Food safety is essential, and a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) helps make sure everything is done right. Internal audits are like regular checkups to see if food safety rules are followed and if everything works well. However, there are some challenges in FSSC 22000 certification that organizations can experience when adopting audit certification. This is the world-acknowledged food safety management system. These can be considered potential challenges, and developing strategies and ways to address them is important to achieving certification and compliance.
Legal4sure can help you to overcome challenges in FSSC 22000 certification that you may face in your business while getting certification. Contact us to easily get the FSSC 22000 certification.
Read More: FSSC 22000 Version 6: Everything You Need to Know
The Standards
Various food safety standards provide clear guidelines for conducting internal audits. Here’s what they include:
| FSSC 22000 version 6
ISO 22000:2018 |
8.8.1 Verification (ISO 22000)
9.2 Internal Audit (ISO 22000) 2.5.12 Site Inspections (FSSC 22000) |
| CODEX HACCP 2020 | 3.11.2 Verification Procedures |
| MS 1480:2019 | 6.3.7.4 Internal Audit |
| BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 | 3.2.1 Records
3.4.1 Internal Audit Program 3.4.2 Training and Independence 3.4.4 Documented Inspections. |
Recent Market Trends and Developments in FSSC 22000 Certification
1. Expanded Industry Use
As consumers focus on safe and environmentally friendly products, players in the value chain such as dairy players, bakers, packaged foods, and beverages are seeking FSSC 22000 certification.
2. Technology Solutions for Easy FSSC 22000 Compliance
As observed in the new version of FSSC 22000, the technological solution you implement should help your business focus on quality and food safety. This technology can help in risk analysis and verification, and it also makes the documentation management less of a challenge in FSSC 22000 certification, especially when it comes to audits and internal preparation.
SoftExpert offers a simple software solution for food safety management that meets global rules. The SoftExpert Excellence Suite helps businesses follow FSSC 22000, reduce costs, improve success, increase productivity, and lower risks.
3. Green Focus
FSSC 22000 also includes sustainability as a key process parameter, consistent with current attempts at controlling food waste and optimizing resources.
Every company getting certification for a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) faces common mistakes in FSSC 22000 audit preparation. Understanding and addressing these issues is key to ensuring food safety. Let’s explore Food safety management system implementation issues and how to overcome them.
Top Challenges in FSSC 22000 Certification and Their Solutions
The common issues in FSSC 22000 implementation can make your FSSC 22000 audit certification difficult to pass. So, you need to overcome FSSC 22000 certification hurdles for a successful audit. Some major FSSC 22000 compliance difficulties are:
1. Lack of Smart Resource Planning
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Challenge
A common issue is the lack of enough funds and/or manpower required to support the implementation process among many organizations. Such considerations include the cost that would be incurred in certification, limited personnel knowledge, and other hindrances that provide little incentives for food safety schemes.
- Solution
To solve FSSC 22000 certification challenges, the following criteria should be fulfilled by organizations:
➔ Showcase Long-Term Benefits: Discuss what FSSC 22000 is and how enterprises can benefit from implementing it as a plan for installing a food safety management system that can lead to long-term gains of customer loyalty due to efficiency, good company image, and efficiency to the international standard.
➔ Focus on Key Areas: Initially, pay more attention to the implementation of core strategies. And analyze the cost accurately.
2. Team Growth and Learning
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Challenge
Implementing change requires more effort, especially when employees and management are resistant to the change because they resist the use of new systems or processes. Likely delays in implementation can also be attributed to inadequate assessment of the FSSC 22000.
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Solution
Specific measures to increase active participation are:
➔ Detailed Training Programs: Educate the staff who work in the food safety department about the different tasks to perform.
➔ Involve Employees Early: Include employees in planning to make them feel involved and lower resistance to change.
3. Detailed Paperwork Needs
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Challenge
FSSC 22000 facilitates the detailed paperwork, preparing the essential documentation can be quite tiresome and challenging, particularly for SMEs. Documentation is required at every level of food safety processes; however, it might not be very easy.
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Solution
To handle the problems that arise concerning documentation productivity
➔ Implement a Document Management System: Make sure that the use of technology in making document storage and retrieval is easy to maintain.
➔ Regularly Review Documentation: Audits should be regularly done to maintain that all records are current and accurate to set record standards.
4. Smooth System Connection And Technology Integration
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Challenge
Organizations with pre-existing food safety management practices may find it difficult to integrate FSSC 22000 requirements into their current systems without causing disruption.
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Solution
The strategies of integration include:
➔ Gap Analysis: Check and analyze the practices against FSSC 22000 requirements to find out areas of improvement.
➔ Smooth Processes: Match new requirements with current workflows to avoid repetition and improve better functioning.
5. Top-Level Support
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Challenge
FSSC 22000 must be supported by good leadership. The issue may be resolved at a very slow rate because it becomes very difficult to get the required support and resources if top management is not participating in implementing the solution.
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Solution
Management Review Checklist is:
➔ Look for any internal or external changes that could impact the food safety system.
➔ Keep track of updates, monitoring results, and safety checks.
➔ Examine problems found, actions taken to fix them, and audit results.
➔ Go over reports from regulatory or customer inspections.
➔ See how well external providers are performing.
➔ Review risks, opportunities, and the steps taken to address them.
➔ It is required to set specific, measurable goals for food safety that can be linked to the strategic directions of the organization.
6. Effective Follow-Up in Internal Audits
It is not easy to track corrective actions to solve FSSC 22000 certification challenges and evaluate how effective such actions are. Simplify the process with these steps:
- Stay Updated: This means that auditors are always up to date with new policies on the market to complete the training process.
- Organize Documents: Use a document management system and technology in the review processes in place.
- Open Communication: Involves the employees in gathering data and in identifying, correcting, and recommending changes for non-compliance.
- Structured Follow-Up: Provide time frames that need to be followed to rectify the problems, use technology for tracking, and use cross-functional teams for managing problems.
Benefits of Overcoming Challenges in FSSC 22000 Certification
Successfully implementing FSSC 22000 certification provides numerous advantages:
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Safer Food Practices
Cuts the risks and strengthens compliance with the global requirements for food safety.
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New Market Opportunities
Increases eligibility for partnerships with international retailers and distributors.
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Better Resource Management
Reduction of costs through elimination of unnecessary processes in the course of business activities.
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Client Trustworthiness
Establishes a reliability and quality standard that enables it to attract loyal customers.
As for now, we have learnt about what challenges in FSSC 22000 certification can occur during its process and how we can overcome them. So now, let’s understand what the requirements for FSSC 22000 certification are and how to achieve FSSC 22000 audit certification.
Requirements for FSSC 22000 certification
FSSC 22000 certification is formed on the base of ISO 22000 standards, and the requirements of Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs) for food chain sectors or other industries, as well as FSSC 22000 requirements. Here’s a concise overview:
- Food Safety Management System (FSMS): Develop, apply, and sustain an efficient FSMS by ISO 22000.
- Smart Risk Planning: To control for risks tied to foods, you should study Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
- Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs): Organise PRPs specially adapted for your sector, like hygiene, pest control, and equipment maintenance.
- Clear Path Tracking: Develop processes that track the raw materials, processes, and products across the supply cycle.
- Lawful Practices: Follow the relevant food safety regulations and standards.
- In-House Inspections: Conduct cross-checks to determine how well practices are being maintained regarding food safety principles.
Documentation Requirements for FSSC 22000 Certification
To satisfy the FSSC 22000 documentation challenges, the company should have:
- Food Safety Policy
- Hazard Control Plan
- FSMS or Management Manual
- Procedures
- Food Safety Improvement Plan (monitoring food safety objectives and targets)
- Food Defence Plan
- Food Fraud Mitigation Plan
- Emergency Plan
- Allergen Management Plan
- Records for OPRP and CCP monitoring
- Register for nonconformances and corrective action
- Environmental Monitoring Plan
Learn More Blog: Cost of FSSC 22000 Certification
Case Studies of FSSC 22000 Implementation in Different Industries
Case 1: FSSC 22000 Implementation in Rice Mills
Challenges
- High risk of contamination due to manual handling and unhygienic storage.
- Lack of proper supply chain tracking.
- Inconsistent rice quality affecting market credibility.
Solution
- We conducted a complete gap analysis aligned with FSSC 22000 standards.
- Our experts helped them to integrate technological upgrades in storage and processing units.
- Facilitated employee training on hygiene and critical control points in their rice mill.
- Developed a structured food safety management system (FSMS) modified to rice mills.
Results
- 30% reduction in contamination levels post-implementation.
- Discovery of better and more compliant supply sources.
- Increased productivity and uniform rice quality.
- Improved compliance led to increased customer trust and contract opportunities.
Case 2: FSSC 22000 Certification in the Dairy Processing Industry
Challenges
- Inadequate temperature monitoring during milk processing.
- Contamination threats due to poor traceability.
- Difficulty in meeting international market compliance.
Solution
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- We guided the company through a six-month certification roadmap.
- Implemented powerful traceability systems across the supply chain.
- Introduced automated monitoring tools for temperature control.
- Our experts conducted regular internal audits and risk assessments.
Results
- Improved safety and cleanliness of dairy products.
- Reduced contamination incidents significantly.
- Achieved FSSC 22000 certification within six months.
- Gained eligibility to enter international dairy markets, boosting exports.
Steps to Achieve FSSC 22000 Certification with Legal4sure
At Legal4sure, we have helped several hundred companies through the process of achieving FSSC 22000 certification. Here’s how we ease the process:
1. Initial Consultation
- Learn about your operations, production of food and supply chain, and existing food safety management systems.
- Conduct a gap analysis to find areas requiring improvement.
2. Customized Action Plan
- Although addressing such concerns requires the improvement of its training material, documentation, and risk assessments, the organization should conduct a specific program for each department.
- Distribute tasks when and for what exactly is to be done in the implementation stage.
3. Implementation Support
- Support factors that involve the implementation of HACCP plans and PRPs, among other procedures.
- Make sure to offer means for controlling and recording compliance efforts.
4. Internal Audits
- It is necessary to make pre-certification audits to be ready for approval.
- Propose measures for correcting areas of weakness in compliance.
5. Final Certification Audit
- To facilitate coordination with certification bodies.
- Ensure you give your cooperation during the external audit if there is any proof they should attend to or need to peruse.
6. Continuous Improvement
- Provide whatever might be needed to help the organization continue to remain compliant after certification.
- Conduct periodic training sessions and internal audits.
Why choose Legal4sure to overcome challenges in FSSC 22000 certification?
Choosing Legal4sure to overcome challenges in FSSC 22000 certification that you may face and getting the FSSC 22000 certification easily and smoothly will be the best choice to grow your business.
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Proven Track Record
We don’t just promise results — we deliver them consistently. With 6,500+ successful certification projects across diverse industries, Legal4sure has become a trusted name in food safety compliance and global standard implementation.
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Expert Guidance
Benefit from our strategic network of over 25+ accredited certification bodies. This ensures fast-tracked audits, precise documentation, and smooth approvals modified to your industry and market goals.
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Trusted by Industry Leaders
Our client includes global leaders like Amazon, Adani Group, Tata Consumer Products Limited, and Walmart — a reflection of the trust and results we bring to the table. But our real pride? Uplifting small and medium businesses with the same level of dedication and expertise as industry leaders.
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100% Success Rate
At Legal4sure, every client counts. Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise, we guarantee a 100% certification success rate, ensuring that your business meets global food safety benchmarks without hassle or delay.
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Want to know more about FSSC 22000 Certification?
Implementing FSSC 22000 certification is a revolution for your business since it increases food safety, operational organization, and market accessibility. Altogether, these are the problems that exist, but they can be solved if proper strategy and adequate experience are used.
Contact us now!
Contact No: +91-9310655040, +91 9971894121
Email: info@legal4sure.in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common non-conformities in FSSC 22000 audits?
- Documentation Overload and Ineffective Management
- Employee Training and Awareness
- Ignoring Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)
- Inadequate Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Implementation
- Lack of Systematic Safety Process Documentation
- Supplier Audits and Material Verification
- Failing to Address Additional Requirements of FSSC 22000 V6
How long does it take to resolve FSSC 22000 non-conformities?
In FSSC 22000, the timeline for resolving non-conformities depends on the complexity of the business. Major non-conformities require a response within 10 days, while minor ones have a 90-day timeframe, with a separate audit conducted between six weeks and six months after the regular audit.
How can I improve food safety documentation for FSSC 22000?
To improve food safety documentation for FSSC 22000, ensure your documentation is complete, accurate, and easily accessible, reflecting your food safety management system (FSMS) and adhering to FSSC 22000 requirements.
Why do companies fail FSSC 22000 audits?
Companies often fail FSSC 22000 audits due to non-compliance with the standard’s requirements, inadequate food safety controls, poor documentation, lack of training, and ineffective management of processes.
