FSSC 22000

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a food safety certification scheme recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). It is used by food manufacturers and, under a separate scope, by packaging manufacturers.

Structure

1. ISO 22000, the food safety management system framework
2. Sector prerequisite programmes: for packaging, ISO/TS 22002-4 covers premises, hygiene, cleaning, pest control and contamination prevention
3. FSSC additional requirements such as food safety culture, food fraud mitigation, food defence and environmental monitoring

What it means for packaging

A certified converter has identified and controls hazards that could make its packaging unsafe, including ink and adhesive selection, migration risk, foreign bodies and traceability.

FSSC 22000 vs. BRCGS

Both are GFSI-recognised. BRCGS Packaging is a self-contained, prescriptive standard, while FSSC 22000 follows the ISO management system structure and integrates easily with standards such as ISO 9001. Which one a buyer asks for usually depends on customers and target markets.

Audits are performed by licensed, accredited certification bodies on a three-year cycle with surveillance audits, including unannounced ones. Check scope and validity in the public FSSC register and still ask for product-specific food contact documents.