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What Are the Three Standards of FSSC

By February 7, 2025No Comments

What Are the Three Standards of FSSC?

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) is a globally recognized food safety certification scheme designed to ensure the safety and quality of food products. It is based on three key standards that provide a structured approach to food safety management. This blog explains the three standards of FSSC in a point-form format to optimize SEO for your website.

1. ISO 22000: Food Safety Management System (FSMS)

  • A globally recognized food safety standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
  • Establishes a framework for managing food safety risks and ensuring continuous improvement.
  • Applies to all organizations in the food supply chain, including manufacturers, retailers, and service providers.
  • Integrates Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles with a structured management system.
  • Requires organizations to implement risk-based thinking and preventive measures.

2. Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) – ISO/TS 22002 Series

  • Industry-specific requirements that support food safety management under ISO 22000.
  • Covers essential hygiene and operational conditions to prevent contamination.
  • Different PRP standards exist for various industries:
    • ISO/TS 22002-1: Food manufacturing
    • ISO/TS 22002-2: Catering
    • ISO/TS 22002-4: Food packaging manufacturing
    • ISO/TS 22002-6: Animal feed production
  • Includes key areas such as:
    • Personnel hygiene and training
    • Cleaning and sanitation procedures
    • Pest control measures
    • Facility and equipment maintenance

3. FSSC Additional Requirements

  • Extra requirements beyond ISO 22000 and PRPs to enhance food safety management.
  • Developed by the Foundation FSSC to address industry-specific risks.
  • Covers critical areas such as:
    • Food Fraud Prevention: Ensuring ingredients and products are not adulterated or counterfeited.
    • Food Defense: Protecting food products from intentional contamination or sabotage.
    • Product Labeling and Allergen Management: Ensuring proper labeling of ingredients to prevent allergic reactions.
    • Environmental Monitoring: Implementing microbial and contamination controls in production environments.
  • Ensures organizations go beyond regulatory compliance to meet customer and industry expectations.

Why Are These Three Standards Important?

  • Provide a comprehensive food safety management system applicable to the entire food supply chain.
  • Help businesses meet global regulatory and market requirements, enhancing credibility.
  • Reduce risks of foodborne illnesses and contamination, ensuring consumer safety.
  • Support continuous improvement and operational efficiency in food production.
  • Facilitate global trade by aligning with international food safety regulations.

The three standards of FSSC 22000—ISO 22000, PRPs, and additional FSSC requirements—work together to create a robust food safety management system. By implementing these standards, businesses can enhance food safety, achieve global recognition, and gain customer trust. If you are in the food industry, obtaining FSSC 22000 certification is a strategic move towards compliance, quality, and market competitiveness.

 

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