Understanding the changes in FSSC 22000 Version 7 and what they mean for your site.

FSSC 22000 is one of the most widely recognised food safety certification schemes in the world, with over 40,000 certified organisations across the global supply chain.

With FSSC 22000 Version 7 now published (May 2026), many sites will be starting to think about what’s changing and what they need to do next.

This guide provides a helpful overview. However, for a full clause-by-clause breakdown, we recommend reviewing the official FSSC 22000 change document.

FSSC 22000 Scheme Version 7 (published May 2026)
FSSC overview of the main changes between Version 6 and 7

Why was there a need for FSSC 22000 Version 7?

While FSSC 22000 Version 7 is not a complete overhaul of the standard, it introduces a number of changes designed to improve clarity, consistency, and alignment across the food industry. These updates have been driven by several key factors:

  • Alignment with the latest GFSI Benchmarking Requirements (2024).
  • Incorporation of the revised ISO 22002:2025 prerequisite programme (PRP) series.
  • Stronger support for organisations contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • A clearer structure for food chain categories.
  • Ongoing improvements to make requirements more consistent and easier to apply.

Key Dates You Need to Know

If your site is certified to FSSC 22000, these are the key dates to be aware of:

  • May 2026: Version 7 is published and the 12-month transition period begins.
  • May 2027: Audits against Version 7 commence.
  • June 2028: All Version 6 certificates will be withdrawn.

The 12-month transition period provides certified sites with sufficient time to review the changes, assess their impact, and prepare for certification audits against Version 7.

The Big Change: A New ISO 2202 Structure

One of the most important updates in FSSC 22000 Version 7 relates to prerequisite programmes (PRPs). PRPs are the basic hygiene and environmental controls that support your food safety system. They cover routine activities such as cleaning, maintenance, and facility conditions.

Previously PRP requirements were contained within different standards depending on your sector. However, Version 7 introduces a new structure:

  • ISO 22002-100:2025 now acts as the core PRP standard applicable across all sectors.
  • Sector-specific PRP standards (e.g. manufacturing, packaging, retail, and catering) still apply.

This means sites will now need to meet the core PRP requirements (ISO 22002-100), along with the sector-specific PRP requirements relevant to their operations.

While this change does not necessarily mean more work, it does mean that some requirements have been reorganised. Sites should therefore review their existing procedures, update their documentation, and confirm all requirements are still fully covered.

Additional Updates and Changes

Food manufacturing team receiving food safety training in a production environment

Greater Focus on Competence and Ownership

FSSC 22000 Version 7 places stronger emphasis on ensuring key risks are managed by appropriately trained personnel. For example:

  • Food defence plans must be developed by competent individuals.
  • Food fraud vulnerability assessments must be handled by personnel with the right knowledge.

This reinforces accountability and raises expectations around expertise.

Food safety professional reviewing production records on a tablet in a food manufacturing facility

Food Safety Culture is a Clear Priority

Food safety culture is now more clearly defined and subject to greater scrutiny under FSSC 2200 Version 7. Auditors will be looking for evidence that sites have:

  • Established measurable food safety culture objectives.
  • Provided the resources needed to support and strengthen food safety culture.
  • Demonstrated active engagement across all levels of the business.
Packaging printing press producing food packaging artwork and labels

Artwork and Labelling Controls

Artwork and labelling controls were previously limited to packaging manufacturers.

However, under FSSC 2200 Version 7, these requirements have been extended to include any organisation involved in the production of labels or printed materials.

As a result, food manufacturers that manage labelling activities in-house may now find these requirements within the scope of their certification.

Consumer reviewing allergen and ingredient information on packaged pet food products

Pet Food and Allergen Management

Another notable update in FSSC 22000 Version 7 is the clarification of allergen management requirements under 2.5.6 (h). The scheme now confirms that these requirements may not applicable to pet food manufacturers unless:

  • There is allergen-related legislation applicable in the country where the product is going to be sold.
  • An allergen-related claim has been made about the product.
Food safety personnel conducting prerequisite programme verification in a manufacturing facility

Verification of Prerequisite Programmes (PRPs)

PRP verification refers to checking that your basic site controls are working effectively in day-to-day operations. In Version 7, this requirement has been expanded to include:

  • Catering / food service (Category E)
  • Retail / wholesale (Category FI)

Sites that fall into one of these categories may need to introduce or strengthen their routine site inspections, documented checks, and other risk-based verification activities.

Consumer reviewing packaging information and design features on a food product

NEW: Packaging Design Principles

A brand-new requirement focuses on how packaging is designed. Sites developing packaging must consider:

  • Protecting the product throughout the supply chain.
  • Extending the shelf life of the product.
  • Reducing food loss and waste.
  • Providing clear instructions for consumers.

Importantly, these principles must never compromise food safety.

Changes to Audits Under FSSC 22000 Version 7

While the certification process remains broadly the same, there are some important updates to consider during the Version 7 transition period.

Audit Duration

  • Audit duration is now more flexible, taking into account both the number of full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) and the number of HACCP studies in place.
  • The typical minimum audit duration ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 days, depending on the size and complexity of the organisation.
  • For sites in Categories C (Food Manufacturing), D (Animal Feed Production), and K (Bio/Chemicals Production), the minimum audit duration is now two days, bringing FSSC 22000 into line with GFSI expectations.
  • Reduced audit durations may be applied to sites with fewer than 20 FTEs and a maximum of two HACCP studies. Under Version 7, the threshold has been increased from one HACCP study to two.

NOTE: If the small organisation exemption is applied, the Certification Body will ensure that the audit duration is sufficient to conduct an effective audit based on the specific audit requirements, while still fully covering all FSSC 22000 requirements.

Unannounced Audits

FSSSC 2200 Version 7 introduces a clearer structure for the management of unannounced audits. It clarifies that blackout periods (periods during which the unannounced audit cannot take place) must be agreed in advance between the site and the Certification Body. It also provides guidance on how to manage situations where a site is not operational at the time of the audit.

Remote Audits

A clear limit has been introduced for remote audits. A maximum of two consecutive fully remote audits is permitted.

Multi-Site Certification

There are updated reporting requirements for multi-site certification. These provide clearer guidance for Certification Bodies on how to document and report multi-site audits, including how to calculate the audit duration for the central function (e.g. head office or central management team). It is also worth noting that Sub-Category BIII (Pre-process handling of plant products) is now included within the scope of multi-site certification.

Offsite Activities

A single method for calculating audit duration is now specified, except in campus-style operations where parameters may be combined.

If manufacturing, processing, or services activities take place offsite, the audit duration for the satellite site must be calculated separately from the main site. In these cases, a 50% reduction in the calculated base audit duration may be applied when determining the audit time for the satellite site. TFSSC still applies in addition to the calculated audit duration.

Audit Duration Calculations – Version 7

  • Audit duration calculations will be reviewed in line with the requirements of Version 7.
  • Certification Bodies may either issue a new Version 7 contract or apply a Version 7 addendum to the existing Version 6 contract to incorporate the new requirements.
  • Audit durations will then be recalculated or reconfirmed as required.
  • No additional audit time is required for the Version 7 upgrade audit.

Most of the changes in FSSC 22000 Version 7 focus on strengthening existing requirements rather than introducing completely new ones. Early review and small adjustments should help to ensure a smooth transition.

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