Food safety is very important for companies that make food. To keep food safe, the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) has made strict rules that food companies must follow. Because of these rules, many food businesses now prefer to buy packaging from suppliers who also follow food safety standards.
Do you know what are the most important safety rules? The one important safety rule is HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). This plan finds and reduces the chances of any risks that can lead to unsafe food. When food packaging companies follow this plan of HACCP and other food safety rules, they help keep food safe for everyone.
One of the best certifications for food packaging companies is FSSC 22000. This certification proves that the packaging materials are safe and meet international food safety rules. The certification now covers packaging design and materials, with over 1,200 packaging companies already certified.
With the help of FSSC 22000 certification, packaging companies show that their products are safe for food. It has become a perfect choice for food manufacturers and big retailers.
What is FSSC 22000?
FSSC 22000 Certification (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a worldwide food safety certificate. It is based on ISO 22000 standards and includes extra rules for packaging safety (ISO/TS 22002-4, previously called PAS 223).
Main Focus Areas of FSSC 22000
➜ Clear Communication – Helps share important food safety information across the supply chain to avoid problems.
➜ Basic Safety Rules – Follows rules like Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to keep packaging clean and safe.
➜ Risk Control (HACCP) – Find possible risks and problems in packaging and take steps to protect them.
What is FSSC 22000 Certification for Food Packaging?
FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) is a global certificate that helps companies make safe food packaging. It follows ISO 22000 rules and has extra safety steps for different types of packaging.
Who needs this certification? This certification is for companies that make packaging materials like plastic, paper, metal, and glass. When a company gets FSSC 22000, it proves that its packaging is safe and meets international food safety standards.
Aspects of FSSC 22000 for Food Packaging
➜ Primary and Secondary Packaging: Makes sure all packaging, whether it touches the food directly or not, is safe.
➜ Smart Safety Measures: Finds possible issues in packaging and takes steps to prevent them.
➜ Works Hand in Hand with ISO 22000: Works well with other food safety rules already in place.
➜ Accepted Globally: Trusted by stores, food makers, and government agencies around the world.
Requirements for this FSSC 22000 packaging standard Include
➜ Strong Leadership
➜ Internal audits
➜ Facility conditions
➜ Employee hygiene
➜ Employee training
➜ Control of incoming products
➜ Finding and Removing Unsafe Products
➜ Pest control
➜ Record keeping and documentation
How to Get FSSC 22000 Certified for Food Packaging
The FSSC 22000 certification provides standards to food packaging manufacturers who produce materials based on glass along with paper, plastic, metal, and board materials that will have food contact. To get certified, packaging manufacturers must follow international food safety regulations and keep their processes updated to meet these standards.
The certification process for FSSC 22000 for packaging manufacturers includes these general steps:
➜ Pre-Audit (Optional) – Manufacturers have the choice to request a brief examination that finds potential concerns before conducting the complete audit. This stage is known as the Pre-Audit.
➜ Application & Proposal – The company prepares a strategic approach according to the business dimensions and its internal operations. Once approved, the audit starts.
➜ On-Site Audit – The experts conduct an On-Site Audit to evaluate every procedure and substance and safety procedure against FSSC 22000 standards.
➜ Long-Term Certification Support– FSSC 22000 certification requires businesses to do regular audits during the long-term operational period. The active status of FSSC 22000 certification lasts three years until companies need to renew their certification.
Not sure if your packaging process complies with FSSC 22000? Contact our experts for a free consultation.
Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification for Food Packaging
➜ Keeping Food Safe for Everyone: Packaging must always be totally clean with safety intact to be ready for direct food use.
➜ Global Entry: The global entry program enhances business international sales through international safety compliance.
➜ Good Name: FSSC 22000 certification establishes a positive brand image because it proves food safety management’s dedication to customers.
➜ Finding and fixing problems: The system detects packaging dangers beforehand, and it becomes a problem while performing fixes simultaneously.
➜ Go Green Goals: The goals of Go Green support business packaging using sustainable materials while maintaining responsible environmental practices.
➜ Staying Legal and Safe: The system maintains complete compliance with food safety regulations as well as industry requirements.
Common Challenges in Achieving FSSC 22000 Certification for Food Packaging
FSSC 22000 certification can provide many opportunities for your business. It is great for packaging companies, but some find it hard to follow the rules. Here are common problems and simple ways to fix them.
1. Missing or Unclear Records
The main problem of various companies failing the audit is that they don’t have proper records of their food safety steps. If there’s no proof of safety checks or improper documents, it’s hard to pass.
➜ Solution:
- Write down all food safety steps and keep them organized.
- Use a simple system to store and update important documents.
- Regularly check and update your safety rules to match the latest standards.
2. Unsafe Packaging Materials
Packaging is something that consumers get connected to at first, it touches that food must be safe and follow rules of global safety. If a company uses unsafe materials, your company may face some legal issues or lose its certification.
➜ Solution:
- You can select to buy packaging only from trusted, certified suppliers.
- Ask suppliers for safety certificates before buying.
- Check regularly to make sure suppliers follow food safety rules.
3. Missing Tracking in Production
Keeping track of products is important for food safety. If there are any issues, companies need to make more efforts to find and remove unsafe products quickly. If a company doesn’t have a good tracking system, it’s tough for them to know where the problem started, which can make food unsafe.
➜ Solution:
- You can use batch numbers, barcodes, or QR codes to keep an eye at every stage.
- Keep digital records to check packaging materials and production history.
- Set up a tracking system that makes it easy to find and fix any issues.
4. Poor Supplier Oversight
Some suppliers don’t always follow food safety rules. If they don’t follow the right standards, this mistake can cause your company’s brand role and reputation.
➜ Solution
- Set clear food safety requirements for all suppliers.
- Regularly check suppliers to make sure they follow food safety rules.
- Ask an independent expert to check the supplier’s practices before making a deal.
Read more: Top Challenges in FSSC 22000 Implementation and How to Overcome Them
5. Poor Employee Learning
Even with good systems, mistakes can happen if workers are not trained properly. Employees need to know the food safety rules and follow them every day.
➜ Solution
- Train all workers regularly on food safety.
- Teach them about cleanliness, record-keeping, and tracking products.
- Give refresher courses to keep them updated on any new rules.
Fixing these common problems can help companies get and keep their FSSC 22000 certification. Keeping proper records, choosing reliable suppliers, tracking products, and training employees will follow the rules, keep food safe, and make the business run smoothly.
Not sure where to start? Contact us for support in achieving FSSC 22000 certification for your packaging business
Case Study: Successful FSSC 22000 Certification for Food Packaging
Company Background
A leading Indian packaging manufacturer that specializes in biodegradable and recyclable food packaging materials wanted to enter foreign markets.
Challenges Faced
➜ Safety process documentation was not systematic.
➜ We could not confirm that raw material suppliers met the required standards.
➜ There was no proper training of employees on food safety and hygiene.
How They Overcame the Challenges
➜ They performed a comprehensive gap analysis and rearranged documentation procedures.
➜ We carried out supplier audits and material tests to verify their compliance.
➜ We trained employees on FSSC 22000 regulations and carried out simulated audits.
➜ The company achieved FSSC 22000 certification after passing the certification audit successfully.
➜ Result: Major food brands worldwide awarded the company their contracts because the company expanded its market reach.
Want to see similar success in your business? Schedule a consultation with our FSSC 22000 experts today.
Difference Between ISO 2200 And FSSC Certification For Packaging
| Parameters | ISO 22000 | FSSC 22000 |
| Coverage and Use | A generic food safety management standard applies to all organizations in the food chain, regardless of size or sector. | A sector-specific scheme based on ISO 22000, tailored specifically as a guide for food manufacturers and processors. |
| Extra Rules | No additional requirements are explicitly covered in ISO 22000. | Includes additional requirements, such as food defense, food fraud prevention, and allergen management |
| Certification Bodies | It can be certified by any accredited certification body. | Certification is only granted by certification bodies approved by the Foundation for Food Safety Certification |
| Recognition by GFSI | ISO 22000 is not automatically GFSI recognized but can be used to achieve GFSI recognition. | Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative, sets global food safety standards benchmarks. |
| Industry-Specific Sections | Generic standard without specific industry modules. | Offers sector-specific modules that address the unique requirements of different food industry segments. |
Why Choose Our Services for FSSC 22000 Certification?
➜ Helpful Advice: Experience with food safety certifications over the decade.
➜ Personalized Help: The food packaging industry benefits from tailored strategies.
➜ Complete Assistance: We provided certification services from the initial gap analysis through to successful certification.
➜ Successful Outcomes: Our team has guided hundreds of companies through the process of gaining global compliance.
See the Bright Future of Your Food Packaging Business With Legal4sure
FSSC 22000 certification guarantees that your food packaging materials fulfill international safety requirements while expanding market opportunities and supporting worldwide sustainability initiatives. To successfully address typical certification challenges, companies should implement a systematic approach while providing ongoing training and expert guidance.
Any type of compliance challenge should not limit your company’s growth. Our inquiry form below will connect you with experts who can guide your food packaging company through the FSSC 22000 certification process. If you want to succeed in your food packaging business, contact us at +91 9310655040 and make a mark in the industry.
