Q&A: Key Updates to FSSC 22000 Version 7

QUESTION: Besides adopting the new PRP standards under ISO 22002-X:2025 and incorporating the updated FSSC additional requirements, which version of ISO 22000 applies to FSSC 22000 Version 7?

ANSWER:

Currently, FSSC 22000 Version 7 continues to be based on ISO 22000:2018. The key changes introduced in Version 7 involve updating the Prerequisite Programmes (PRPs) to the ISO 22002-X:2025 series and adding new FSSC requirements. Therefore, organizations are still required to implement ISO 22000:2018 in conjunction with:

• The additional requirements of FSSC 22000 Version 7;
• The applicable ISO 22002-X:2025 standard relevant to the certified sector.

QUESTION: Will organizations scheduled for certification audits in July or August 2026 be audited against FSSC 22000 Version 6 or Version 7?

ANSWER:

According to the transition timeline presented during the workshop:

• Until 30 April 2027, audits may still be conducted against FSSC 22000 Version 6.
• The period from 1 May 2027 to 30 April 2028 is the mandatory transition period to Version 7.
• After this period, Version 6 will no longer be valid.

Therefore, audits conducted during July-August 2026 will generally still be performed against FSSC 22000 Version 6. However, organizations are strongly encouraged to conduct training and gap assessments in preparation for the transition to Version 7.

QUESTION: After attending today's training session, is it mandatory for an organization to complete an FSSC 22000 Version 7 Awareness Training course and obtain certificates before undergoing an audit?

ANSWER:

The standard does not require organizations to provide FSSC 22000 Version 7 training certificates for all employees as a prerequisite for certification audits. However, organizations must be able to demonstrate that:

• Relevant personnel have been informed of the Version 7 changes;
• Personnel understand the requirements applicable to their organization;
• Personnel are competent to effectively operate and maintain the food safety management system.

Participation in a training course and possession of training certificates can serve as valuable evidence of competence. However, they are not mandatory requirements of the standard. During the transition audit to FSSC 22000 Version 7, organizations will need to demonstrate that relevant personnel have been updated on the new requirements and possess the necessary competence to implement and maintain compliance with Version 7.

QUESTION: Does the traceability process cover the entire path from raw materials to the final delivery of products to customers?

ANSWER:

Yes. A fundamental principle of a traceability system is the ability to track products throughout the entire production and supply chain, including:

• Incoming raw materials;
• Processing and production stages;
• Finished products;
• Customer deliveries.

The objective is to ensure that the organization can quickly identify:

• Which raw material batches were used in specific finished product batches;
• Which finished product batches were delivered to specific customers.

For the C0 sector category under FSSC 22000 Version 7, traceability requirements have been further strengthened to enhance end-to-end visibility and control across the supply chain.

QUESTION: How should hand hygiene be performed when changing gloves?

ANSWER:

Yes. One of the new requirements introduced in ISO 22002-1:2025 is that personnel must perform hand hygiene before putting on gloves or changing gloves when handling food or hygiene-sensitive products.

Therefore, when changing gloves, organizations should establish and implement appropriate hand hygiene procedures before donning a new pair of gloves. The specific method, such as handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitization, should be determined based on the facility's risk assessment and personal hygiene procedures to ensure effective control of product contamination risks.

QUESTION: What type of competency is required? Is a specific certificate or training course necessary?

ANSWER:

The standard does not prescribe any mandatory certificate or specific training course.

Under FSSC 22000 Version 7, organizations are required to appoint competent personnel responsible for managing and overseeing pest control activities. The key requirement is to demonstrate competence, rather than possession of any particular certificate.

Organizations may demonstrate competence through:

• Pest control training records;
• Relevant practical experience;
• Defined job descriptions and assigned responsibilities;
• Internal competency assessment results;
• Records of coordination with and oversight of pest control service providers.

Where pest control services are outsourced, the organization should still designate an internal responsible person with sufficient knowledge to review reports, monitor performance, and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions whenever necessary.