USA – The Foundation Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000), a globally accepted Food Safety Management Certification Scheme has launched a renewed and improved food safety system program for smaller and medium sized food manufacturers.
Dubbed ‘FSSC Development Program’, the new program is the renewed version of the FSSC Global Markets Program.
The FSSC Development Program will provide a two approach model seeking to support the expanding global food Industry and small and medium sized organizations (SMEs) in the food supply chain.
To ensure the program delivers its core mandate, it is aligned with CODEX Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) markets and fits into the FSSC 22000 structure.
As such, the program is more suitable for SMEs who want to meet the food safety requirements of their clients or have the ambition to enlarge their market access.
Organizations that conform with the FSSC Development Program requirements will have the added benefit of being listed in the public register on the FSSC website.
Compared to the FSSC Global Markets Program, Foundation FSSC 22000 has added more flexibility in the Development Program for organizations to start the Program at any one of the defined Conformity levels.
The new program also allows participant to stay at the desired level if sufficient for them and their clients. The structure of a three step Program to achieve full FSSC 22000 certification remains.
With the launch of the Development Program, the Foundation has also reviewed the pricing structure has been changed. The annual fee for food companies has been removed.
The Foundation said that this decision was made after a thorough evaluation of the Program and consultation with both food organizations and Conformity Assessment Bodies in targeted markets.
“As a nonprofit Foundation we see it as our responsibility to support the many smaller and medium sized food manufacturers around the globe to improve their food safety systems and to give them better market accessibility.
“With the improved Program and the abolition of the annual fee for food companies the Foundation further contributes to food safety worldwide,” said Cor Groenveld, Market Development Director Foundation FSSC 22000.
