Introduction
In the world of food safety, FSSC 22000 plays a vital role. But what exactly is FSSC 22000? This acronym stands for Food Safety System Certification, an organization based in the Netherlands. FSSC 22000 is a certification mechanism provided by the Food Safety System Certification organization for food production and processing units throughout the entire food supply chain. In this article, we will delve into the details of FSSC 22000, exploring its versions, benefits, and its applicability to various industries.
FSSC 22000 Versions
FSSC 22000 has evolved over time to ensure the highest standards of food safety. Here are the different versions of FSSC 22000:
1. 05/1996: HACCP Standard
The first version of the HACCP standard was introduced, focusing on food safety management systems.
2. 05/2004: Establishment of FSSC
The FSSC was established as the organization responsible for food safety system certification.
3. 10/2008: Introduction of PAS 220
PAS 220 was released by BSI to complement BS EN ISO 22000 and support management systems based on BS EN ISO 22000.
4. 05/2009: FSSC 20000
FSSC 20000 was introduced as a food safety management system requirement.
5. 02/2010: GFSI Recognition
FSSC 22000 was officially recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
6. 02/2013: Evaluation against GFSI Guidelines
FSSC 22000 was reevaluated against the GFSI Version 6 guidelines.
7. 07/2017: Release of Version 4.1
FSSC 22000 released version 4.1 of its certification.
8. 05/2019: Introduction of Version 5
The latest version of FSSC 22000, version 5, was released in May 2019.
FSSC 22000 Version 5 and Its Changes
Version 5 of FSSC 22000, the most recent version, was introduced to align with the updated ISO 22000:2018 standard. This new version includes an optional quality management section, allowing for the integration of ISO 9001 quality management certification with FSSC 22000.
Industries Covered by FSSC 22000
FSSC 22000 can be applied to various industries within the food supply chain. These include:
- Farming
- Food production
- Food packaging and packaging material production
- Animal feed production
- Transportation and storage
Organizations involved in the food supply chain, regardless of their size or complexity, can benefit from FSSC 22000 certification. This includes manufacturers and processors of perishable animal products, perishable plant products, long-shelf-life products, food ingredients, packaging materials, and animal and main food products.
Basic Structure of FSSC 22000
Based on the international standard ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 combines strict requirements to provide an effective framework for food safety management. By incorporating industry-specific prerequisite programs and additional FSSC requirements, it ensures comprehensive implementation while remaining flexible.
The three essential components of FSSC 22000 are:
- ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management System
- PRPs (Prerequisite Programs)
- Additional FSSC 22000 requirements
ISO 22000 establishes the foundation for FSSC 22000, outlining the requirements for developing, implementing, and maintaining a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) as specified in ISO 22000:2018. PRPs are mandatory and can be found in ISO/TS 22002-x, NEN/NTA 8059, or BSI/PAS 221 standards. Additional FSSC 22000 requirements cover various aspects, such as management of services, product labeling, food defense, fraud mitigation, logo usage, allergen management, environmental monitoring, product formulas, and transportation.
Benefits of FSSC 22000 for Businesses
Implementing FSSC 22000 and obtaining certification can bring long-term benefits for businesses. Here are some of the advantages:
Enhanced Food Safety Consciousness: FSSC 22000 helps businesses improve their food safety awareness, employee responsibility, and meet consumer demands.
International Trade Barrier Compliance: FSSC 22000 enables businesses to proactively address international trade barriers, making it essential for integration with various programs like HACCP, BRC, and IFS.
Cost Reduction: By integrating ISO 22000 certification, FSSC 22000 allows businesses to minimize costs and ensure competitiveness in the food industry, both locally and internationally.
Legal Compliance: FSSC 22000 certification provides evidence of a business’s compliance with food safety laws, reducing the risk of legal violations and improving risk management and supply chain control.
FSSC 22000 Training and Certification Services by KNA CERT
If your food-related business aims to highlight its compliance with food safety management systems, FSSC 22000 certification is essential. KNA CERT offers a range of services to help businesses achieve FSSC 22000 certification:
Internal Awareness Training and Assessment: KNA CERT provides training to raise awareness and evaluate internal systems according to FSSC 22000 requirements.
Certification Registration: KNA CERT facilitates certification registration through international certification organizations.
Certification Implementation and Issuance: KNA CERT ensures the successful implementation of FSSC 22000 requirements, leading to the issuance of FSSC 22000 certificates with international validity.
Conclusion
FSSC 22000 is a globally recognized certification that ensures the highest standards of food safety in various industries within the food supply chain. By implementing FSSC 22000 and obtaining certification, businesses can enhance their food safety practices, meet international trade requirements, reduce costs, comply with legal regulations, and improve overall risk management. To achieve FSSC 22000 certification, businesses can rely on the comprehensive training and certification services provided by KNA CERT.
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