety Management System. It is based on the Quality Management System – ISO 9001, a globally accepted standard. The Food Safety Management System is applicable to any company or enterprise in the food industry. It is suitable for farmers, manufacturers, and transporters.

Importance of FSSC 22000 Certification

FSSC 22000 is an all-inclusive Food Safety Management System. It combines with different ISO-based management systems like – ISO 9001, ISO 14000, etc. Read on and explore the significance of the updated certification program.

1. Managing Risk

If you adhere to the norms of the FSSC System, it will give your company a competent management strategy for food safety hazards. It helps an organization by building a comprehensive environment with optimal capacity for producing a safe product. The management system is convenient and fuss-free to manage, monitor, and validate. Also, it streamlines system improvement.

2. Maintain current customers

Recent research states that approximately twenty-five percent of certified companies are asking their suppliers to acquire the certification. It is high time you consider the system. Acquiring the certification is essential for the organization. It helps you operate optimally and get better clients alongside the existing customers.

3. Increase your market reach

The top retailers and multinational manufacturers look for the certification of their suppliers. If you have an FSSC 22000 Certification, it expands your market reach to the next level. With the certification, you become ready to expand the market reach. 

4. Prepare for upcoming regulatory changes

Different countries across the world are modifying their food safety system. It is vital to abide by the new food safety regulations and update the existing system. FSSC facilitates the operations of the organization to meet the regulatory requirements.

What are the reasons for the revision?

According to the revised version of the FSSC standard, one must take care of the following aspects – 

1. Unify the requirements of ISO 22003-1:2022
2. Strengthen the dynamic requirements to support organizations and acknowledge their contributions to compliance with the regulatory norms.
3. Incorporate feedback and note the essentials of the Version 6 development survey for enhanced management.

Compliance deadline 

FSSC 22000 Version 6 was published on April 1, 2023. It had a one-year deadline for compliance. By March 31, 2024, all certification audits must follow the guidelines of version 5.1. The transition period is from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. During this time, all organizations already certified must be audited in the new version 6. It is better to start early and implement the vital changes. It necessitates critical analysis and risk assessment to determine an effective structure.

Updated norms in FSSC version 6

The different updated norms in FSSC version 6 include – Food Safety and Quality Culture, Equipment Management, Communication Requirements, Quality Control, and Food Loss and Waste. The new topics included in the existing set of requirements are – Supplier Management, Product Labelling, Logo Use, Management of Allergens, Food Defense, Food Fraud, Environmental Monitoring, Transportation and Delivery, Product Design and Development, Requirements for multi-site organization, and Hazard Control and steps to prevent cross-contamination. The unchanged aspects of the FSSC version are the verification of PPRs and Health Status.

Benefits you must know

Several consumers have become concerned about food safety, and awareness has increased to the next level. Unfortunately, the incidents of foodborne health hazards and product recalls in the supply chains have worsened the situation. Manufacturers need to focus and put extra effort into addressing the operational vulnerabilities in the processes. Explore the prime benefits of the food certification to make the best decision – 

1. Enhances the overall quality of food and its packaging products
2. It enhances the food safety processes by reducing hazards and incidents 
3. Optimizes the operational resources, facilitating cost reduction
4. Ensure that the products and services are safe, premium, and reliable
5. Develop trust in the supply chain
6. Assure optimal production of food products with prerequisite programs
7. Reach more clients and establish new customer relationships
8. Simplify the food safety plans and programs

Closing note – Make the best choice

Meet the requirements of the latest version of FSSC. Get a golden chance to develop and implement food fraud prevention measures for enhanced operations. Review and recognize the vulnerabilities in your supply chain. Identify the aspects that could lead to food fraud incidents and implement the ideal controls to mitigate the risks. Make it a point to review and update your food fraud prevention strategy and stay ahead of the emerging threats.