FSSC 22000 Version 7

The FSSC Foundation has released version 7 of the FSSC 22000 scheme, introducing a substantial update to the requirements applicable to food safety management systems certified to the GFSI-recognised standard.

The reasons for the revision

The update to version 7 was born from the need to adapt the schema to a rapidly evolving context.
Among the main drivers of the review:

• Alignment with the new requests of the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative), which has updated its benchmark requirements
• Strengthening the management of emerging risks , including those related to food safety and the global supply chain
• Greater attention to sustainability, integrity and food safety culture
• Need to improve clarity , consistency and applicability of the standard
• Integration of cross-cutting themes , such as food fraud prevention and allergen management

This revision is therefore part of a process of continuous evolution of the scheme, aimed at maintaining FSSC 22000 certification among the main references for organizations in the agri-food sector.

Main changes introduced by Version 7

1. Extension and formalization of Food Safety Culture

Version 7 introduces a more structured and auditable approach to food safety culture, requiring organizations to:

• define measurable objectives relating to food safety culture
• implement key performance indicators (KPIs)
• demonstrate continuous monitoring and improvement
• integrating culture into human resources management processes

The requirement therefore moves from a qualitative element to an objectively auditable component.

2. Strengthening Integrated Risk Management

The concept of risk management is expanded to include:

• Food safety hazards (HACCP)
• Food fraud vulnerability assessment (FFVA)
• Food defense threat assessment (TACCP)

Version 7 requires greater methodological consistency between the different risk analyses and their integration into corporate decision-making processes.

3. Review and expansion of the FSSC additional requirements

The so-called FSSC Additional Requirements have been updated with a focus on:

• Allergen management (strengthening controls and preventing cross-contamination)
• Control of product labels and declarations
• Environmental monitoring (where applicable, with greater operational detail)
• Supplier management and supply chain assurance

Greater documentary evidence and traceability of the implemented activities is expected.

4. Improved structure and clarity of requirements

The overall architecture of the scheme has been revised to:

• reduce interpretative ambiguities
• increase consistency between ISO requirements, PRP and Additional Requirements
• facilitate integration with other management systems

The audit and conformity assessment criteria have also been clarified.

5. Updating Prerequisite Programs (PRP)

Version 7 incorporates the update of applicable technical standards (e.g. ISO/TS 22002-x), ensuring:

• greater alignment with current operating practices
• better management of basic hygiene and sanitation conditions
• standardization of requirements between different sectors of the supply chain

Transition timelines

The FSSC Foundation has foreseen a structured transition phase:

• Start audits according to version 7 after official publication and implementation period
• indicative transition period of 12 months for certified organizations
• obligation to complete the adaptation by the end of the transitional period to maintain the certification