The Basics you may want to know!
FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is owned by the independent, non-profit Foundation FSSC and is fully benchmarked and recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). As a result, it is widely accepted by leading food manufacturers, retailers, and brand owners worldwide.
The FSSC 22000 scheme is based on a three-part structure:
- ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management System requirements
- Sector-specific Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs) based on recognised technical specifications (e.g. ISO/TS 22002 series)
- FSSC Additional Requirements, addressing key food safety, quality, and supply-chain risks
This integrated framework strengthens food safety control beyond ISO 22000 alone and aligns fully with GFSI benchmarking expectations.
What makes FSSC 22000 different?
In addition to ISO 22000 and PRPs, FSSC 22000 includes mandatory Additional Requirements that enhance system effectiveness and credibility. Under Scheme Version 6, these requirements place increased emphasis on areas such as:
- Food safety and quality culture
- Food defence and food fraud mitigation
- Allergen management and environmental monitoring
- Equipment management and quality control
- Food loss and waste reduction
These elements improve risk management, support sustainability objectives, and reinforce consistent food safety performance across organizations and supply chains.
Applicability and recognition
FSSC 22000 is suitable for organizations of any size operating within the food supply chain, including food and ingredient manufacturing, animal feed production, food packaging, catering, transport and storage, trading, retail, wholesale, and e-commerce activities.
The scheme aligns certification scopes with ISO 22003-1:2022 food chain categories, providing consistency in audit approaches and certification outcomes. Its ISO-based structure also allows efficient integration with other management system standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
Why FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 enables organizations to:
- Achieve certification under a GFSI-recognised food safety scheme
- Strengthen food safety governance using an ISO-aligned, risk-based framework
- Increase customer, regulator, and stakeholder confidence
- Reduce audit duplication through broad international acceptance
- Demonstrate commitment to continual improvement and sustainability
For organizations already certified to ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 provides a clear progression to higher market recognition and wider acceptance by global customers and retailers.
FSSC 22000 Implementation & Certification: How Maqlink IMC can help you
Maqlink IMC provides expert consultancy support to design, implement, and maintain an FSSC 22000–compliant Food Safety Management System, guiding organizations through a structured and efficient certification journey with internationally accredited and reputed certification bodies.
Our approach goes beyond compliance. We help organizations effectively integrate ISO 22000, sector-specific PRPs, and FSSC Additional Requirements, ensuring robust food safety controls, audit readiness, and sustainable certification outcomes. Delivery is cost-effective, time-bound, and tailored to your operational and business context.
Through practical implementation, risk-based thinking, and continual improvement, Maqlink IMC adds measurable value by streamlining processes, strengthening food safety governance, enhancing brand credibility, and supporting long-term business sustainability in line with global GFSI expectations.
We offer online and onsite consultancy services as per customer requirement, including:
- Gap analysis
- Training for Awareness, Documentation and Internal Auditing
- Documentation Establishment
- Implementation assistance including for internal audit and Management Review (MRM)
- Support to successfully face the Certification Audits and ensure organization’s achievement of the prestigious FSSC 22000 Certification
- Maintenance services to effectively maintain the FSMS during certification cycle
Benefits of implementing FSSC 22000 FSMS in your Organization
With increasing globalisation of the food supply chain, organisations are expected to
demonstrate effective control not only over their own food safety processes, but also across
suppliers, outsourced activities, and distribution networks. GFSI-recognised certification
has therefore become a key requirement for ensuring transparency, trust, and consistent
food safety performance.
Implementation and certification to FSSC 22000 confirms that a robust, internationally
recognised Food Safety Management System is in place, integrating ISO 22000,
sector-specific PRPs, and enhanced scheme requirements. It enables organisations to
systematically manage food safety risks, strengthen governance, and meet the expectations
of regulators, customers, and global brand owners.
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Reduced risk of food contamination through a structured, proactive, and risk-based
approach
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Stronger end-to-end traceability and consistency across products, processes, and
services
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Improved supplier and outsourced process control supporting supply-chain
transparency
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Enhanced product withdrawal and recall capability, reducing legal and reputational
risks
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Access to new and high-value markets through GFSI-recognised certification
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Reduced investigation and response time during food safety or quality incidents
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Increased customer confidence and satisfaction driven by globally accepted
certification
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Stronger compliance with legal, regulatory, and customer-specific food safety
requirements
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Improved brand value and market reputation through international recognition
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Better internal and external communication on food safety responsibilities and
controls
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Improved health and safety for employees and visitors arising from strengthened
hazard controls
Frequently asked questions
FSSC 22000 is an internationally recognised, GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification scheme that defines requirements for auditing and certifying food safety management systems across the food supply chain. It combines ISO 22000, sector-specific prerequisite programmes, and additional scheme requirements.
FSSC 22000 provides a robust framework for managing food safety risks while meeting global customer, regulatory, and retailer requirements. Its GFSI recognition makes it widely accepted by major brands and retailers worldwide.
Implementing FSSC 22000 helps organizations strengthen food safety controls, improve supply chain transparency, gain access to international markets, and enhance customer confidence through globally recognised certification.
ISO 22000 is suitable for organizations seeking a strong, internationally recognised food safety management system framework. FSSC 22000 is recommended for organizations that require GFSI-recognised certification, particularly those supplying to major retailers, brand owners, or international markets.
