Food Safety
Food safety requirements step up from HACCP to ISO 22000 to the GFSI-recognised FSSC 22000. We help you choose the level your customers and regulators expect, build it and prepare you for certification.
Start from what your customers require
Most food businesses move up a ladder: HACCP first, then a management system, then a GFSI-recognised scheme when retailers ask for it.
The GFSI-recognised scheme required by many global retailers and brand owners.
FSSC 22000 → Food safety management ISO 22000 ISO 22000:2018A full food safety management system for any link in the food chain.
ISO 22000 → Hazard control HACCP Codex, revised 2020The seven principles at the heart of food hygiene law and every food scheme.
HACCP → Certification bodies ISO/IEC 17065 Accreditation readinessFor bodies that certify food, organic, halal and other products.
ISO/IEC 17065 →Side by side
| Standard | Level | Recognition | Who decides | Typical engagement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HACCP | Hazard control method | Legal baseline in many markets | Certification body (where certified) | 2 to 4 months |
| ISO 22000 | Management system | International standard | Accredited certification body | 4 to 9 months |
| FSSC 22000 | Scheme | GFSI-recognised | FSSC-licensed certification body | 4 to 9 months |
| ISO/IEC 17065 | Accreditation standard | For certification bodies | National accreditation body | 6 to 12 months |
One methodology from HACCP to GFSI
Delivered by registered lead auditors with hands-on sector experience.
- AssessGap assessment, scope and roadmap
- DesignProcesses, risks and documented information
- ImplementProcesses embedded on the ground
- TrainAwareness to internal auditor competence
- VerifyInternal audit, management review, mock audit
- Certify & sustainCertification audit support, then surveillance
Food safety, quality and environment together.
ISO 22000 shares the harmonized structure with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Run them under one policy, one audit programme and one management review.
Food safety training
CQI/IRCA Approved Training Partner. In-house, public, virtual or hybrid.
- ISO 22000: Awareness, Implementer and Internal Auditor
- HACCP team training on hazard analysis and CCP control
- In-house briefings on FSSC 22000 Version 7 transition
Food safety FAQ
Does AEC issue food safety certificates?
No. ISO 22000 certificates are issued by accredited certification bodies and FSSC 22000 certificates by FSSC-licensed bodies. AEC prepares your organisation for those audits.
Which one do our customers want?
Many global retailers require a GFSI-recognised scheme such as FSSC 22000. Others accept ISO 22000 or HACCP. We check your customers' requirements before recommending a route.
What is changing in 2026 and 2027?
FSSC 22000 Version 7 was published in May 2026, with transition audits from May 2027. A new edition of ISO 22000 is in development. We plan transitions so you update once.
Can we start with HACCP and move up later?
Yes. A sound HACCP plan is the core of ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000, so the work carries forward.
Plan your food safety programme
Tell us your products, sites and customers. We recommend the right level and send a proposal covering implementation, training and certification support.
Certification decisions are made by independent, accredited certification bodies. AEC prepares organisations for certification and does not guarantee certification outcomes.