Standards Comparison

    SOC 2

    Voluntary
    2010

    AICPA framework for Trust Services Criteria controls

    VS

    FSSC 22000

    Voluntary
    2023

    GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for food safety management.

    Quick Verdict

    SOC 2 provides data security assurance for tech service organizations via Trust Services Criteria audits, while FSSC 22000 ensures food safety through ISO 22000, PRPs, and HACCP certification. Companies adopt SOC 2 for enterprise trust; FSSC 22000 for global food chain compliance.

    Cybersecurity / Trust

    SOC 2

    System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2)

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

    Key Features

    • Type 2 reports verify operating effectiveness over 3-12 months
    • Flexible scoping of five Trust Services Criteria
    • Mandatory Security Common Criteria (CC1-CC9)
    • Independent AICPA CPA firm attestation
    • Tailored for SaaS and cloud data handlers
    Food Safety

    FSSC 22000

    Food Safety System Certification 22000 Version 6

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

    Key Features

    • Integrates ISO 22000, sector PRPs, and additional requirements
    • GFSI-benchmarked for global market access and recognition
    • Covers food chain categories from production to trading
    • Mandates food defense, fraud, and allergen management plans
    • Requires food safety culture objectives and verification

    Detailed Analysis

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

    SOC 2 Details

    What It Is

    SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is a voluntary attestation framework from the AICPA evaluating service organizations' commitments to Trust Services Criteria (TSC). It assures controls for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of customer data using a risk-based, control-focused methodology.

    Key Components

    • Five **TSCMandatory Security (CC1-CC9 Common Criteria) plus optional Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, Privacy.
    • 50-100 mapped controls with redundancy (2-3 per category).
    • Type 1 (point-in-time design) and Type 2 (operating effectiveness over 3-12 months).
    • CPA reports include auditor opinion, management assertion, system description, test results.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Accelerates enterprise sales, answers 80% of security questionnaires.
    • Mitigates breach risks, enhances resilience (99.99% uptime).
    • Builds stakeholder trust, unlocks regulated markets.
    • Competitive moat via Type 2 gold standard.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: Gap analysis (2-4 weeks), control deployment (4-8 weeks), monitoring (3-6 months), CPA audit.
    • For SaaS/cloud providers, all sizes; tools like Vanta automate.
    • Annual recertification; $20-100K cost, 6-12 months total.

    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) across food chain categories. It uses a risk-based PDCA approach, integrating management system requirements with operational controls.

    Key Components

    • ISO 22000:2018 core clauses (context, leadership, planning, operation, evaluation, improvement)
    • Sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002-1 for manufacturing)
    • 17 FSSC Additional Requirements (food defense, fraud, allergens, culture, quality control) Certified via licensed bodies per ISO 22003-1:2022.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enables global market access and buyer requirements
    • Reduces food safety risks, recalls, and liabilities
    • Builds stakeholder trust via public register
    • Supports sustainability (SDGs) and supply chain efficiency.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, internal audits, CB certification (Stage 1/2). Applies to food manufacturers, packaging, logistics worldwide; 6-12 months typical for small sites.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    SOC 2
    Security, availability, confidentiality, privacy, processing integrity
    FSSC 22000
    Food safety management, PRPs, HACCP, quality culture

    Industry

    SOC 2
    Tech, SaaS, cloud, fintech globally
    FSSC 22000
    Food chain, manufacturing, packaging, logistics worldwide

    Nature

    SOC 2
    Voluntary AICPA attestation framework
    FSSC 22000
    GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme

    Testing

    SOC 2
    Type 2 audits over 3-12 months by CPAs
    FSSC 22000
    Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance by licensed CBs

    Penalties

    SOC 2
    Lost business, no legal fines
    FSSC 22000
    Certification suspension, market exclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about SOC 2 and FSSC 22000

    SOC 2 FAQ

    FSSC 22000 FAQ

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