FSSC 22000 vs ISO 22000
What is the difference between ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000?
ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 are similar in that they are both Food Safety Management Systems that use the ISO 22000 Standard requirements. We will explain the differences and why you might prefer one over the other.
- Download Free FSSC 22000 Quick Start Guide
- What is ISO 22000?
- What is FSSC 22000
- ISO 22000 Online Training & Templates
- FSSC 22000 Online Training
The way FSSC 22000 is different is that it includes additional requirements which result in a robust food safety program. Since it is a robust system and complies with the requirements set out by GFSI, it is a GFSI recognized Food Safety Scheme. This offers a great advantage when selling your product. Many, if not most, of your larger customers, ask that their suppliers get certified to a GFSI-recognized standard.
Whether you are trying to decide between ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 Certification, or if you already are certified to ISO 22000 and are wondering if you should transition to FSSC 22000, we can clarify the differences and show why FSSC 22000 is so beneficial.
The difference in Requirements between ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000
Required Documents:
| ISO 22000 Certification | FSSC 22000 Certification |
|---|---|
| ISO 22000 Standard | ISO 22000 Standard |
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ISO/TS 22002 series (recommended) |
ISO/TS 22002 series (required) |
| FSSC 22000 Scheme: Additional Requirements |
Benefits of FSSC 22000 over ISO 22000
As you can see below, ISO 22000 already offers substantial benefits and is a good FSMS to have in place. FSSC 22000 takes this farther with more benefits.
| ISO 22000 | FSSC 22000 | Why it Matters | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management System Approach | √ | √ | |
| Harmonized Structure (HS): possible to integrate with other Management Systems, including combined audits | √ | √ | ISO 22000 is based on ISO 9001. |
| Science-based: developed by international experts | √ | √ | Trustworthy |
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HACCP Codex Alimentarius |
√ | √ |
Already established and effective method. |
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Focus on Continuous Improvement of the FSMS |
√ | √ |
Your FSMS will improve and become more efficient and effective over time. |
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Risk-Based Approach |
√ | √ | |
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(Full) food supply chain coverage |
√ | √ | |
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Focused on the ‘how’ and on results rather than on more prescriptive Certification Programs, focusing on the ‘what’. |
√ | √ |
Gives you more flexibility in determining how to meet the requirements. |
However, there are added benefits to using FSSC 22000
| ISO 22000 | FSSC 22000 | Why it Matters | |
|---|---|---|---|
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GFSI is recognized and as a result, globally accepted. |
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Opens doors to larger customers and a larger marketplace. |
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Certification Program of choice for many global food manufacturers with more than 27,000 certified companies. |
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Many of the biggest global food manufacturers already have FSSC 22000 in place. They see the value of FSSC 22000. |
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Visibility through a publicly available register of Certified Organizations on the FSSC 22000 website |
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The visibility of being certified: FSSC has a public register listing all the FSSC 22000 licensed organizations. Once certified, your information will be included, providing visibility to potential new customers. |
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Robust Integrity Program – leading to reliable audits and certification |
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FSSC 22000 has an integrity program to make sure that certification audits are being conducted properly and fairly. |
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Applicable category-specific technical specifications for PRPs fully included: ISO/TS 22002-xx or PAS 221 (retail & wholesale) |
√ |
Applicable category-specific technical specifications for PRPs are fully included within FSSC 22000, whereas ISO does require PRPs, but doesn’t require to use of the technical specifications. This makes FSSC 22000 certified Food Safety Management Systems more robust: meeting the requirements from the technical specifications ensures that the PRPs are on a very high level. Having category-specific requirements (such as farming, perishable animal products, food processing, feed production, food ingredients, and food packaging material manufacturing) also means that the requirements will be tailored to your industry. |
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Cooperating with significant international associations within the consumer goods industry and retail and authorities. |
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FSSC is in close contact with many associations in China, India, Europe, and in the US. There are close connections with food authorities. |
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Agility through leveraging additional requirements as needed. |
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FSSC 22000 additional requirements might seem more complex, but they help to have a robust and reliable certification process, which supports the value of the certification. It adds flexibility for food organizations as well (examples: requirements on food fraud and food defense). |
Transitioning from ISO 22000 to FSSC 22000
If you are already certified to ISO 22000, you will need to build on that by implementing the PRPs, if you have not already. You will select the version for your industry.
Implement FSSC 22000 additional requirements. Download this document free here.
- Transitioning from ISO 22000 to FSSC 22000 is the most efficient way to proceed from ISO 22000 to a GFSI-recognized Certification Program.
- Relatively easy for ISO 22000 Certified Organizations to meet FSSC 22000 requirements.
- The time it will take will depend on the content and implementation of your ISO 22000 system.
- A GAP analysis will identify any missing elements.
The Transition Certification Audit
A valid ISO 22000 certificate in the applicable FSSC 22000 category is required.
The transition audit is a stage 2 audit: a start of a new 3-year FSSC 22000 certification cycle.
Cor Grenveld (2021). From ISO 22000 to FSSC 22000, Harmonization Conference 2021
For Q&A on this topic, visit FSSC22000.com.
