FSSC 22000
The latest development in establishing a globally recognized food safety system standard comes with the expected release of the Foundation for Food Safety Certification, FSSC 22000. With this standard, ISO 22000 is augmented with a standard set of prerequisite programs to become FSSC 22000. By adding the prerequisite program document “PAS 220”, the acceptance of the standard is broadened to become truly global.
The combined ISO 22000 and PAS 220 make up the FSSC 22000 certification scheme. With the strengthened prerequisite program, FSSC 22000 was submitted to the Global Food Safety Initiative for benchmarking. It is expected that the benchmarking will be complete in May 2009.
When benchmarked, the FSSC 22000 scheme will be added to the four current GFSI schemes (IFS, SQF, BRC and Dutch HACCP) and become a choice for food companies to meet customer requests or requirements for a GFSI certification scheme. This new standard is poised to become the scheme of choice, with the development of the standard based on input and representation from some of the worlds most prevalent international food companies, it has immediate credibility in the food market.
As food safety concerns increase across the globe, more multinational food manufacturers and retailers are requesting or encouraging suppliers to implement a recognized Food Safety Management System. According to Food Quality Magazine’s article “Food Safety Goes Global” (www.foodquality.com) the number of GFSI food safety certificates has increased 50% from 2006 to 2007 and with the release of FSSC 22000 will continue to increase dramatically. It is time for all food manufacturers to take a look at FSSC 22000.
Watch for information at their new site: FSSC 22000
