FSSC 22000 Consultant for Food Manufacturers
Our FSSC 22000 consultants and former auditors build the ISO 22000 management system, the prerequisite programs, and the additional requirements that get you through Stage 1 and Stage 2 to a certificate your buyers accept worldwide.
- Built to FSSC 22000 Version 7 and your food chain category
- ISO 22000 system, sector PRPs, and FSSC additional requirements
- Guidance from a team that has run more than 500 audits
A 30-minute call with an FSSC 22000 expert. No cost and no obligation.
What is FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 stands for Food Safety System Certification 22000. It is a food safety certification scheme managed by the Foundation FSSC and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which means a certificate is accepted by retailers and buyers around the world. It is the ISO-based route into GFSI, and it is common with large and multi-site manufacturers.
What sets it apart is that it is built on a management system rather than a checklist. The current scheme is Version 7, in effect for all audits since April 2024, and the Foundation updates it on a set schedule. A consultant turns that scheme into a working system for your plant and gets you through the audit.
Not the same as ISO 22000.ISO 22000 on its own is a management standard, not a GFSI-recognized certification. FSSC 22000 adds the pieces that make it one. The comparison below shows the difference.
FSSC 22000 is three standards working together
Understanding the three parts is the fastest way to understand the certification. We build all three around your operation.
1. ISO 22000 → The food safety management system: leadership, context, risk-based thinking, HACCP, and the plan-do-check-act cycle that runs the whole system.
FSSC 22000 or ISO 22000, which do you need?
Many manufacturers start by asking whether ISO 22000 is enough. For most, the answer depends on whether a customer requires GFSI recognition.
| Features | FSSC 22000 | ISO 22000 ALONE |
|---|---|---|
GFSI recognized | Yes | No |
Includes ISO 22000 management system | Yes | Yes |
Sector prerequisite programs, ISO/TS 22002 | Yes | Referenced, not specified |
Food fraud and food defense requirements | Yes | No |
Unannounced audit in the cycle | Yes | No |
Accepted by major retailers as GFSI | Yes | No |
FSSC 22000
- •GFSI recognizedYes
- •Includes ISO 22000 management systemYes
- •Sector prerequisite programs, ISO/TS 22002Yes
- •Food fraud and food defense requirementsYes
- •Unannounced audit in the cycleYes
- •Accepted by major retailers as GFSIYes
ISO 22000 ALONE
- •GFSI recognizedNo
- •Includes ISO 22000 management systemYes
- •Sector prerequisite programs, ISO/TS 22002Referenced, not specified
- •Food fraud and food defense requirementsNo
- •Unannounced audit in the cycleNo
- •Accepted by major retailers as GFSINo
If your customers accept any GFSI scheme, FSSC 22000 is the natural choice for a manufacturer that already runs on ISO systems. We build to it, and we can advise on SQF or BRCGS if your buyers ask for those instead.
The FSSC additional requirements we build
These are the requirements FSSC adds on top of ISO 22000 and the prerequisite programs. Version 7 sharpened several of them, and they are where audits often turn.
Food fraud mitigation
A vulnerability assessment and a plan to protect against economically motivated adulteration.
Food defense
A threat assessment and mitigation against intentional contamination.
Food safety and quality culture
A defined culture plan with objectives, measurement, and leadership behaviors.
Allergen management
Controls, validation, and labeling that keep allergens where they belong.
Environmental monitoring
A risk-based program with sampling, trending, and corrective action.
Product labeling and printed materials
Controls that keep declarations accurate and materials verified.
Equipment management
Specification, purchase, and change control for equipment.
Food loss and waste
A policy and procedures to reduce and manage food loss and waste.
Communication and recall
Requirements for communication with the chain and effective recall.
OPRP or CCP? Getting the control category right
ISO 22000 sorts your control measures into two kinds. Misclassifying them is a common finding, so we set each one where the hazard analysis says it belongs.
CCP
Critical Control Point
A step where control is essential and a measurable critical limit prevents, eliminates, or reduces a hazard to a safe level.
- Has a measurable critical limit
- Monitored in real time
- Loss triggers immediate correction and product control
Example:a cook step held to a minimum temperature and time.
OPRP
Operational Prerequisite Program
A control measure that prevents or reduces a hazard where a critical limit is not the mechanism, managed by action criteria and monitoring.
- Managed by action criteria, not a single critical limit
- Monitored on a defined frequency
- Loss triggers correction and assessment
Example:environmental control and sanitation that manage Listeria.
How FSSC 22000 certification runs
Certification is not a single event. It is a three-year cycle with an initial audit in two stages, annual surveillance, and one unannounced audit. We prepare you for every step.
Stage 1 and Stage 2
YEAR 0
A readiness and documentation review, then the on-site certification audit. Pass and the certificate is issued.
Surveillance audit
YEAR 1
A check that the system is running and improving, against the same standard.
Surveillance audit
YEAR 2, UNANNOUNCED
At least one audit in the cycle arrives with no notice, so the system has to stay ready.
Recertification
YEAR 3
A full audit before the certificate expires, which renews the cycle.
The prerequisite program for your category
FSSC 22000 applies ISO 22002-100:2025, the common prerequisite standard, plus the ISO 22002 sector part that matches your food chain category.
The prerequisite programs for processing and manufacturing food, covering construction and layout, utilities, waste, equipment, cleaning, pest control, personnel hygiene, and more. This is the most common category for FSSC 22000.
The prerequisite programs for manufacturers of food packaging materials, tuned to the hazards packaging introduces to the food chain.
The prerequisite programs for the production of feed and pet food, covering the specific controls that category requires.
FSSC 22000 also covers catering, farming, and transport and storage, each with its own prerequisite requirements. We confirm your category and subcategory and scope the program to it.
ISO 22000 follows the high-level structure common to ISO management standards: context of the organization, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement. We build the internal audits, management review, and continual improvement the auditor expects to see running.
- 500+
- Facilities audited by our lead consultant
- 3
- Standards FSSC 22000 combined into one
- 30
- Minutes free consultation to get started
Support for every stage of FSSC 22000
Assess your readiness, build the full system, or transition to the current version. Every engagement begins with a free consultation.
Readiness and Gap Assessment
Start here. Know where you stand against Version 7 before Stage 1.
- Gap review against the scheme
- Category and PRP confirmation
- Prioritized action plan
- Path to Stage 1
FSSC 22000 Certification
Full build. The complete system built and implemented through to your certificate.
- ISO 22000 management system
- Sector PRPs and additional requirements
- Internal audit and management review
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 support
Version Transition and Surveillance
Already certified. Stay current and ready for every surveillance and recertification audit.
- Version 7 transition support
- Internal audits and reassessment
- Unannounced audit readiness
- Records maintained in the app
Meet the lead of our FSSC team
"I have audited more than 500 manufacturers. FSSC rewards a system that actually runs, so I build yours to work on the floor, not just read well on paper."
Dave Seddon, MBA, RDN, LDN, CFSO
Co-founder of FoodReady and a finalist for SQF Auditor of the Year named by the SQF Institute.
- 500+ audits
- ISO 22000 and GFSI expertise
- Multi-site experience
Dashboard
Run your FSSC 22000 system, not just document it
Consulting delivers the system. The FoodReady app helps your team operate it: HACCP and OPRP monitoring, internal audits, environmental monitoring, and supplier and food fraud records in one place, ready for a surveillance audit that may be unannounced. It is optional and included with enterprise and manufacturing subscriptions.
- HACCP and OPRP logs -Monitoring captured as it happens.
- Internal audits -Scheduled, tracked, and closed out.
- Supplier and fraud records -Approvals and VACCP evidence in one place.
- Environmental monitoring -Sampling and trends by zone.
What manufacturers say about working with us
"We use the checklist features the most. We like that they can keep everything organized and easy to respond to. We are excited for the new features that help assign and schedule items as well."
"Prior to my arrival at Up at Dawn, it was difficult for a consultant to monitor those less-than-daily tasks getting completed on schedule. Now it is effortless for me to use the task manager to assign them and ensure they’re not forgotten or lost in the hustle. The push notifications really make a difference in getting things done."
FSSC 22000 consulting FAQ
What is a FSSC 22000 Consultant?
An FSSC 22000 consultant guides businesses through implementing ISO-based food safety systems to achieve certification. They perform gap analyses, design HACCP and PRPs, prepare documentation, train staff, and support audit readiness. Clients include food and packaging manufacturers. The goal is robust food safety management, traceability, and continual improvement across the supply chain, aligned with global standards.
What industries benefit most from FSSC 22000 certification?
FSSC 22000 is ideal for a wide range of industries, including food and beverage manufacturing, packaging companies, storage and distribution centers, and catering businesses seeking to demonstrate comprehensive food safety management.
What is the difference between an OPRP and a CCP?
Both come from your hazard analysis. A CCP is a step controlled by a measurable critical limit, monitored in real time, where a loss of control means the product is likely unsafe. An OPRP is a control measure managed by action criteria rather than a single critical limit, monitored on a defined frequency. Auditors check that each control is classified correctly, and misclassification is a common finding.
What is the difference between FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 is a food safety management standard, but on its own it is not GFSI-recognized. FSSC 22000 takes ISO 22000, adds sector prerequisite programs and its own additional requirements, and becomes a GFSI-recognized certification that major retailers accept. If your customer requires GFSI, you need FSSC 22000, not ISO 22000 alone.
What are the steps involved in achieving FSSC 22000 certification?
Steps typically include conducting a gap assessment, developing a food safety management system, implementing HACCP principles, training staff, and undergoing an official audit. Consultants streamline this process to ensure compliance.
How can a consultant help with the FSSC 22000 audit process?
Consultants prepare businesses for audits by reviewing documentation, conducting mock audits, training staff, and addressing non-conformance areas to ensure successful certification.
Which food category and prerequisite program applies to me?
FSSC 22000 covers categories from food manufacturing to packaging, feed, catering, farming, and transport and storage, each with its own ISO/TS 22002 prerequisite standard. Manufacturing uses ISO 22002-1:2025 and packaging uses ISO 22002-4:2025. We confirm your category and subcategory on the first call and scope the program to it.
What are the benefits of using FoodReady’s software alongside FSSC consulting services?
FoodReady’s software simplifies compliance by providing digital tools for traceability, HACCP documentation, supplier management, and real-time monitoring, ensuring businesses stay audit-ready at all times.
Is FSSC 22000 certification required for exporting food products internationally?
While not mandatory, FSSC 22000 certification is highly valued globally and often required by international retailers and distributors to ensure food safety and compliance with international standards.
How does an FSSC consultant customize a food safety program for my business?
An FSSC consultant tailors the program by assessing your operations, identifying unique risks, and aligning processes with FSSC 22000 requirements while considering your business goals and specific industry needs.
Can an FSSC consultant help with integrating existing ISO certifications into the FSSC 22000 framework?
Yes, consultants can streamline the integration of existing ISO certifications, such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, with FSSC 22000 to create a cohesive management system that meets multiple standards.
How long does it take, and what does it cost?
Building a certifiable system commonly takes a few months, depending on facility size and how much of an ISO system you already run. Certification body audit fees are separate from consulting fees, and we explain both. After a free consultation we provide a clear, fixed-scope quote for your operation.
Reach FSSC 22000 certification with confidence
Book a free consultation. We will confirm your category, look at your systems, and tell you exactly what your path to a certificate looks like.