FSSC 22000 Readiness: Three Layers, One Food Safety System
Certification needs all three layers: ISO 22000, sector prerequisite programmes and FSSC's additional requirements.
In Short
- Three layers, one audit.
- PRPs must be done and recorded.
- Version 6 is current.
The Food Processing Operations Guide
Safe changeovers. Right labels. Every lot traceable.
- The rules and the plan
- Supplier to filled tray
- Allergen changeovers and pack checks
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The Food Processing Operations Guide
Safe changeovers. Right labels. Every lot traceable.
FSSC 22000 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme built from three parts: ISO 22000:2018, sector prerequisite programmes such as ISO/TS 22002-1, and FSSC's own additional requirements. Version 6 is current; check FSSC's site for updates. Sources checked 3 Oct 2026.
ISO 22000 Core
ISO 22000:2018 sets the management system: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation and improvement, plus hazard analysis and the HACCP plan.
Prerequisite Programmes
Sector PRPs cover cleaning, pest control, maintenance, personal hygiene, supplier approval and more. Auditors check that they are written, done and recorded.
Prerequisite programmes and the record that proves each
| Programme | Typical record |
|---|---|
| Cleaning and sanitising | Schedule, completion sign-off and verification result |
| Pest control | Device map, inspection results and actions taken |
| Maintenance | Planned work, hygiene clearance after work and release back to production |
| Personal hygiene | Rules, training records and checks at entry |
| Supplier approval | Approval criteria, documents received and approved supplier list |
| Allergen management | Changeover cleaning, verification and label checks |
- Cleaning and sanitising
- Typical record
- Schedule, completion sign-off and verification result
- Pest control
- Typical record
- Device map, inspection results and actions taken
- Maintenance
- Typical record
- Planned work, hygiene clearance after work and release back to production
- Personal hygiene
- Typical record
- Rules, training records and checks at entry
- Supplier approval
- Typical record
- Approval criteria, documents received and approved supplier list
- Allergen management
- Typical record
- Changeover cleaning, verification and label checks
Additional Requirements
FSSC adds requirements including food fraud and food defence plans, allergen management, environmental monitoring where applicable and food safety culture. Read the current scheme document for the full list.
Three layers
| Layer | What it covers |
|---|---|
| ISO 22000:2018 | Management system, hazard analysis, HACCP plan |
| Sector PRPs (e.g. ISO/TS 22002-1) | Cleaning, pests, maintenance, hygiene |
| FSSC additional requirements | Food fraud, food defence, allergens, culture and more |
- ISO 22000:2018
- What it covers
- Management system, hazard analysis, HACCP plan
- Sector PRPs (e.g. ISO/TS 22002-1)
- What it covers
- Cleaning, pests, maintenance, hygiene
- FSSC additional requirements
- What it covers
- Food fraud, food defence, allergens, culture and more
Records that carry weight
Monitoring records, verification, corrective actions and internal audits show the system runs. Link them to lots so an issue can be traced.
Before the audit
Do a full internal audit against all three layers, close or plan actions on findings, and hold a management review. Software holds records; certification bodies certify.
Internal Audit Before Certification
Cover all three layers in one pass.
Questions
Is FSSC 22000 a law?
No. It is a voluntary certification scheme, often required by customers.
Is ISO 22000 enough?
For FSSC certification you also need the sector PRPs and FSSC additional requirements.
Which version is current?
Version 6 at the time of checking. Confirm on FSSC's website.
What does V5 record?
Checks, corrective actions, audits, supplier approval and lots, linked together.
Practical orientation, not legal advice. Rules differ by jurisdiction; your quality and compliance team decides what applies.
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