FSSC Development Program
Providing a two-level approach to support SMEs in the food supply chain to build and maintain an effective food safety system, with a smooth pathway toward full FSSC 22000 certification.
FSSC Development Program
What is FSSC Development Program?
The FSSC Development Programme is available for organisations across food manufacturing, catering, transport and storage, and retail and wholesale sectors. Developed by the FSSC Foundation, it aligns with HACCP principles as defined by the Codex Alimentarius and the GFSI Global Markets Programme.
It is designed to provide the flexibility needed to develop a food safety management system in two progressive levels prior to achieving full certification. Organisations can enter the programme at the level that best suits their current maturity and progress through the stages according to their own requirements and those of their customers.
Value of FSSC Development Program
Food safety is a critical requirement at every stage of the global food supply chain. It is based on HACCP principles as defined by the Codex Alimentarius and is reinforced across the industry through certification schemes established within the GFSI framework. Certification to a GFSI-benchmarked standard is often a prerequisite for establishing business relationships throughout the food supply chain.
However, the journey towards food safety management system certification can be long and complex, particularly for small and medium-sized organisations. Progress is often influenced by factors such as the economic environment and the level of food safety awareness within a given country.
To address this, the GFSI framework includes an entry-level approach known as the GFSI Global Markets Programme. This programme supports organisations in strengthening their food safety systems by providing a structured framework for capacity building, while also demonstrating to stakeholders a clear commitment to improvement and the current level of system implementation, even where full certification has not yet been achieved.
Following an assessment under the FSSC Development Programme, including the completion of any necessary corrections and corrective actions, DNV issues a statement of conformity. This provides evidence of the level achieved and demonstrates continual improvement over time, supporting progression towards full certification.
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How does FSSC development program works?
The FSSC Development Programme comprises two levels of requirements. A self-assessment tool is available on the FSSC website, and completing this assessment, along with addressing any identified gap, is the first step in determining the most appropriate level to pursue. There is no mandatory entry point, nor is there an obligation to progress to Level 2 or to full certification.
Once ready, the organisation can agree the assessment level and timing with DNV. A competent auditor will then be appointed and will provide a detailed audit plan in advance.
DNV is an independent third-party certification body for the FSSC Development Programme (an unaccredited programme) recognised by the FSSC Foundation. We support organisations throughout the capacity-building process through relevant training programmes, as well as value-added food safety system assessments.
As a DNV customer, you also get access to a suite of digital tools that can help you ensure compliance, continually improve and manage your entire certification journey with us
FSSC Development Program - FAQ
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FSSC 22000 is an internationally recognised food safety management system scheme used across the food and beverage supply chain. It provides a comprehensive framework to manage food safety and quality risks, comply with regulations and meet customer demands. FSSC 22000 is applicable to organisations across the food supply chain, including food and feed manufacturing, packaging production, storage and transport, catering, retail and wholesale.
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FSSC 22000 certification is independent verification by a third party, such as DNV, that an organisation's food safety management system meets the requirements of the FSSC 22000 scheme. Achieving certification demonstrates that an organisation has robust processes in place to control food safety hazards, prevent contamination, and ensure the safe production of food.
It also supports market access where certification to a GFSI-recognised scheme is required.
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The name of the scheme, FSSC 22000 - Food Safety System Certification - reflects both its purpose and its governing body. The scheme is designed to provide a comprehensive, internationally recognised food safety management system certification for organisations across the food supply chain.
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