The Foundation For Food Safety Certification (FFSC), developed the FSSC 22000 – Food Safety System Certification, a certification scheme for the food processing industry based on the ISO 22000 and ISO 22003 standards and on the technical specifications of the Pre-Requisite Programmes (PRPs), (ISO TS 22002-1 and PAS 223).
The scheme applies to:
- Perishable animal products: meats, poultry, eggs, fish and dairy products;
- Perishable plant products: fresh fruits and juice cartons, tinned fruit, packed and tinned fresh vegetables;
- Products kept at room temperature: canned goods, biscuits, snacks, oils, drinking water, drinks, pasta, flour, sugar, salt;
- Biochemicals for food production: vitamins, additives and organic crops;
- And organizations that process or manufacture packaging for direct or indirect contact with food.
Note: Transportation and storage as part of the operation are included (e.g.: mature cheese). It is applicable to all food production organizations in these categories, regardless of their size and complexity, whether for profit or not, and whether public or private.
Certification process:
- Implementation of ISO 22000 and PAS 220;
- Learn the FSSC 22000 scheme and FSMS requirements;
- Certification by an approved certification body;
- Minor and major non-compliances;
- Audit Report and certificate with FSSC logo;
- Registration on the website;
- 3-year certificate validity;
- Annual audits and renewal audits after 3 years;
- If the organization has already received ISO 22000 certification, it can obtain FSSC 22000 certification by an approved body if it meets additional requirements.
What is the Foundation for Food Safety Certification (FFSC)?
Founded in 2004, the FFSC is responsible for the development of certification schemes for the food sector, such as FSSC 22000, ISO22000 and PAS220. These developments were monitored and evaluated by the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the European Union (CIAA). The developed schemes are submitted to the GFSI for analysis and recognition. The responsibility of and authority over certification schemes is assumed by a taskforce made up of some of the most important players and stakeholders in the supply chain (retailers, industry, representative associations, etc).
The FSSC 22000 certification is a service provided via the Quality Austria partnership under its accreditation.
