What is the primary objective of FSSC 22000?

FSSC 22000's primary objective is to provide GFSI-benchmarked third-party certification ensuring organizations in the food chain deliver safe food through an integrated Food Safety Management System (FSMS). It combines ISO 22000:2018 (clauses 4–10 for PDCA-based management), sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002-1 for manufacturing), and FSSC Additional Requirements (e.g., food defense, allergen validation). This assures consistent audit integrity across categories B–K, supports supply-chain trust via a public register of 40,059 certified sites, and aligns with UN SDGs like food loss reduction.

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

No organization is legally required to comply with FSSC 22000, as it is a voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme. Professionally, it is demanded by retailers, manufacturers, and foodservice operators for suppliers in food chain categories (e.g., C for manufacturing, G for transport/storage, I for packaging). With 40,059 certified organizations worldwide, it enables market access but mandates precise scope per ISO 22003-1:2022 categories to avoid nonconformities.

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

Yes, FSSC 22000 requires external audits and third-party certification by licensed Certification Bodies (CBs) accredited per ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 and ISO 22003-1:2022. Initial certification involves Stage 1 (readiness) and Stage 2 (implementation) audits with ≥50% time on operational PRPs/control measures. Annual surveillance (1/3 initial duration + TFSSC 1–1.5 days) and recertification every 3 years follow, per Scheme Part 3.

How often should an assessment for FSSC 22000 be performed?

FSSC 22000 assessments occur via annual surveillance audits and full recertification every 3 years by licensed CBs. Internal audits must cover the full FSMS (ISO 22000, PRPs, Additional Requirements) at least annually for multi-sites, with ≥50% operational focus. Management reviews and PRP verifications (e.g., monthly site inspections per 2.5.12) are ongoing; notify CBs of serious events within 3 working days.

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

Non-compliance with FSSC 22000 results in nonconformities, certificate suspension, or withdrawal by the CB, plus market exclusion from GFSI-demanding buyers. Audits grade major/minor NCs with closure timelines; persistent issues trigger Integrity Program actions. No direct fines, but recalls, lost contracts, and regulatory scrutiny follow FSMS failures impacting food safety.

Can 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 (clauses 4–10). Shared elements include PDCA cycles, leadership (Clause 5), risk planning (Clause 6), and internal audits (Clause 9), enabling integration with quality/environmental systems while layering PRPs and Additional Requirements for food-specific depth.

What is the first step to begin implementing FSSC 22000?

The first step to implement FSSC 22000 is defining the precise certification scope per ISO 22003-1:2022 categories (e.g., C for manufacturing) and conducting a gap analysis against ISO 22000:2018, applicable PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002-1), and FSSC Additional Requirements. Secure leadership commitment via a Top Management meeting, then download free Scheme Parts 1–5 from Foundation FSSC for baseline assessment.

What is the primary objective of ISO 19600?

ISO 19600 provides guidelines for establishing, developing, implementing, evaluating, maintaining, and improving an effective Compliance Management System (CMS). Published in 2014 as a Type B guidance standard, it follows a risk-based, PDCA structure across ten clauses mirroring Annex SL, emphasizing principles of good governance, proportionality, transparency, and sustainability. Applicable to all organization sizes and sectors, it integrates compliance obligations—statutory, regulatory, contractual, and voluntary—into governance without mandatory requirements.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with ISO 19600?

No organization is legally required to comply with ISO 19600, as it is a voluntary Type B guidance standard, not certifiable or mandatory. It applies universally to any entity facing compliance obligations, including financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, public sector, SMEs, and startups. Professionals such as Chief Compliance Officers, risk officers, and governance leads use it to benchmark CMS against regulator expectations, demonstrating structured risk management to stakeholders.

Does ISO 19600 require an external audit or third-party certification?

ISO 19600 does not require external audits or third-party certification, being a non-certifiable guidance document. Organizations conduct internal audits per Clause 9.2 (aligned with ISO 19011) and self-assessments for performance evaluation. It enables benchmarking CMS effectiveness for regulators, partners, or internal governance, unlike successor ISO 37301.

How often should an assessment for ISO 19600 be performed?

ISO 19600 assessments should occur at planned intervals via monitoring, measurement, internal audits (Clause 9), and management reviews (Clause 9.3), with reassessments triggered by changes in context, obligations, risks, or incidents (Clause 4.6). Quarterly management reviews and annual audits are typical; horizon scanning ensures ongoing relevance of compliance obligations and risks.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with ISO 19600?

There are no direct consequences for non-compliance with ISO 19600 itself, as it imposes no legal obligations. However, lacking an aligned CMS heightens exposure to regulatory fines, operational disruptions, reputational damage, and higher insurance costs from unaddressed compliance risks, as illustrated by cases of major institutions facing severe fines for weak controls.

Can ISO 19600 be mapped to other international frameworks?

Yes, ISO 19600 can be mapped to other international frameworks due to its Annex SL high-level structure and PDCA cycle. Its clauses (context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement) integrate seamlessly with existing systems, enabling unified risk registers, shared audits, and proportional controls without duplication.

What is the first step to begin implementing ISO 19600?

The first step is securing top-management commitment and establishing a Compliance Steering Committee (Phase 0, Clause 5). Appoint a CCO-equivalent, define CMS scope (Clause 4.3), and produce a signed commitment charter, ensuring leadership endorsement and cross-functional oversight before contextual analysis and gap assessment.

Standards Comparison

FSSC 22000 vs ISO 19600

FSSC 22000

Voluntary

2023

GFSI-benchmarked scheme for food safety management systems

ISO 19600

Voluntary

2014

International guidelines for compliance management systems.

Quick Verdict

FSSC 22000 delivers GFSI-recognized food safety certification for food chain organizations, while ISO 19600 provides compliance management guidelines for all sectors. Food companies adopt FSSC for global market access; others use ISO 19600 for systematic obligation management.

Food Safety

FSSC 22000

Food Safety System Certification 22000 Version 6

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

GFSI-benchmarked certification combining ISO 22000 and PRPs
Additional requirements for food defense and fraud mitigation
Covers full food chain categories B-K with sector PRPs
Mandates 50% operational audit time for PRPs and controls
Dynamic BoS decisions and Version 6 sustainability focus

Compliance Management

ISO 19600

ISO 19600:2014 Compliance management systems — Guidelines

Cost

€€€

Complexity

Medium

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Risk-based CMS guidelines for all organizations
Principles of good governance and proportionality
PDCA cycle with Annex SL structure
Integration with existing management systems
Scalable non-certifiable benchmarking framework

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 Version 6) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It applies across food chain categories (B-K), using a PDCA-based, risk-focused approach integrating ISO 22000:2018 requirements.

Key Components

Three pillars: ISO 22000 clauses 4-10, sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002 series), FSSC Additional Requirements (18 total, covering defense, fraud, allergens, culture).
Over 100 combined requirements with PRP verification and 50% operational audits.
Built on HACCP principles within management system framework.
Third-party certification by licensed CBs per ISO 22003-1:2022.

Why Organizations Use It

Enables global market access and buyer acceptance.
Reduces recalls, enhances supply chain trust via public register.
Manages emerging risks like fraud, defense, sustainability (SDGs).
Builds reputation through rigorous, consistent audits.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, audits (6-24 months).
Applies to manufacturers, packagers, logistics across sizes.
Requires initial/recertification audits, surveillance, BoS updates.

ISO 19600 Details

What It Is

ISO 19600:2014, officially Compliance management systems — Guidelines, is a Type B guidance standard from the International Organization for Standardization. It provides recommendations for establishing, implementing, evaluating, maintaining, and improving a Compliance Management System (CMS). The risk-based approach applies to all organization sizes and sectors, using a PDCA cycle aligned with Annex SL structure.

Key Components

Ten clauses covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
Core principles: good governance, proportionality, transparency, sustainability.
No fixed number of controls; scalable to risks.
Non-certifiable benchmarking tool (superseded by certifiable ISO 37301).

Why Organizations Use It

Mitigates regulatory penalties, operational disruptions, reputational damage.
Enhances decision-making, efficiency (10-20% cost savings), market access.
Builds integrity culture, future-proofs for certification.
Demonstrates compliance to stakeholders.

Implementation Overview

Phased roadmap: leadership commitment, gap analysis, design, rollout, improvement.
Scalable for SMEs to multinationals, all industries.
No formal certification; internal audits and self-assessments.

Key Differences

Aspect	FSSC 22000	ISO 19600
Scope	Food safety management systems across food chain	Compliance management systems for all obligations
Industry	Food manufacturing, packaging, logistics, retail	All industries, sectors, organization types worldwide
Nature	GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme	Non-certifiable guidelines (withdrawn, replaced by ISO 37301)
Testing	Licensed CB audits, surveillance, recertification cycles	Internal audits, management reviews, self-assessments
Penalties	Loss of certification, market access denial	No direct penalties (guidance only)

Scope

FSSC 22000

Food safety management systems across food chain

ISO 19600

Compliance management systems for all obligations

Industry

FSSC 22000

Food manufacturing, packaging, logistics, retail

ISO 19600

All industries, sectors, organization types worldwide

Nature

FSSC 22000

GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme

ISO 19600

Non-certifiable guidelines (withdrawn, replaced by ISO 37301)

Testing

FSSC 22000

Licensed CB audits, surveillance, recertification cycles

ISO 19600

Internal audits, management reviews, self-assessments

Penalties

FSSC 22000

Loss of certification, market access denial

ISO 19600

No direct penalties (guidance only)

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about FSSC 22000 and ISO 19600

FSSC 22000 FAQ

ISO 19600 FAQ

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Key Components

Three pillars: ISO 22000 clauses 4-10, sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002 series), FSSC Additional Requirements (18 total, covering defense, fraud, allergens, culture).

Over 100 combined requirements with PRP verification and 50% operational audits.

Built on HACCP principles within management system framework.

Third-party certification by licensed CBs per ISO 22003-1:2022.

What It Is

Key Components

Ten clauses covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.

Core principles: good governance, proportionality, transparency, sustainability.

No fixed number of controls; scalable to risks.

Non-certifiable benchmarking tool (superseded by certifiable ISO 37301).

Aspect

FSSC 22000

ISO 19600

Scope

Food safety management systems across food chain

Compliance management systems for all obligations

Industry

Food manufacturing, packaging, logistics, retail

All industries, sectors, organization types worldwide

Nature

GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme

Non-certifiable guidelines (withdrawn, replaced by ISO 37301)

Testing

Licensed CB audits, surveillance, recertification cycles

Internal audits, management reviews, self-assessments

Penalties

Loss of certification, market access denial

No direct penalties (guidance only)