FSSC 22000 version 6

1. Scope of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS)

  • List all products covered under the FSMS.
  • Describe processes involved in manufacturing, storage, and distribution.
  • Determine the relevant food safety hazards associated with each product.
  • Ensure all products meet regulatory and customer specifications.
  • Define geographical limits of the FSMS implementation.
  • List applicable local, national, and international food safety regulations.
  • Determine external suppliers and subcontractors included in the FSMS.
  • Establish any exclusions, if applicable, and justify them.

2. Leadership and Commitment

  • Communicate the importance of food safety to all employees.
  • Actively participate in food safety initiatives and training.
  • Provide necessary resources for food safety programs.
  • Lead by example in following food safety protocols.
  • Encourage a culture of continuous improvement in food safety.
  • Develop a clear and concise food safety policy document.
  • Ensure the policy is communicated to all staff levels.
  • Review and update the policy regularly to reflect changes.
  • Align policy goals with broader organizational objectives.
  • Obtain management approval and commitment to the policy.
  • Identify key personnel responsible for food safety management.
  • Define specific roles and responsibilities for each team member.
  • Ensure accountability for food safety tasks is clear.
  • Provide training on assigned roles and expectations.
  • Regularly review and adjust roles as needed.

3. Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment

  • Gather a multidisciplinary team.
  • Review product specifications and processes.
  • Identify biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
  • Use tools like flowcharts and brainstorming.
  • Document all identified hazards systematically.
  • Evaluate the likelihood of occurrence.
  • Determine the severity of potential impact.
  • Use a risk matrix for clarity.
  • Prioritize hazards based on risk assessment.
  • Document findings for future reference.
  • Identify critical control points (CCPs).
  • Establish monitoring procedures for each CCP.
  • Define corrective actions for deviations.
  • Implement verification procedures.
  • Document control measures and responsibilities.

4. Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)

  • Identify critical areas impacting food safety.
  • Define procedures and controls for each area.
  • Assign responsibilities for implementation.
  • Provide necessary resources and training.
  • Monitor compliance and effectiveness regularly.
  • Create clear documentation for all PRPs.
  • Distribute documents to all relevant personnel.
  • Provide training on PRPs and their importance.
  • Keep records of communications and training sessions.
  • Ensure easy access to PRP documentation.
  • Schedule periodic reviews of PRPs.
  • Gather feedback from stakeholders on PRPs.
  • Identify changes in regulations or standards.
  • Revise PRPs based on review findings.
  • Communicate updates promptly to all personnel.

5. Food Safety Management System Documentation

  • Identify key policies and procedures relevant to food safety.
  • Create detailed documentation for each policy and procedure.
  • Include records that support the implementation of the FSMS.
  • Ensure clarity and accessibility of all documents.
  • Implement a document control system to manage versions.
  • Schedule regular reviews for all documents.
  • Assign responsibilities for maintaining document integrity.
  • Update documents promptly based on review outcomes.
  • Establish a record-keeping system for all FSMS activities.
  • Identify the types of records required for compliance.
  • Ensure records are accurate, complete, and up-to-date.
  • Regularly audit records for consistency and accessibility.

6. Implementation and Operation

  • Distribute written policy documents.
  • Conduct team meetings to discuss objectives.
  • Use visual aids like posters in common areas.
  • Ensure all employees understand their roles.
  • Encourage feedback and questions about the policy.
  • Identify training needs of employees.
  • Schedule regular training sessions.
  • Provide access to training materials.
  • Use hands-on training methods where applicable.
  • Evaluate training effectiveness through assessments.
  • Define key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Implement regular audits and inspections.
  • Utilize checklists for consistency.
  • Document monitoring activities and results.
  • Review and adjust processes based on findings.

7. Monitoring and Measurement

  • Identify all CCPs in the production process.
  • Establish monitoring procedures for each CCP.
  • Record monitoring results consistently.
  • Train staff on monitoring techniques.
  • Review monitoring data regularly for trends.
  • Schedule inspections and audits at defined intervals.
  • Use checklists to ensure all areas are covered.
  • Involve cross-functional teams in the process.
  • Document findings and areas for improvement.
  • Communicate results to relevant stakeholders.
  • Define clear and quantifiable food safety objectives.
  • Collect data related to food safety performance.
  • Analyze data to assess compliance with objectives.
  • Report findings to management for review.
  • Adjust objectives as needed based on performance.

8. Internal Audit

  • Define audit scope and objectives.
  • Schedule audits considering all FSMS components.
  • Select qualified auditors with relevant expertise.
  • Prepare audit checklists based on standards.
  • Conduct audits using systematic and objective approaches.
  • Record observations and evidence during audits.
  • Categorize findings by severity and type.
  • Draft an audit report summarizing results.
  • Highlight areas needing improvement with actionable items.
  • Share findings with relevant stakeholders for feedback.
  • Assign responsibilities for corrective actions.
  • Set deadlines for implementation of actions.
  • Monitor progress and verify effectiveness of actions.
  • Document all corrective measures taken.
  • Review and update relevant procedures as necessary.

9. Management Review

  • Schedule reviews at planned intervals.
  • Ensure participation of relevant management personnel.
  • Prepare an agenda covering all critical FSMS aspects.
  • Document the meeting minutes and outcomes.
  • Follow up on action items from previous reviews.
  • Analyze data related to FSMS performance.
  • Review compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Assess feedback from internal and external audits.
  • Consider changes in operational processes or risks.
  • Document findings and recommendations for improvement.
  • Discuss proposed changes with management team.
  • Prioritize changes based on risk assessment.
  • Assign responsibilities for implementing changes.
  • Set timelines for completion of changes.
  • Communicate decisions to all relevant stakeholders.

10. Continuous Improvement

  • Identify key performance indicators for FSMS.
  • Document procedures for regular review of FSMS performance.
  • Schedule regular meetings for process evaluation.
  • Utilize data analysis to identify areas for improvement.
  • Create anonymous feedback channels for employees.
  • Organize regular training sessions on FSMS importance.
  • Implement suggestion boxes and regular surveys.
  • Review and act upon feedback in a timely manner.
  • Develop a standardized process for addressing non-conformities.
  • Document corrective actions taken and their outcomes.
  • Establish preventive measures based on trends observed.
  • Ensure communication of actions to all relevant personnel.
  • Review checklist periodically for updates.
  • Ensure all personnel are trained on the checklist.
  • Integrate checklist findings into continuous improvement plans.
  • Communicate changes and improvements to all stakeholders.

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