FSSC 22000 Certification

Certification to FSSC 22000 provides numerous benefits:

• Customer satisfaction – Support your retail customer’s requests for GFSI-level certification built around strong HACCP principles, and reinforce consumer confidence  
• Brand support – Boost your brand and corporate image, and enhance your marketing to new and prospective clients
• Risk management – Adopt procedures that minimize the potential for food safety incidents and recalls related to food, animal feed, and packaging.
• Improvement platform– The FSSC-22000 standard provides a framework to guide continual quality and safety improvements in your operation
• Global recognition – Built on the foundation of ISO/TS 22002-1, ISO 22002 and technical specifications for sector Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs) with broad industry and stakeholder commitment

SCS has been a leading provider of food safety auditing, training and certification services since the 1980s, and was among the first organizations to introduce HACCP principles to the food supply chain. Over the years, we have earned the trust of thousands of customers based on the delivery of thorough, timely professional services.

We are accredited to provide FSSC 22000 services by the JAS-ANZ under the ISO/IEC 17021 standard for review of systems and processes.  We also offer complementary GFSI-benchmarked certification under SQF, BRCGS, GLOBALG.A.P, and PrimusGFS.

We recognize that food safety is one of the keys to sustainability.  Companies throughout the supply chain must address and juggle multiple quality, social and environmental considerations in the production and handling of products in today’s complex food market.  SCS supports the food and agricultural sector with a broad range of services to address each of these customer priorities, such as responsible sourcing strategies, Sustainably Grown® certification, Non-GMO Project verification, Gluten-Free, Organic, and more. 

Take advantage of our broad food and agriculture certification expertise, from safety to sustainability, to earn recognition for multiple achievements most cost-effectively.

1. Apply for Audit

Request an FSSC 22000 application via the “Request Information” button above. Upon receipt and review, SCS will return a proposal for your approval with suggested scope of work, timeline and quote.

2. Stage 1 Audit: Document Review

SCS auditor will conduct a detailed review of procedural documents and Pre-requisite Programs (PRP) during an initial onsite audit and general walk-through.

3. Stage 2 Audit: Facility Inspection and Records Review

SCS auditor will inspect your facility operations during the follow-up onsite audit to ensure compliance with the FSSC 22000 Standard. A team meeting is required at the beginning and the end of the audit. At the conclusion of the audit, the auditor explains the audit results, including any non-conformities.  A list of findings will be provided during the exit meeting by the SCS auditor.

4. Audit Report

SCS auditor produces an audit report detailing the scope of the audit, including any non-conformities identified.  Non-conformities must be addressed and evidence of correction provided to SCS within 90 days for “minor” findings, while for “major” finding, a revisit is required at the site within 28 days to verify completion of corrective action plan.

5. Certification Decision

SCS Technical Review Team conducts a final technical review of the audit report and corrective action documentation to make the final certification decision. If certification is granted, SCS issues the certificate and final report to the facility/operation. The Certificate is valid for 3 years.

6. Annual Evaluation and 3-Year Recertification

Certified entities are subject to annual surveillance audits to maintain FSSC 22000 certification status.  Full recertification is required every three years.

Some information below is excerpted from the FSSC 22000 website.

What is FSSC 22000 Certification?

FSSC 22000 is a complete food safety management certification scheme, based on ISO 22000 and ISO 22002 standards. It is benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). FSSC 22000 assures food safety within your organization and throughout your supply chain.

What is the connection between FSSC 22000, ISO 22000 and ISO/TS 22002?

FSSC 22000 is a GFSI-level certification scheme that covers ISO 22000,  ISO/TS 22002, technical specifications for sector specific Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs) and additional requirements.

Who is eligible for FSSC 22000 Certification?

FSSC 22000 is applicable to the entire food supply chain.

What is pre-assessment?

Pre-assessment is the process of internally evaluating your strengths and weaknesses relative to the requirements of the standard to determine your chances of completing a successful audit. Pre-assessments are encouraged to ensure that your site is fully prepared for the actual audit, and to help you identify any gaps that may need to be addressed.

How do I prepare for my audit?

Your best chances of success are contingent upon these factors: 

• Senior management support, including setting expectations and providing adequate financial and employee resources;
• Establishment of a food safety team;
• Establishment of food safety objectives with key performance indicators;
• Management and employee training to assure familiarity with the standard’s requirements;
• Records maintenance;
• Periodic internal audits;
• Regular meetings of management and staff.