What Happens If You Fail an FSSC 22000 Surveillance Audit?

Achieving FSSC 22000 certification is a milestone—but maintaining it requires continuous compliance through surveillance audits. These audits are conducted annually to ensure your Food Safety Management System (FSMS) still meets the standard.

So what happens if your organization fails a surveillance audit?

Let’s break it down into clear points, including potential outcomes, common mistakes, and how to bounce back stronger.

🧠 What Is an FSSC 22000 Surveillance Audit?

• A mandatory follow-up audit conducted every 12 months after initial certification.

• Ensures ongoing compliance with ISO 22000, ISO/TS 22002-x, and FSSC additional requirements.

• Verifies:

  • Implementation of corrective actions from the previous audit

  • Continued effectiveness of your FSMS

  • New products, processes, or organizational changes

❗ What Can Cause a Failed Surveillance Audit?

• Major non-conformities not addressed or repeated

• Uncontrolled critical food safety hazards

• Lack of action on previously reported issues

• Poor documentation or data falsification

• Missing or ineffective PRPs, OPRPs, or CCPs

• Untrained staff or lack of competency records

• Failure to comply with FSSC additional requirements (e.g., food safety culture, allergen control)

⚠️ What Happens If You Fail the Audit?

1. Major Non-Conformities Are Issued

• Must be closed within 28 calendar days

• Requires:

  • Corrective action plan

  • Root cause analysis

  • Evidence of implementation

2. Certification May Be Suspended

• If issues are not resolved within the deadline

• Suspension typically lasts up to 6 months

• During suspension:

  • Certification body informs FSSC

  • Your company is removed from the FSSC certified organization database

  • You may lose customer trust or business contracts

3. Possible Withdrawal of Certification

• Happens if:

  • No corrective action is submitted or accepted

  • Company refuses re-audit

  • Food safety violations are severe or intentional

4. Additional Unannounced Audit May Be Triggered

• Used to verify the effectiveness of corrective actions

• May occur within 6 months of issue resolution

🚫 Business Risks of Failing the Surveillance Audit

• Loss of certification affects your GFSI-recognized status

• Risk of supply chain disruptions (especially for exports or major retailers)

• Damaged reputation among customers and buyers

• Increased cost and time for re-certification

• Risk of regulatory scrutiny or enforcement

✅ How to Recover from an FSSC 22000 Audit Failure

Step-by-Step Action Plan:

1. Act Immediately

   • Review the audit report in detail

   • Identify each non-conformance

2. Root Cause Analysis

   • Use tools like 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagrams

   • Involve cross-functional teams

3. Implement Corrective Actions

   • Set realistic timelines

   • Assign responsibility and track status

4. Communicate with the Certification Body

   • Submit corrective action plan with evidence

   • Clarify if a follow-up audit is required

5. Train Your Team

   • Address gaps in food safety awareness or procedures

   • Update SOPs, WIs, and records

6. Conduct an Internal Audit

   • Verify the effectiveness of your actions before re-audit

   • Ensure documentation is updated and accurate

📌 Pro Tips to Avoid Audit Failure

• Conduct regular internal audits

• Keep all documentation current and accessible

• Perform mock audits before the surveillance visit

• Track and follow up on non-conformances

• Maintain strong food safety culture and staff awareness

• Monitor changes in FSSC 22000 version updates or additional requirements

🏁 Final Thoughts

Failing an FSSC 22000 surveillance audit isn’t the end—but it’s a serious warning.
With a strong response plan, transparent communication, and commitment to improvement, you can restore certification and come back even stronger.

Need urgent help with audit recovery or non-conformance closure?
At CAYS Scientific, we assist food manufacturers across Malaysia in FSSC 22000 compliance, audit preparation, and post-audit support. Contact us today for fast-track consulting and training solutions.