Who is FSSC 22000 for?
FSSC 22000 is a certification scheme for organisations that supply food, animal feed, packaging or related services to buyers that require GFSI recognition . The scheme is managed by Foundation FSSC and becomes relevant once large retailers, international brands or buyers want to be able to verify food safety. The basic structure is explained on the FSSC 22000 page. You can find a comparison with ISO 22000 at FSSC 22000 vs ISO 22000.
The scheme applies to a large part of the food chain. Foundation FSSC works with food chain categories for this: fixed classifications that determine which PRP specification and additional requirements apply to you.
GFSI recognition is the main reason for certification. Large retailers such as Lidl, Albert Heijn or Walmart apply it as a firm purchasing requirement. Without a GFSI-recognised scheme, you risk being shut out as a supplier from your sales market.
On this page
We cover which sectors in the food chain need FSSC 22000, how the food chain categories work in practice and when FSSC is honestly not necessary.
Which sector falls under which category?
Food chain categoriesCompanies that need FSSC 22000.
Concrete Dutch examplesHonestly: ISO 22000 can sometimes be lighter.
When FSSC is not neededFood chain categories per sector
FSSC 22000 divides the food chain into categories. Each category has its own PRP specification. The table below shows the most commonly used categories, with a concrete Dutch example company.
| Category | Sector | PRP specification | Concrete example |
|---|---|---|---|
| C (subcat. C0–CIV) | Food processing and production | ISO/TS 22002-1 | Remia (sauces), FrieslandCampina (dairy) |
| D | Animal feed production | ISO/TS 22002-6 | Agrifirm, De Heus |
| E | Catering and food service | ISO/TS 22002-2 | Sodexo, Eurest, large company caterers |
| FI | Retail (own brand) | ISO/TS 22002-1 | Supermarket group with its own production |
| FII | Trade, brokerage, e-commerce | ISO/TS 22002-1 | Spice importer, food broker |
| G | Transport and storage (3PL) | ISO/TS 22002-5 | Refrigerated transporter, temperature-controlled warehouse |
| I | Packaging and packaging materials | ISO/TS 22002-4 | Huhtamaki, Smurfit Kappa (food contact packaging) |
| K | Biochemicals and ingredients | ISO/TS 22002-1 | Flavour producer, additive supplier |
The classification also determines which of the 18 additional requirements apply to you.
Who chooses FSSC 22000 in practice?
FSSC 22000 is strongly represented among:
- Food producers that supply retail. A biscuit manufacturer that supplies Jumbo or Lidl will sooner or later be asked for a GFSI certificate.
- Exporters to international chains. A Dutch cheese producer that supplies a German or French retail brand encounters GFSI as a condition.
- Ingredient suppliers to branded manufacturers. A herb extract supplier to Unilever or Nestlé must meet purchasing requirements that name GFSI.
- Packaging producers with food safety risk. A producer of flexible food packaging falls under category I and needs GFSI recognition to supply large brands.
- Transport and storage companies in cold chains. A 3PL provider that stores chilled food signs contracts where FSSC 22000 comes back as a requirement.
When is FSSC 22000 not needed?
Honestly, not every company in the food chain needs FSSC 22000.
- Smaller suppliers to hospitality without a direct retail requirement work perfectly well with ISO 22000 or their own HACCP system.
- Regional producers that supply only local hospitality or direct consumers rarely receive a GFSI requirement.
- Companies that already have ISO 22000 and whose customers are satisfied with it do not necessarily need to upgrade.
Do not choose FSSC 22000 as a precaution. The scheme requires more implementation time and higher audit costs than ISO 22000. First ask your customers whether GFSI is actually required. If the answer is yes, the choice is quickly made.
Unsure: FSSC 22000 or ISO 22000?
If your buyers require GFSI recognition, FSSC is the logical choice. The extra investment compared with ISO 22000 is manageable if you already have an ISO 22000 system. Read how the step works at FSSC 22000 vs ISO 22000, or see what certification costs at costs and timeline.