What does FSSC 22000 cover?
FSSC 22000 is a certification scheme combining ISO 22000, applicable sector prerequisite programmes and additional scheme requirements. Preparing only for ISO 22000 leaves part of the assessment criteria unaddressed.
Who it is for
Food-chain organizations within the scheme’s eligible categories, including food, feed and packaging operations.
Key areas to understand
Start with these areas. Identify which requirements apply to your activities and who is responsible for them.
- 1Confirm the correct food-chain category and prerequisite programmes.
- 2Integrate applicable additional scheme requirements.
- 3Test food safety controls and system effectiveness together.
Evidence to prepare
This list is a starting point. Check the standard for all required documents. For each item, record who is responsible, the activity or site it relates to, and a recent example showing how it works.
- Scheme scope and category decision
- ISO 22000 system records
- Sector prerequisite programme inspections
- Applicable fraud, defence and allergen assessments
- Internal audit and corrective-action evidence
Keep records that explain what was checked, which requirement was used and who checked it. Include any action taken when a requirement was not met. Link each record to the work it supports.
An internal audit example
Suggested checks from 4Auditee
Take one internal audit plan and compare its coverage with all three layers of the scheme. Then follow an identified weakness, such as a supplier substitution, into the relevant risk assessment, operational controls and closure evidence.
Choose a sample that suits your activities and risks. If you find a gap, record the requirement, the evidence and what was missing. Check more examples if the first results suggest a wider problem.
A common problem to check
Audit coverage can stop at ISO 22000 while missing sector and scheme additions. Maintain a clear criteria map and check the applicable scheme version.
Prepare for assessment
The assessment type for this guide is food safety certification scheme. Confirm the requirements, what will be assessed and how the assessment will work with the responsible body or customer. These steps help you prepare. You must also follow the scheme’s official rules.
- Define what is covered. List the products, services, activities and sites. Record the standard edition, additional scheme rules and customer requirements.
- Find what is missing. Compare the requirements with current work. Prioritise gaps by risk. Assign someone responsible and a completion date.
- Keep records of everyday work. Check a sample of actual records and speak with the people involved. Make sure they understand their responsibilities.
- Check the results. Complete internal reviews and audits. Check that corrective actions worked before closing problems.
From one site to many
Make it easy to find who is responsible at each site. Keep company policies separate from records of local work. Link each site’s records to its activities, risks and requirements so you can spot gaps at individual sites.
Sites that share a management system do not automatically qualify for one certificate or assessment. Confirm which sites can be included and how they will be checked with the assessment body.
About this guide and its sources
4Auditee wrote this guide using the public source below. The evidence list, audit example and preparation steps are our suggestions. Read the official standard and scheme rules for the full requirements. This guide does not include the standard’s full text or provide certification.
DNV: FSSC 22000 reference information