FSSC 22000 | Food Manufacturing

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) is an international certification scheme for food safety management systems based on ISO standards. It covers all key aspects of food safety, from raw material control and production processes to the storage, packaging and delivery of finished products.
The FSSC 22000 Scheme is internationally recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is widely used by businesses working with international retailers, manufacturers and distributors.

On 1 May 2026, Foundation FSSC published the new Version 7 of the FSSC 22000 Scheme. The update addresses current food manufacturing requirements, improves approaches to food safety management and places greater emphasis on business sustainability.

Who needs FSSC 22000 certification?
The FSSC 22000 Scheme applies to businesses across various sectors of the food industry.
These include manufacturers and processors of meat, fish and dairy products, bakery and confectionery products, vegetable oils, beverages, canned foods, ready meals, food ingredients and other food products.
Certification is also available to manufacturers of food packaging, certain food and biochemical ingredients, and other participants in the food chain within the categories defined by the Scheme.
FSSC 22000 is particularly relevant to companies planning to export their products, working with international customers or seeking to strengthen control over their production processes.
Certification confirms that a company’s food safety management system has undergone an independent assessment against international requirements.

Key requirements of FSSC 22000 Version 7
The FSSC 22000 certification system is based on three main components.
ISO 22000:2018 — food safety management.
The standard specifies requirements for establishing a management system, conducting hazard analysis, controlling production processes, ensuring product traceability and driving continual improvement.
An important part of the system is the application of HACCP principles, which enable companies to identify potential hazards and establish control measures at critical stages of production.
ISO 22002-100:2025 and ISO 22002-1:2025 — prerequisite programmes for food manufacturing.
These standards establish requirements for the production environment, sanitation, personnel hygiene, the condition of premises and equipment, prevention of product contamination and other conditions necessary for safe production.
Under Version 7, they are applied together for food manufacturing: ISO 22002-100:2025 sets out the common requirements, while ISO 22002-1:2025 provides the sector-specific requirements.

FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements.
In addition to the ISO standards, companies must comply with the specific requirements of the FSSC 22000 Scheme.
These cover allergen management, protection against intentional contamination (Food Defense), prevention of food fraud (Food Fraud), environmental monitoring, equipment management and the development of a food safety culture.
Together, these requirements enable businesses to establish a comprehensive control system and reduce the risks associated with producing unsafe products.

FSSC 22000 Version 7: what has changed?
Version 7 further develops the international certification system, taking into account new requirements for production processes, risk management and the responsible use of resources.
The main changes concern updated prerequisite programmes, improvements to the Scheme’s Additional Requirements and alignment with the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements 2024.
1. Updated standards for prerequisite programmes
One of the most significant changes is the transition to the new ISO 22002-x:2025 series of standards.
Previously, food manufacturers used the ISO/TS 22002-1 technical specification. In Version 7, it is replaced by a combination of two standards:
ISO 22002-100:2025 — common requirements for prerequisite programmes across different sectors of the food chain.
ISO 22002-1:2025 — additional requirements specifically for food manufacturing businesses.
The new structure helps organise requirements, avoid duplication and ensure a more consistent approach to safe production.
For businesses, this means reviewing existing prerequisite programmes, assessing their conformity with the new documents and updating production procedures where necessary.
2. Improved control of food safety risks
Version 7 retains and clarifies the Additional Requirements aimed at preventing hazardous situations during food production.
Particular attention is given to allergen management, environmental monitoring, prevention of cross-contamination, food defense and prevention of food fraud.
Developing a food safety culture remains important: an approach in which responsibility for product safety forms part of everyone’s daily work.
Companies must not only approve the necessary procedures but also ensure their effective implementation in production.
3. New requirements for packaging development
One of the new features of Version 7 is the introduction of additional requirements for the development of primary packaging and packaging materials.
These apply to organisations that design such packaging themselves or make changes to its design.
The development process must consider protection against product damage and spoilage, preservation of product characteristics, opportunities to extend shelf life, reduction of food loss and the provision of appropriate consumer information.
At the same time, any changes to packaging must not adversely affect food safety.
This approach helps businesses combine food safety requirements with the principles of responsible production.
4. Greater emphasis on sustainability
The updated Scheme strengthens the link between food safety and sustainability principles.
Reducing food loss and waste remains an important focus.
Requirements for managing food loss were already included in the previous version of FSSC 22000. Version 7 develops this approach further, including through new provisions on packaging design.
For manufacturers, this provides an additional opportunity to assess resource efficiency, improve processes and reduce product losses.
5. Alignment with updated international requirements
Version 7 has been developed with reference to the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements 2024.
The structure of food chain categories and subcategories has also been clarified, and certain rules for conducting certification audits have been updated.
This supports more precise definition of certification scopes, consistent application of requirements and greater transparency in assessment procedures.

Benefits of FSSC 22000 certification for businesses
International recognition. Certification under the FSSC 22000 Scheme provides important evidence that a food safety management system meets international requirements. It helps businesses meet the expectations of overseas partners and customers.
New business opportunities. Certification can offer an advantage when securing contracts, participating in tenders and working with retailers, manufacturers and distributors that set stringent requirements for their suppliers.
Reduced production risks. Systematic control helps identify potential hazards in a timely manner, prevent product contamination and reduce the likelihood of product recalls and associated financial losses.
More effective production management. Implementing FSSC 22000 requirements helps improve internal procedures, supplier control, product traceability and the allocation of responsibilities among employees.
Trust among partners and consumers. Independent certification confirms that a business gives due attention to product safety and maintains its management system in line with international requirements.
Competitiveness. For businesses focused on exports and long-term partnerships, FSSC 22000 certification offers an additional opportunity to strengthen their position in the international market.

How does FSSC 22000 certification work?
The certification process involves an independent assessment of the food safety management system by an accredited certification body licensed by Foundation FSSC.
Certification consists of several consecutive steps.
Step 1. Application and definition of the certification scope
The initial step involves reviewing the company’s activities, product range, production processes, number of production sites and other operational characteristics.
This information is used to determine the certification scope, the required audit duration and the arrangements for conducting the audit.
Step 2. Preparation of the management system
Before the certification audit, the company must implement a food safety management system that meets FSSC 22000 requirements.
This involves developing and applying the necessary procedures, conducting hazard analysis, implementing prerequisite programmes, establishing internal controls and carrying out internal audits.
If necessary, the company may undergo a separate preliminary assessment of its readiness for certification.
Step 3. Stage 1 certification audit
During Stage 1, the auditors assess the company’s readiness for the main audit.
They review the management system documentation, the defined certification scope, risk assessment results, implementation of prerequisite programmes and other key elements of the system.
The results of this stage help determine whether the company is ready to proceed to the main audit.
Step 4. Stage 2 certification audit
The main audit verifies the actual implementation of the FSSC 22000 Scheme requirements.
Auditors assess production processes on site, checking the condition of premises and equipment, compliance with sanitation and hygiene requirements, raw material control, allergen management, product traceability and the effectiveness of food safety measures.
The assessment covers not only documentation but also how established procedures are applied in practice.
If nonconformities are identified, the company must carry out the necessary corrections and corrective actions in accordance with the certification procedure.
Step 5. Certification
Following successful completion of the audit and an independent review of its results, the certification body makes a decision on issuing the FSSC 22000 certificate.
Information about the certified company is entered into the official Foundation FSSC register, where its certification status can be verified.
The certificate is issued for a three-year cycle, subject to the required surveillance audits and continued compliance with the Scheme requirements.
Step 6. Surveillance audits and recertification
To maintain the validity of its certificate, the company undergoes annual surveillance audits.
Under FSSC 22000 rules, at least one surveillance audit in each three-year period is conducted unannounced.
A recertification audit is carried out at the end of the three-year cycle.
This approach enables regular assessment of the management system’s effectiveness and confirms that the company continues to meet the established requirements.

Transition to FSSC 22000 Version 7
Foundation FSSC published Version 7 of the Scheme on 1 May 2026 and established the implementation timeline.
Until 30 April 2027, certification audits may be conducted against Version 6 requirements.
From 1 May 2027, audits will be conducted in accordance with FSSC 22000 Version 7 requirements.
By 30 April 2028, companies already certified to Version 6 must complete an upgrade audit against the new requirements.
The upgrade audit is conducted as part of a scheduled surveillance or recertification audit and covers the full range of applicable Version 7 requirements.
Companies holding a valid FSSC 22000 certificate should review their documentation in advance, analyse changes to prerequisite programmes and check their management system’s readiness for the updated requirements.
Companies that are only beginning to plan certification can already take Version 7 provisions into account when developing and implementing their food safety management systems.
Timely preparation will help avoid unnecessary organisational difficulties and ensure a planned transition to the new version of the Scheme.

Planning FSSC 22000 certification?
Whether your company is seeking certification for the first time or preparing to transition to Version 7, it is important to identify the applicable requirements correctly and plan the audit in good time.
Contact MNC GROUP for information on FSSC 22000 certification, audit arrangements and the transition to the new version of the Scheme.
We will help identify the necessary steps in the certification process and coordinate cooperation with an international certification body.
MNC GROUP — international certification for your business.