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FSSC 22000 certification is a globally recognized food safety management system certification used by organizations throughout the food supply chain. For Canadian food businesses, FSSC 22000 can provide a structured framework for managing food safety risks, strengthening food safety systems, meeting customer requirements, and demonstrating conformity to an internationally recognized certification scheme.
FSSC 22000 is based on ISO 22000, applicable prerequisite programme requirements, and additional FSSC requirements. The scheme is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
This guide explains what FSSC 22000 is, what the certification covers, how the certification process works, what has changed with FSSC 22000 Version 7, and how Canadian food businesses can prepare for certification.
Reviewed by Reza Eslami
CEO & Co-Founder, Arnika | 25+ years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, HACCP, GMP, SFCR, SQF, BRCGS, and food safety management systems.
What Is FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 is a food safety management system certification scheme developed by the Foundation FSSC.
The scheme combines:
- ISO 22000 requirements
- Applicable prerequisite programmes (PRPs)
- FSSC 22000 additional requirements
- Requirements for the applicable food-chain category
FSSC 22000 provides organizations with a structured system for identifying food safety hazards, establishing controls, monitoring performance, maintaining documentation, and continually improving their food safety management system.
The current FSSC 22000 Version 7 was published in May 2026. Foundation FSSC states that Version 7 incorporates the new ISO 22002-x:2025 prerequisite-programme series and aligns the scheme with the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements 2024.
Is FSSC 22000 Recognized by GFSI?
Yes.
FSSC 22000 is a GFSI-recognized certification programme.
However, an important distinction is that GFSI does not itself conduct FSSC 22000 audits or issue FSSC 22000 certificates.
FSSC 22000 certification is conducted through licensed certification bodies operating within the FSSC certification system.
If you are comparing GFSI-recognized certification programmes, you can also review Arnika’s main GFSI Certification Guide.
Why Is FSSC 22000 Certification Important?
FSSC 22000 can help food businesses establish and maintain a structured food safety management system.
Depending on the organization’s customers, markets, products, and supply-chain requirements, certification may help demonstrate:
- A systematic approach to food safety
- Risk-based food safety controls
- Effective prerequisite programmes
- HACCP-based hazard control
- Traceability and recall capability
- Management-system controls
- Continuous improvement
- Customer and supply-chain assurance
Some customers and supply-chain partners may specifically require a GFSI-recognized certification programme.
Certification requirements should therefore be evaluated against the expectations of your customers and target markets rather than assuming that one certification programme is universally required.
FSSC 22000 Version 7
FSSC 22000 Version 7 was published in May 2026.
The Foundation FSSC identifies several important reasons for the update, including:
- Incorporation of the new ISO 22002-x:2025 PRP series
- Alignment with GFSI Benchmarking Requirements 2024
- Further support for sustainability-related objectives
- A more defined structure for food-chain categories
- Continuous improvement and clarification of scheme requirements
FSSC 22000 Version 7 Transition Timeline
The transition from Version 6 to Version 7 is particularly important for existing certified organizations.
According to Foundation FSSC:
- V6 audits are permitted until April 30, 2027
- V7 upgrade audits are conducted from May 1, 2027 through April 30, 2028
- Version 7 was officially released on May 1, 2026
Organizations already certified to FSSC 22000 should therefore review the Version 7 requirements and transition expectations with their certification body.
What Are the Main Components of FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 combines several important elements into one certification framework.
ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System
ISO 22000 provides the food safety management system foundation.
It includes elements such as:
- Context of the organization
- Leadership
- Planning
- Support
- Operational planning and control
- Hazard analysis
- Verification
- Performance evaluation
- Improvement
Prerequisite Programmes
Prerequisite programmes establish the basic environmental and operational conditions needed to produce safe food.
Depending on the sector, these can include controls related to:
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Personal hygiene
- Pest control
- Facility maintenance
- Equipment
- Utilities
- Waste management
- Storage
- Transportation
- Supplier controls
Version 7 incorporates the new ISO 22002-x:2025 PRP series. Foundation FSSC explains that ISO 22002-100:2025 provides common requirements, while applicable sector-specific parts are used according to the organization’s scope.
For additional information about prerequisite programmes, see our Prerequisite Programs for HACCP guide.
HACCP-Based Hazard Control
FSSC 22000 requires organizations to establish appropriate food safety hazard controls.
This includes identifying hazards, evaluating risks, determining appropriate control measures, and verifying that controls are effective.
Businesses preparing for FSSC 22000 certification should ensure that their HACCP system is properly developed, implemented, validated where applicable, monitored, verified, and supported by appropriate records.
Learn more about HACCP consulting and implementation.
FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements
In addition to ISO 22000 and applicable PRPs, FSSC 22000 includes additional requirements.
Version 7 continues to address areas including:
- Food defense
- Food fraud mitigation
- Allergen management
- Environmental monitoring
- Equipment management
- Food safety and quality culture
- Hazard control and prevention of cross-contamination
- Product design and development requirements where applicable
Organizations should always review the current FSSC 22000 scheme documents applicable to their certification scope.
What Are the FSSC 22000 Certification Requirements?
The exact requirements depend on the organization’s food-chain category and certification scope.
Generally, an organization preparing for FSSC 22000 certification should have an effective system covering:
Food Safety Management System
The organization must establish and maintain a food safety management system based on the applicable FSSC 22000 requirements.
HACCP and Hazard Control
Food safety hazards must be systematically identified, assessed, and controlled.
Prerequisite Programmes
The applicable PRPs must be established, implemented, maintained, and verified.
Food Defense
Organizations must evaluate relevant food defense threats and establish appropriate mitigation measures.
Food Fraud Mitigation
Organizations must assess relevant food-fraud vulnerabilities and establish appropriate controls.
Allergen Management
Where applicable, organizations must establish appropriate controls for allergen management and cross-contact.
Environmental Monitoring
Where applicable to the organization’s activities and risks, environmental monitoring must be established and maintained.
Traceability
The organization must maintain an effective traceability system that supports identification and tracking of relevant products and materials.
Recall and Withdrawal
Appropriate procedures should be established for managing product withdrawals and recalls.
Internal Audits
Internal audits are an important part of verifying that the food safety management system is implemented and effective.
Management Review and Continual Improvement
Management must evaluate system performance and support ongoing improvement.
FSSC 22000 Certification Process
The certification process involves several stages.
Step 1 – Determine the Certification Scope
The organization first determines:
- Products and processes covered
- Site or sites included
- Applicable food-chain category
- Relevant FSSC 22000 requirements
The certification scope should accurately reflect the organization’s activities.
Step 2 – Conduct a Gap Assessment
A gap assessment compares the organization’s existing food safety system with the applicable FSSC 22000 requirements.
A gap assessment can identify weaknesses involving:
- HACCP
- PRPs
- Documentation
- Records
- Training
- Traceability
- Supplier management
- Food defense
- Food fraud
- Internal auditing
- Management review
Step 3 – Develop and Implement the System
Identified gaps are addressed and the necessary systems, procedures, records, and controls are implemented.
Implementation should focus not only on documentation but also on demonstrating that the system works effectively in daily operations.
Step 4 – Train Employees
Employees should understand the food safety procedures relevant to their responsibilities.
Training may include:
- Food safety awareness
- HACCP
- GMP
- PRPs
- Allergen management
- Food defense
- Food fraud
- Internal auditing
- Traceability and recall procedures
Arnika provides food safety training for food businesses across Canada.
Step 5 – Conduct Internal Audits
Internal audits help determine whether the system has been properly implemented and identify areas requiring corrective action before the certification audit.
Organizations should maintain objective evidence of their internal audit activities.
Step 6 – Prepare for the Certification Audit
Before the certification audit, the organization should review:
- Documentation
- Records
- HACCP implementation
- PRPs
- Employee competency
- Corrective actions
- Traceability
- Recall readiness
- Internal audit results
- Management review
- Operational controls
Step 7 – Certification Audit
The certification audit is performed by the applicable independent certification body.
The audit evaluates whether the organization’s food safety management system meets the applicable FSSC 22000 requirements.
Step 8 – Correct Nonconformities
If nonconformities are identified, the organization must address them according to the certification body’s requirements and applicable FSSC rules.
The certification body then makes the certification decision according to the applicable certification process.
FSSC 22000 Audit Preparation
Successful certification requires more than having a collection of procedures.
Your organization needs to demonstrate that the system is actually implemented.
Before an FSSC 22000 audit, review:
- HACCP documentation
- PRP implementation
- GMP practices
- Cleaning and sanitation records
- Pest-control records
- Employee training
- Supplier approval
- Traceability
- Recall testing
- Internal audits
- Corrective actions
- Food defense
- Food fraud
- Allergen controls
- Environmental monitoring where applicable
- Management review
- Verification records
A food safety audit or mock audit can help identify gaps before the certification audit.
FSSC 22000 vs BRCGS
FSSC 22000 and BRCGS are both GFSI-recognized certification programmes, but they use different certification frameworks.
FSSC 22000
FSSC 22000 is built around:
- ISO 22000
- Applicable PRPs
- FSSC additional requirements
- Food safety management systems
- Risk-based management-system principles
BRCGS Food Safety
BRCGS Food Safety provides requirements covering areas such as:
- Food safety management
- HACCP
- Product safety
- Legality
- Authenticity
- Operational controls
- Site standards
- Product and process controls
The appropriate certification programme depends on factors such as customer requirements, supply-chain expectations, product category, target markets, and the organization’s existing management system.
Read our BRCGS Certification Canada guide for more information.
FSSC 22000 for Canadian Food Businesses
Canadian food manufacturers and other eligible organizations may pursue FSSC 22000 to meet customer requirements, strengthen their food safety management system, and support access to supply chains that specify GFSI-recognized certification.
FSSC 22000 does not replace Canadian regulatory requirements.
Organizations must continue to comply with applicable federal, provincial, and local requirements, including applicable requirements under Canada’s food regulatory framework.
For Canadian food businesses, FSSC 22000 may be implemented alongside regulatory systems such as the **Preventive Control Plan requirements under the SFCR****, where applicable.
FSSC 22000 Certification in Montreal, Toronto and Across Canada
Arnika provides food safety consulting and certification-readiness support to businesses across Canada.
Our services can include:
- FSSC 22000 gap assessments
- HACCP development and review
- GMP and PRP assessment
- Food safety system development
- Documentation support
- Employee training
- Internal audit preparation
- Mock audits
- Corrective-action support
- Certification-readiness consulting
We can support businesses in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and other Canadian locations, depending on project requirements.
How Arnika Can Help With FSSC 22000
Arnika helps food businesses prepare for certification by taking a practical approach to food safety system implementation.
Our support may include:
FSSC 22000 Gap Assessment
We compare your existing system with applicable FSSC 22000 requirements and identify areas requiring improvement.
HACCP and Food Safety System Development
We help develop, review, and strengthen HACCP-based food safety controls.
GMP and PRP Review
We assess prerequisite programmes and operational controls that support your food safety system.
Documentation and Record Development
We help organizations establish practical procedures, forms, records, and verification systems.
Internal Audit and Mock Audit
We can conduct an internal assessment or mock audit to identify weaknesses before the certification audit.
Employee Training
We provide food safety and system-related training tailored to your organization’s needs.
Certification Readiness
We help your team prepare for the independent certification audit.
Important: Arnika provides consulting and certification-readiness support. The actual certification audit and certification decision are conducted by the applicable independent certification body.
Conclusion
FSSC 22000 certification provides a structured framework for organizations seeking to establish, implement, and continually improve a food safety management system.
For Canadian food businesses, preparation should address more than documentation. Organizations need effective HACCP-based controls, prerequisite programmes, employee competency, traceability, verification, internal auditing, and other applicable FSSC requirements.
With FSSC 22000 Version 7 now published, organizations should also consider the transition requirements and the updated ISO 22002-x:2025 prerequisite-programme framework.
Arnika can help Canadian food businesses assess their current systems, identify gaps, strengthen implementation, train employees, and prepare for their FSSC 22000 certification audit.
Contact Arnika to discuss your FSSC 22000 certification-readiness project.
FSSC 22000 FAQs
Is FSSC 22000 recognized by GFSI?
Yes. FSSC 22000 is a GFSI-recognized certification programme.
What is FSSC 22000 Version 7?
Version 7 is the current FSSC 22000 certification scheme published in May 2026. It incorporates the new ISO 22002-x:2025 PRP series and aligns the scheme with GFSI Benchmarking Requirements 2024.
When does FSSC 22000 Version 7 become applicable?
Version 7 was published on May 1, 2026. FSSC states that V6 audits can continue through April 30, 2027, while V7 upgrade audits are conducted from May 1, 2027 through April 30, 2028.
What is the difference between ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 uses ISO 22000 as a foundation and combines it with applicable prerequisite programmes and additional FSSC requirements.
Is FSSC 22000 certification mandatory in Canada?
FSSC 22000 is not a universal legal requirement for all Canadian food businesses. However, particular customers, retailers, brand owners, or supply-chain partners may require a GFSI-recognized certification programme.
How long does FSSC 22000 certification take?
The implementation timeline varies significantly depending on the organization’s size, complexity, existing food safety system, certification scope, resources, and readiness.
What does an FSSC 22000 audit cover?
The audit evaluates the organization’s conformity with the applicable FSSC 22000 requirements, including the food safety management system, applicable PRPs, HACCP-based controls, additional FSSC requirements, implementation, and objective evidence.
Can a small food business obtain FSSC 22000 certification?
Eligibility and certification requirements depend on the organization’s activities and applicable FSSC 22000 scope. Smaller organizations can implement certified food safety management systems where the applicable scheme requirements and certification scope are met.
Does FSSC 22000 replace a Preventive Control Plan?
No. FSSC 22000 certification does not automatically replace applicable Canadian regulatory requirements. Businesses must continue to comply with applicable federal and provincial requirements.
Can Arnika help with FSSC 22000 certification?
Yes. Arnika provides FSSC 22000 gap assessments, HACCP and PRP review, GMP assessment, documentation support, employee training, internal audits, mock audits, and certification-readiness consulting.