NIST CSF
Voluntary framework for cybersecurity risk management
FSSC 22000
GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for food safety management.
Quick Verdict
NIST CSF offers voluntary cybersecurity risk management for all organizations, while FSSC 22000 mandates certified food safety systems for food chain entities. Companies adopt NIST CSF for flexible cyber resilience; FSSC 22000 for GFSI compliance and market access.
NIST CSF
NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
Key Features
- Introduces Govern function for strategic oversight
- Six core Functions spanning cybersecurity lifecycle
- Four Implementation Tiers assess maturity levels
- Profiles enable current-target gap analysis
- Mappings to ISO 27001, NIST 800-53 standards
FSSC 22000
Food Safety System Certification 22000
Key Features
- Combines ISO 22000, PRPs, and additional requirements
- GFSI-benchmarked for global retailer acceptance
- Food defense and fraud vulnerability assessments
- Sector-specific PRPs for food chain categories
- Mandatory environmental monitoring and allergen validation
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
NIST CSF Details
What It Is
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 is a voluntary, risk-based guideline for managing cybersecurity risks. Developed by NIST, it provides flexible structure for organizations across sizes and sectors to identify, protect against, detect, respond to, recover from, and govern cyber threats. Its core approach emphasizes outcomes over prescriptive controls, using a common language for risk communication.
Key Components
- **Six Core FunctionsGovern (new), Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover.
- **Hierarchical structure22 Categories, 112 Subcategories with informative references to standards like ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53.
- **Implementation TiersPartial to Adaptive for maturity assessment.
- **ProfilesCurrent and Target for prioritization; no formal certification, self-attestation used.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances risk management, fosters board-level discussions, demonstrates due care, aids compliance (mandatory for U.S. federal), improves supply chain oversight, builds stakeholder trust via shared vocabulary and measurable outcomes.
Implementation Overview
Start with Current Profile gap analysis, prioritize via Tiers, leverage free NIST tools/mappings. Applicable globally, scalable for SMEs to enterprises; involves policy development, training, monitoring; audits optional via third-parties.
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, using a risk-based PDCA approach integrated with HACCP principles.
Key Components
- **Three pillarsISO 22000:2018 (management system), sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002 series), FSSC Additional Requirements (e.g., food defense, fraud, allergens).
- Over 100 requirements across clauses 4-10, PRPs, and 18+ additional items.
- Built on ISO harmonized structure; certification via licensed bodies per ISO 22003-1:2022.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates, enables global market access.
- Reduces recalls, enhances supply chain trust via public register.
- Manages risks like adulteration, supports SDGs (e.g., food waste).
- Builds competitive edge with 40,000+ certified sites worldwide.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, audits (Stage 1/2).
- Applies to SMEs to globals in food sectors; 6-24 months typical.
- Requires CB audits, surveillance; voluntary but buyer-driven.
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIST CSF | FSSC 22000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity risk management across 6 functions | Food safety management with PRPs and HACCP |
| Industry | All sectors worldwide, any organization size | Food chain sectors (manufacturing, packaging, logistics) |
| Nature | Voluntary risk management framework, no certification | GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme, mandatory audits |
| Testing | Self-assessment via Profiles and Tiers | Third-party certification audits, surveillance cycles |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of risk posture | Loss of certification, market access denial |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIST CSF and FSSC 22000
NIST CSF FAQ
FSSC 22000 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

The CIS Controls v8.1 Evidence Pack: What Auditors Ask For (and How to Produce Proof Fast)
Fail CIS Controls v8.1 audits due to missing evidence? Get the blueprint: exact artifacts auditors want, repository structure, and automation from security tool

NIST CSF 2.0 Supply Chain Risk Management: Complete Playbook with Profiles, Tiers, and Vendor Assessment Templates
Master NIST CSF 2.0 ID.SC supply chain risk management with vendor assessment templates, profile gap analysis, and tier strategies. Mitigate third-party threats

Top 5 Unseen Complexities Modern Compliance Software Effortlessly Manages
Uncover top 5 unseen complexities modern compliance software manages effortlessly—from sensitive data mapping to real-time regulatory shifts. Automate audits, i
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
PIPEDA vs ISO 26000
Compare PIPEDA vs ISO 26000: Canada's privacy law meets global SR guidance. Uncover differences in data protection, ethics & compliance. Align both for trust & resilience—read now!
APRA CPS 234 vs ISO 21001
Compare APRA CPS 234 vs ISO 21001: Cyber resilience for finance meets ed mgmt excellence. Key diffs in governance, controls & compliance. Boost your strategy—read now!
CMMC vs GRI
Compare CMMC cybersecurity for DoD vs GRI sustainability standards. Explore key differences in levels, scoping, audits & impacts to align compliance, cut risks & gain strategic edge now.