Retailer acceptance
A GFSI-recognised certificate that major buyers accept.
Certification support
FSSC 22000 Food Safety Certification
Current: Version 7 (published May 2026)
The GFSI-recognised food safety certification scheme built on ISO 22000. It adds sector prerequisite programmes and scheme requirements, and is widely required by global retailers and brand owners.
v7New version
FSSC 22000 Version 7 is published
Version 7 was published on 1 May 2026, with transition audits from 1 May 2027. It adopts the new ISO 22002-x:2025 prerequisite programme series, including the common ISO 22002-100, and aligns with GFSI Benchmarking Requirements 2024. Version 6 certificates remain valid during the transition.
What the scheme covers
Three parts, one certificate
FSSC 22000 combines a management system, sector prerequisite programmes and additional scheme requirements.
ISO 22000
The food safety management system and HACCP-based hazard control.
Prerequisite programmes
ISO 22002-100 common PRPs plus the sector part for your category.
Food safety culture
Objectives and evidence that culture supports food safety.
Food defence
Threat assessment and protection against intentional contamination.
Food fraud
Vulnerability assessment and mitigation for fraud and adulteration.
Allergen management
Controls that prevent undeclared allergens.
Environmental monitoring
Monitoring programmes that verify hygiene controls.
Labelling and quality
Product labelling and quality control requirements.
Why organisations implement it
What FSSC 22000 delivers
Fewer customer audits
One recognised certification in place of many buyer audits.
Stronger hygiene
Sector PRPs that tighten day-to-day controls.
Fraud and defence controls
Protection against intentional and economically motivated risks.
Culture you can show
Food safety culture made measurable.
ISO 22000 inside
One system that also meets ISO 22000.
How we work
Path to certification
One AEC methodology from first assessment to certificate, delivered by registered lead auditors.
- AssessGap assessment against FSSC 22000, scope and roadmap
- DesignProcesses, risk register, policy and documented information
- ImplementProcesses embedded with coaching for process owners
- TrainAwareness for all staff and internal auditor development
- VerifyInternal audit, management review and mock certification audit
- Certify & sustainStage 1 and Stage 2 support, then surveillance readiness
Full implementation
No existing system. We design and implement from the ground up.
Typically 6 to 9 monthsGap remediation
Some documentation in place. We close the gaps and prove effectiveness.
Typically 4 to 6 monthsUpgrade & integration
We add PRPs and FSSC requirements to your ISO 22000 system, or transition you to Version 7.
Typically 2 to 4 months
Who certifies
Certification by FSSC-licensed bodies
FSSC 22000 certificates are issued by certification bodies licensed by the Foundation FSSC and accredited for the scheme. AEC prepares you for that audit; the certification decision is theirs.
CB-neutral
We help you select a licensed certification body your customers recognise.
Audit-ready
Mock audit, PRP evidence and closed corrective actions before the audit.
No guarantees
We prepare you thoroughly and never promise an outcome only an independent auditor can decide.
Case study
FSSC 22000 in practice
Industrial gases · United Kingdom
Air Liquide UK
FSSC 22000 v6 · 2025 · 4 months · Wissington, King's Lynn
1stAttempt
0NCs
4Months
The challenge
Applying food safety controls to industrial gas production: purified, liquefied CO2 despatched in bulk as a food ingredient and processing aid.
What AEC did
Hazard analysis for bulk CO2, prerequisite programmes to ISO/TS 22002-1, FSSC additional requirements including food defence, food fraud and food safety culture, training and mock audit.
Certified at first attempt, no nonconformities. Food chain category K, production of bio/chemicals.
Where it applies
FSSC 22000 by industry
Food & beverage · processors and brand manufacturers
Manufacturing · food-contact packaging and ingredients
Transport & logistics · storage and distribution
Related standards
Training Academy
View ISO 22000 courses
ISO 22000 and food safety training
Delivered by practising, registered lead auditors. In-house, public, virtual or hybrid.
- Awareness (half day) on food safety and each person's role
- HACCP team training on hazard analysis and CCP control
- Implementer (2 to 3 days) for food safety team leaders
- Internal Auditor (2 to 3 days) in line with ISO 19011
Questions
FSSC 22000 FAQ
Does AEC issue the FSSC 22000 certificate?
No. Certificates are issued by certification bodies licensed by the Foundation FSSC. AEC prepares your organisation for that audit.
Should we certify to Version 6 or Version 7?
Version 7 is the current version. Certification bodies move to Version 7 audits according to the Foundation FSSC transition timetable, with transition audits from 1 May 2027. We build new systems to Version 7.
What is GFSI recognition?
The Global Food Safety Initiative benchmarks certification schemes against its requirements. Many retailers and brand owners accept only GFSI-recognised certificates, and FSSC 22000 is one of them.
Can FSSC 22000 apply outside food manufacturing?
Yes. Categories include feed, packaging, transport and storage, catering and retail. We confirm your category and the matching prerequisite programme standard.
Start your FSSC 22000 programme
Tell us your products, category and customers. We reply with a proposal covering gap assessment, PRPs, implementation and certification support.
Certification decisions are made by independent, accredited certification bodies. AEC prepares organisations for certification and does not guarantee certification outcomes.