What is the primary objective of **FSSC 22000**?

**FSSC 22000's primary objective is to ensure certified organizations consistently provide safe food through a GFSI-benchmarked Food Safety Management System (FSMS).** It integrates **ISO 22000:2018** (clauses 4–10 for PDCA-based governance), sector-specific **PRPs** (e.g., **ISO/TS 22002-1** for food manufacturing), and **FSSC Additional Requirements** (e.g., food defense, allergen validation). This delivers independent third-party certification across food chain categories (B–K per **ISO 22003-1:2022**), enabling supply-chain trust via a public register of 40,059 certified sites.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **FSSC 22000**?

**FSSC 22000 is not legally mandated but professionally required by retailers, manufacturers, and foodservice operators for supply-chain acceptance.** It applies to food chain organizations in **ISO 22003-1:2022** categories B (plant handling), C (manufacturing), D (feed), E (catering), F (retail/brokering), G (transport/storage), I (packaging), and K (biochemicals). GFSI benchmarking since 2010 ensures market access; non-certification risks contract loss.

Does **FSSC 22000** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, FSSC 22000 mandates external audits and third-party certification by licensed Certification Bodies (CBs) accredited per ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 and ISO 22003-1:2022.** CBs (134 licensed globally) conduct initial certification (Stage 1/2), annual surveillance (≥1/3 initial duration + **TFSSC** 1–1.5 days), and recertification every 3 years. Audits allocate ≥50% time to operational PRPs, controls, and traceability; reports provide clause-by-clause evidence.

How often should an assessment for **FSSC 22000** be performed?

**FSSC 22000 requires annual surveillance audits by CBs, full recertification every 3 years, and continuous internal assessments.** Internal audits cover the full FSMS (ISO 22000, PRPs, Additional Requirements) at least annually, with risk-based frequency for multi-sites. Management reviews occur at planned intervals; programs like environmental monitoring and food defense are reviewed annually or upon changes/trends.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **FSSC 22000**?

**Non-compliance with FSSC 22000 results in nonconformities, certificate suspension/revocation, and market exclusion.** Major nonconformities (systemic failures) require closure within 28 days; minors within 90 days. Serious events (recalls, shutdowns) must be reported to CBs within **3 working days**. Repeated issues trigger Integrity Program actions; uncertified status blocks GFSI-accepting supply chains.

An **FSSC 22000** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, FSSC 22000 maps seamlessly to ISO-based frameworks due to its ISO 22000:2018 harmonized structure.** Shared elements include PDCA cycles, leadership (Clause 5), internal audits (Clause 9), and corrective actions (Clause 10). PRPs and Additional Requirements (e.g., quality control) align with quality and environmental systems, reducing duplication via integrated processes.

What is the first step to begin implementing **FSSC 22000**?

**The first step to implement FSSC 22000 is defining the certification scope per ISO 22003-1:2022 categories and conducting a gap analysis.** Verify category (e.g., C for manufacturing with **ISO/TS 22002-1** PRPs), draft auditable scope statements (Annex 1 rules: no brands/claims), then gap against ISO 22000 clauses 4–10, PRPs, and Additional Requirements. Secure leadership commitment via a Top Management meeting.

What is the primary objective of **CIS Controls**?

**The primary objective of CIS Controls is to provide a prioritized set of 18 cybersecurity best practices across 153 safeguards to reduce organizational attack surface and enhance cyber resilience against common threats.** CIS Controls v8.1, developed by the Center for Internet Security, focuses on actionable tasks like asset inventory and vulnerability management, organized into Implementation Groups (IG1–IG3) for scalable adoption by organizations of all sizes.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **CIS Controls**?

**No organization is universally legally required to comply with CIS Controls, as it is a voluntary, consensus-driven framework rather than a mandated regulation.** Professionally, it applies to all industries and sizes—from SMBs targeting IG1's 56 essential safeguards to enterprises pursuing IG3—particularly CISOs, IT managers, and compliance officers in sectors like finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure seeking reasonable cybersecurity hygiene, insurance validation, or contractual assurances.

Does **CIS Controls** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**CIS Controls does not require external audits or third-party certification, as it lacks a formal certification program.** Organizations self-assess using tools like CIS Controls Navigator or CIS-CAT against the 153 safeguards and IG1–IG3, with optional validation via internal audits, penetration testing (Control 18), or acceptance by regulators, insurers, and partners as evidence of baseline controls.

How often should an assessment for **CIS Controls** be performed?

**CIS Controls assessments should be performed continuously with automated tools, supplemented by quarterly reviews and annual full reassessments.** Leverage asset discovery (Control 1), vulnerability scans (Control 7), and metrics like asset coverage and remediation SLAs to maintain IG-aligned maturity, adapting to threats, cloud changes, and CIS updates like v8.1.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **CIS Controls**?

**Non-compliance with CIS Controls exposes organizations to heightened breach risk, operational disruption, regulatory findings, and litigation without direct legal penalties since it is voluntary.** Gaps in core safeguards like inventories (Controls 1–2) enable common exploits, leading to data breaches, recovery costs averaging $4.45M (IBM data), insurance premium hikes, lost contracts, and leverage in lawsuits citing absent reasonable security in states referencing best practices.

Can **CIS Controls** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, CIS Controls v8.1 explicitly maps its 18 controls and 153 safeguards to frameworks like NIST CSF 2.0, via tools such as CIS Controls Navigator.** These mappings support compliance with regulations including PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR by aligning asset management (Controls 1–2), data protection (Control 3), and vendor oversight (Control 15) to higher-level requirements, enabling unified implementation.

What is the first step to begin implementing **CIS Controls**?

**The first step to implement CIS Controls is to secure executive sponsorship and conduct a baseline maturity assessment using CIS RAM or Controls Navigator to determine IG1–IG3 placement.** Follow with Phase 0 governance: define scope, charter, KPIs, and initial asset inventory (Controls 1–2) for all environments including cloud and hybrid.

FSSC 22000 vs CIS Controls

Standards Comparison

FSSC 22000

Voluntary

2023

GFSI-benchmarked scheme for food safety management systems

CIS Controls

Voluntary

2021

Prioritized cybersecurity framework of 18 controls

Quick Verdict

FSSC 22000 certifies food safety management for global supply chains, ensuring safe products via audits and PRPs. CIS Controls provide prioritized cybersecurity hygiene across all sectors, reducing breach risks through asset inventories and access controls. Food firms adopt both for compliance and resilience.

Food Safety

FSSC 22000

Food Safety System Certification 22000

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for global recognition
Integrates ISO 22000, sector PRPs, additional requirements
Covers broad food chain categories B-K
Mandates food defense, fraud, allergen management plans
Requires food safety culture objectives and verification

Cybersecurity

CIS Controls

CIS Critical Security Controls v8.1

Cost

€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

18 prioritized controls with 153 measurable safeguards
Implementation Groups IG1-IG3 for scalability
Derived from real-world attack data analysis
Mappings to NIST CSF, ISO 27001, regulations
Free Benchmarks and tools for configurations

Detailed Analysis

A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

FSSC 22000 Details

What It Is

FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme combining ISO 22000:2018 FSMS requirements, sector-specific PRPs from ISO/TS 22002 series, and FSSC Additional Requirements. Its primary purpose is ensuring safe food across food chain categories via risk-based hazard analysis and PDCA methodology.

Key Components

**Three pillarsISO 22000 clauses 4-10, PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002-1 manufacturing), 18+ Additional Requirements (food defense, fraud, allergens, culture).
HACCP-embedded operational controls (PRPs, OPRPs, CCPs).
Certification via licensed CBs per ISO 22003-1:2022, with audits, surveillance, public register.

Why Organizations Use It

Provides market access, buyer trust, reduced recalls; aligns with regulations; enhances supply chain resilience, sustainability (SDGs); demonstrates leadership in food safety culture and quality.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, internal audits, Stage 1/2 certification. Applies to food manufacturers, packaging, logistics; 6-24 months typical, ongoing surveillance.

CIS Controls Details

What It Is

CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls) v8.1 is a community-driven, prescriptive cybersecurity framework of prioritized best practices to reduce attack surfaces and enhance resilience. It applies to all industries and organization sizes, using Implementation Groups (IG1–IG3) for risk-based, scalable adoption.

Key Components

18 Controls across asset management, data protection, vulnerability management, incident response, and more, with 153 actionable Safeguards.
Built on real-world attack data; IG1 (56 safeguards) for basic hygiene, IG2/IG3 for advanced maturity.
No formal certification; self-assessed compliance with mappings to NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA.

Why Organizations Use It

Mitigates 85% of common attacks, accelerates regulatory compliance, cuts breach costs.
Builds insurance discounts, vendor trust, operational efficiency.
Demonstrates reasonable cybersecurity for legal safe harbors.

Implementation Overview

**Phased roadmapgovernance, gap analysis, IG1 foundational (3–9 months), expansion (6–18 months).
Involves asset inventories, automation, training; suits SMBs to enterprises, all sectors.
Metrics-driven, no mandatory audits. (178 words)

Key Differences

Aspect	FSSC 22000	CIS Controls
Scope	Food safety management systems across food chain	Cybersecurity best practices for all IT assets
Industry	Food manufacturing, packaging, logistics globally	All industries worldwide, technology-agnostic
Nature	GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification scheme	Voluntary prioritized cybersecurity framework
Testing	Third-party certification audits, surveillance cycles	Self-assessments, maturity model via IGs
Penalties	Loss of certification, market access denial	No formal penalties, increased breach risk

Scope

FSSC 22000

Food safety management systems across food chain

CIS Controls

Cybersecurity best practices for all IT assets

Industry

FSSC 22000

Food manufacturing, packaging, logistics globally

CIS Controls

All industries worldwide, technology-agnostic

Nature

FSSC 22000

GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification scheme

CIS Controls

Voluntary prioritized cybersecurity framework

Testing

FSSC 22000

Third-party certification audits, surveillance cycles

CIS Controls

Self-assessments, maturity model via IGs

Penalties

FSSC 22000

Loss of certification, market access denial

CIS Controls

No formal penalties, increased breach risk

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about FSSC 22000 and CIS Controls

FSSC 22000 FAQ

CIS Controls FAQ

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FSSC 22000

CIS Controls

Quick Verdict

FSSC 22000

Key Features

CIS Controls

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

FSSC 22000 Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

CIS Controls Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

Key Differences

Scope

Industry

Nature

Testing

Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

FSSC 22000 FAQ

What is the primary objective of FSSC 22000?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with FSSC 22000?

Does FSSC 22000 require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for FSSC 22000 be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with FSSC 22000?

An FSSC 22000 be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing FSSC 22000?

CIS Controls FAQ

What is the primary objective of CIS Controls?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with CIS Controls?

Does CIS Controls require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for CIS Controls be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with CIS Controls?

Can CIS Controls be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing CIS Controls?

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Singapore PDPA Implementation Guide: Mastering Part 6A Breach Notification Thresholds and Timelines from Primary Statute

Thailand PDPA Implementation Guide: Subordinate Regulations for 72-Hour Breach Reporting and Cross-Border Transfers (2022-2024 Rules)

Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages

ISO/IEC 42001:2023 vs U.S. SEC Cybersecurity Rules

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WEEE vs ISO 30301