FSSC Certification vs. Other Food Safety Standards: Making the Right Choice

by Shyam Mishra Global ISO Certification Services

Choosing the right food safety certification standard for your business is a critical decision, and FSSC (Food Safety System Certification) 22000 is one option among several. To make the right choice, it's essential to understand the key differences between FSSC certification and other food safety standards and consider which one aligns best with your business needs.

Here, we'll compare FSSC 22000 with some other commonly used food safety standards:

1. FSSC 22000 vs. SQF (Safe Quality Food):

Focus: FSSC 22000 focuses on food safety, and it's based on ISO 22000 principles. SQF also emphasizes food safety but combines it with quality elements.

Suitability: Choose FSSC 22000 if you want a strong food safety standard recognized by GFSI but want to keep the focus on safety. Choose SQF if you need to emphasize both safety and quality.

Industry: Both standards apply to various food industry sectors, including manufacturing, distribution, and primary production.

2. FSSC 22000 vs. BRC (British Retail Consortium):

Focus: Both standards emphasize product safety, legality, and quality. FSSC 22000 aligns more closely with ISO 22000, while BRC has its distinct requirements.

Suitability: Choose FSSC 22000 if you prefer a global standard that incorporates ISO 22000 principles. Opt for BRC if you need to meet retailer-specific requirements, particularly in the UK and Europe.

Industry: Both standards are used by food manufacturers and suppliers.

3. FSSC 22000 vs. ISO 22000:

Focus: ISO 22000 is a generic food safety management standard, while FSSC 22000 is a certification scheme that incorporates ISO 22000 but adds specific requirements for food safety.

Suitability: Choose ISO 22000 if you want a basic framework for a food safety management system. Opt for FSSC 22000 if you want a globally recognized food safety standard with added industry-specific requirements.

Industry: Both standards are applicable to a wide range of food industry sectors.

4. FSSC 22000 vs. GFSI Benchmarked Standards:

Focus: GFSI benchmarks various standards, including FSSC 22000, SQF, and BRC. These standards align closely with each other in terms of food safety.

Suitability: Choose any GFSI benchmarked standard that aligns with your business needs and meets retailer or market requirements. FSSC 22000 is a strong choice in this category.

Industry: GFSI benchmarked standards cover various food industry sectors.

5. FSSC 22000 vs. PrimusGFS:

Focus: FSSC 22000 is a GFSI-recognized standard with a focus on food safety. PrimusGFS is used primarily in the agricultural and fresh produce sectors, covering both safety and quality.

Suitability: Choose FSSC 22000 for a broader application in the food industry. Opt for PrimusGFS if you're specifically involved in growing, packing, or distributing fresh produce.

Industry: PrimusGFS is primarily used in the agricultural and fresh produce sectors.

6. FSSC 22000 vs. Organic Certification (e.g., USDA Organic, EU Organic):

Focus: FSSC 22000 focuses on food safety and aligns with ISO 22000 principles. Organic certifications verify that products meet specific organic farming and processing standards.

Suitability: Choose FSSC 22000 if you want to emphasize food safety. Opt for organic certifications if your business specializes in organic food production or processing.

Industry: Organic certifications are specific to organic food products.

Ultimately, the choice between FSSC 22000 and other food safety standards depends on your business goals, market requirements, and industry sector. It's essential to thoroughly research each standard, consult with certification bodies or experts, and consider your specific operational needs and customer demands before making a decision. Regardless of the standard chosen, certification demonstrates your commitment to food safety, quality, and compliance with industry best practices.