Standards Comparison

    FSSC 22000

    Voluntary
    2023

    GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management systems

    VS

    ISO 17025

    Voluntary
    2017

    International standard for testing and calibration laboratory competence.

    Quick Verdict

    FSSC 22000 certifies food safety management for food chain organizations, ensuring PRPs and hazard controls. ISO 17025 accredits testing labs for competent, impartial results. Companies adopt FSSC for supply chain trust; ISO 17025 for result credibility and regulatory acceptance.

    Food Safety

    FSSC 22000

    Food Safety System Certification 22000

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme combining ISO 22000 and PRPs
    • Sector-specific PRPs for food chain categories B-K
    • Additional Requirements addressing food defense and fraud
    • PDCA management system with leadership culture objectives
    • Public register ensuring global supply chain transparency
    Laboratory Quality

    ISO 17025

    ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General requirements for testing and calibration laboratories

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Impartiality and confidentiality as core general requirements
    • Metrological traceability and measurement uncertainty evaluation
    • Personnel competence lifecycle management
    • Risk-based thinking integrated throughout
    • Accreditation options A/B with global ILAC recognition

    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 for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It applies across food chain categories like manufacturing, packaging, and logistics. The primary purpose is ensuring safe food through ISO 22000:2018 integrated with sector PRPs and additional requirements, using a risk-based PDCA approach.

    Key Components

    • **Three pillarsISO 22000 clauses 4-10, sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002-1), FSSC Additional Requirements (18 total in Version 6).
    • Covers hazard analysis, PRPs, food defense/fraud, allergens, culture, quality control.
    • Built on HACCP principles within management system framework.
    • Certification via licensed bodies with audit cycles.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets retailer mandates, enables global trade.
    • Reduces recalls, enhances supply chain trust.
    • Manages risks like adulteration, supports SDGs.
    • Builds reputation via public register.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, audits.
    • Applies to all sizes in food sectors worldwide.
    • Requires Stage 1/2 certification audits, surveillance.

    ISO 17025 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the international standard titled General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. It is an accreditation framework focused on ensuring laboratories produce technically valid, impartial, and consistent results. The standard employs a risk-based, performance-oriented approach, restructuring from prior editions to emphasize general, structural, resource, process, and management system requirements.

    Key Components

    • Eight core elements: general (impartiality/confidentiality), structural, resources (personnel, facilities, equipment, traceability), processes (methods, sampling, uncertainty, reporting), and management systems (Option A standalone or Option B with ISO 9001).
    • Over 100 clauses covering competence lifecycle, metrological traceability, measurement uncertainty, and continual improvement.
    • Built on principles of objectivity, validity, and risk thinking; leads to scope-specific accreditation by bodies like ILAC signatories.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enables market access, regulatory acceptance, and stakeholder trust in results.
    • Mitigates risks of invalid data impacting safety, compliance, and trade.
    • Provides competitive edge via global recognition and operational efficiency.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased PDCA approach: gap analysis, documentation, training, validation, audits.
    • Applies to labs of all sizes in testing/calibration; requires witnessed assessments for accreditation.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    FSSC 22000
    Food safety management systems across food chain
    ISO 17025
    Laboratory competence for testing/calibration

    Industry

    FSSC 22000
    Food manufacturing, packaging, logistics, global
    ISO 17025
    Testing/calibration labs, all industries, global

    Nature

    FSSC 22000
    GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme, voluntary
    ISO 17025
    Accreditation standard for lab competence, voluntary

    Testing

    FSSC 22000
    CB audits, surveillance/recertification, PRP verification
    ISO 17025
    AB assessments, proficiency testing, witnessed activities

    Penalties

    FSSC 22000
    Loss of certification, market exclusion
    ISO 17025
    Loss of accreditation, result non-acceptance

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about FSSC 22000 and ISO 17025

    FSSC 22000 FAQ

    ISO 17025 FAQ

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