The Foundation FSSC (Food Safety System Certification) is a globally recognized non-profit organization headquartered in Gorinchem, Netherlands. As the official scheme owner of the FSSC 22000 and FSSC 24000 certification systems, the foundation plays a critical role in advancing global standards for food safety, quality management, and social responsibility across the entire food supply chain.
With a mission to inspire trust and improve global supply chain integrity through accessible certification solutions, FSSC supports organizations of all sizes to achieve compliance with internationally accepted practices, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations. It works in collaboration with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), ISO, and various governmental and non-governmental partners to harmonize food safety and social management systems on a global scale.
Core Certification Systems
FSSC owns and manages two major certification schemes:
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FSSC 22000 – Food Safety Certification Scheme
A robust, ISO-based certification scheme recognized by the GFSI. It is applicable to organizations in:
- Food manufacturing
- Animal feed production
- Catering and foodservice
- Food packaging materials
- Transport and storage (logistics)
The scheme integrates:
- ISO 22000 (food safety management systems)
- Sector-specific PRPs (Pre-Requisite Programs)
- FSSC-specific additional requirements
-
FSSC 24000 – Social Management System Certification
A newer scheme designed for organizations seeking to implement sustainable, socially responsible management practices in accordance with ISO 26000 guidelines. It targets:
- Manufacturing and processing industries
- Organizations seeking responsible supply chain engagement
- Brands and retailers needing verifiable ethical sourcing standards
Both schemes are updated regularly through public consultation to ensure alignment with global best practices and changing regulatory frameworks.
Specialisation and Unique Role
FSSC stands out as:
- A neutral, independent certification scheme owner, not providing auditing or consulting services, but enabling a network of licensed certification bodies.
- Developer of ISO-aligned schemes which go beyond compliance by embedding continual improvement, risk-based thinking, and traceability principles.
- A GFSI-recognized system, ensuring global acceptability in high-standard retail and manufacturing networks.
- A promoter of harmonization, offering a common language for suppliers, manufacturers, and buyers.
FSSC supports a decentralized, global approach through over 180 licensed certification bodies and more than 30,000 certified sites across 150+ countries.
Market Position and Global Reach
As of 2023:
- Over 30,000 organizations were FSSC 22000 certified globally.
- FSSC certifications are recognized in more than 150 countries, making it one of the most widely adopted food safety systems in the world.
- The scheme is used by top multinational food companies, including Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Danone, Unilever, and FrieslandCampina.
- FSSC has licensed over 180 certification bodies, supported by auditors trained under the FSSC Integrity Program.
FSSC continues to grow, especially in emerging economies, where certification helps open access to international trade and improves national food safety infrastructures.
Target Stakeholders
FSSC certification is applicable to:
- Manufacturers and processors of food and feed products
- Packaging companies supplying the food industry
- Cold chain and logistics providers
- Catering and foodservice operators
- Retailers, brands, and procurement professionals requiring certified supplier networks
The schemes are designed to be scalable, accessible to SMEs, and customizable to specific operational contexts.
Capabilities and Technological Framework
- Scheme Management: Transparent, regularly updated documentation hosted on the FSSC website.
- Digital Tools: Publicly available certification database for verifying certified organizations.
- Scheme Integration: Compatibility with other management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001).
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Engagement with NGOs, government agencies, and standardization bodies for harmonized development.
FSSC invests in online resources, training programs, and auditor guidance to ensure uniform application of its schemes globally.
Certifications and Governance
- FSSC 22000 and FSSC 24000 are governed by:
- A multi-stakeholder Board of Stakeholders (BoS)
- An Advisory Committee composed of industry, NGO, and academic experts
- ISO/IEC 17021-1-compliant certification bodies
- Recognized by:
- GFSI for food safety (FSSC 22000)
- UNIDO and ISEAL for sustainability and social compliance collaborations
- Continuous alignment with:
- Codex Alimentarius
- FAO/WHO food safety principles
- SDGs (particularly Goals 3, 8, 12, and 17)
Educational and Promotional Activities
- Hosts global webinars, auditor training, and stakeholder briefings
- Publishes scheme guidance documents, FAQs, and scheme comparisons
- Participates in international food safety conferences like GFSI Conference, FAO Food Safety Day, and ISO TC34
These outreach efforts enhance awareness, competence, and accessibility of food and social certification.
Major Achievements
- Over 30,000 certified sites under FSSC 22000 scheme as of 2023.
- Launched FSSC 24000, expanding the organization’s mission into social sustainability.
- Partnered with UNIDO and the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) to promote food safety capacity building in developing countries.
- Developed a centralized Integrity Program to monitor and improve certification body performance globally.
- Maintains open-access scheme documentation, promoting transparency and reducing barriers for certification adoption.
FSSC remains a cornerstone of global food system assurance, driving trusted certification solutions that empower producers, enhance supply chain transparency, and protect consumers through systematic risk management and responsible business practices.
