FSSC 22000
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety management systems
ISO 30301
International standard for records management systems
Quick Verdict
FSSC 22000 delivers GFSI-benchmarked food safety certification for food chains, ensuring PRPs and hazard controls. ISO 30301 provides records management systems for evidential governance across sectors. Companies adopt FSSC for supply chain trust; ISO 30301 for compliance and auditability.
FSSC 22000
Food Safety System Certification 22000
Key Features
- GFSI-benchmarked scheme combining ISO 22000, PRPs, additional requirements
- Covers full food chain categories from handling to packaging
- Mandates food defense, fraud mitigation, and allergen validation
- Requires PDCA management system with HACCP/OPRP/CCP controls
- Version 6 adds culture, quality control, equipment management
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records Requirements
Key Features
- High-Level Structure for management system integration
- Normative Annex A operational records controls
- Explicit records requirements from context analysis
- Top management accountability and policy
- Flexible conformity pathways including certification
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 via ISO 22000:2018 integrated with sector PRPs and additional requirements, using a risk-based PDCA approach with HACCP principles.
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 governance, operations, PRP verification, food defense/fraud, allergens, culture, quality control.
- Built on PDCA cycle; certification via licensed CBs with defined audit durations and reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
Provides market access, buyer trust, reduced recalls; voluntary but often required by retailers. Enhances risk management, supply chain integrity, sustainability (SDGs). Builds reputation via public register.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, audits. Applies to all sizes/industries in food chain; 6-24 months typical. Involves Stage 1/2 certification audits, surveillance/recertification every 3 years.
ISO 30301 Details
What It Is
ISO 30301:2019 (Information and documentation — Management systems for records — Requirements) is an international, certifiable standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Management System for Records (MSR). It ensures organizations create and control reliable evidence of business activities, using a High-Level Structure (HLS) with risk-based planning across Clauses 4–10.
Key Components
- **Clauses 4–10Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- **Annex A (normative)Operational controls for records lifecycle (creation, capture, access, retention, disposition).
- Core principles: Authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability.
- Conformity pathways: Self-declaration, external confirmation, third-party certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal/regulatory records obligations.
- Mitigates risks like evidence loss or noncompliance.
- Boosts efficiency, auditability, and information value.
- Integrates with ISO 9001, 27001 for unified governance.
- Enhances stakeholder trust and transparency.
Implementation Overview
Phased: Gap analysis, policy/roles design, operational controls, audits. Scalable for any organization/size/industry. Certification via accredited bodies optional.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FSSC 22000 | ISO 30301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety management systems across food chain | Records management systems for any organization |
| Industry | Food chain: manufacturing, packaging, logistics, retail | All sectors: public, private, any organization type |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme, voluntary | Management system standard, voluntary certification |
| Testing | CB audits: initial, surveillance, recertification; 50% operational | Internal audits, management review; optional third-party certification |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market access denial | No legal penalties, loss of certification/self-declaration |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FSSC 22000 and ISO 30301
FSSC 22000 FAQ
ISO 30301 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

Your Guide to Implementing PCI DSS in Your Organization
Step-by-step guide to implementing PCI DSS in your organization. Achieve compliance, protect cardholder data, and reduce risks. Start securing payments today!

The Tool Landscape for Reaching and Maintaining ISO 27701 Compliance
Discover the top tools for ISO 27701 compliance. Compare functionality, complexity, costs, and benefits to choose the best solution for your privacy program. Ac

The Regulatory Radar: How Data-Driven Compliance Tools Provide Strategic Foresight
Unlock strategic foresight with data-driven compliance tools. Act as your regulatory radar: real-time monitoring, automated insights, and 3x cost cuts. Anticipa
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
AEO vs ISO 37001
AEO vs ISO 37001: Compare customs security (AEO) & anti-bribery systems (ISO 37001). Reduce risks, ensure compliance & unlock trade benefits. Discover differences now!
PMBOK vs IFS Food
Compare PMBOK vs IFS Food: Unlock key differences in project governance & food safety standards. Tailor PMBOK principles for IFS compliance—boost efficiency, cut risks now!
UL Certification vs GLBA
Discover UL Certification vs GLBA: UL ensures product safety via marks, testing & audits; GLBA mandates financial data privacy & safeguards. Compare requirements & boost compliance now!