FSSC

What is FSSC?

FSSC is a globally recognised food safety scheme that focuses on certifying food safety management systems and ensuring that companies produce safe food. As a result, organisations can rest assured that food related hazards and risks are minimised and controlled.

Once certified, organisations can proudly promote themselves as certificate holders in any of their promotional materials and can include the URS certification logo free of charge.

Who requires an FSSC certification?

All organisations involved in the food supply chain, including production, manufacturing and packaging of food products; are required to be certified for FSSC 22000. This also covers large retailers and food service companies.

How can an FSSC certification benefit your business?

Becoming certified for FSSC can bring a wide range of benefits to your organisation, including:

• Improved efficiency


• Enhanced reputation


• Reduced risks

How can you prepare for an FSSC Certification?

Although the thought of starting the certification process may seem daunting, there are a variety of steps you can take to make the process to becoming certified far more streamlined:

 

• Familiarise yourself with the FSSC scheme requirements


• Carry out regular internal audits to highlight any inefficiencies in your FSMS


• Develop and implement processes and procedures for your Food Safety Management System

What are the key requirements in FSSC?

When working towards becoming certified for FSSC, there are various areas that will be a focus during the audit. These areas include:

 

• Prerequisite programmes


• Food safety culture


• Quality control

What sections make up the structure of FSSC?

Part 1 – Scheme overview:

Part 1 of the FSSC standard provides an expansive introduction to the scheme and the purpose it serves within the food industry. In addition to the scope of the standard, this section also explores its aims and objectives, applications and the food sectors that are covered.

Part 2 – Requirements for organisations to be audited:

Part 2 places its focus specifically on the requirements that must be met by organisations that are obtaining or maintaining their certification. Given the magnitude of the standard and the sectors it covers, this section includes:

• Food defence and fraud mitigation


• Multisite certification


• Hazard controls


• Product labelling

Part 3 – Requirements for the certification process:

Part 3 turns its attention to the certification process and introduces requirements for every step of the lifecycle. These stages include:

• Contract process


• Planning and managing audits


• Decision process


• Assurance documentation

Part 4 – Requirements for certification bodies:

Part 4 builds on from the previous section with processes and requirements that are specific to certification bodies. Primarily, this section focuses on the competency that each auditor must have to qualify for this standard.

Part 5 – Requirements for accreditation bodies:

In the final and shortest section of the FSSC standard, part 5 closes out with the requirements that are in place for all accreditation bodies.

How long will your FSSC certificate be valid for?

Your FSSC certificate will be valid for at least three years; dependent on the type of site that is being certified.

Ready to get started? Apply using the quotation link below.