FSSC 22000 Version 7 Has Been Published – Prepare for the Transition Now

On 1 May 2026, the FSSC Foundation published the new version 7 of the FSSC 22000 certification standard. The revision integrates the current requirements of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), the new normative principles for prerequisite programmes (PRP) and the additional requirements relating to sustainability and food safety culture into the certification scheme.

A twelve-month transition period applies to certified organisations. Audits in accordance with FSSC 22000 version 7 will be carried out from 1 May 2027. The transition to the new version must be completed by 30 April 2028 at the latest.

The most significant changes include:

• Introduction of the new ISO 22002-x:2025 series for prerequisite programmes (PRP), including the new ISO 22002-100 as a common base standard
• Extended requirements for food safety and quality culture, with a stronger focus on the demonstrated commitment of all personnel
• New requirements for performing and documenting laboratory analyses for parameters relevant to food safety
• Adjustments to specification management, food defence and food fraud prevention
• Clarification of the requirements for reducing food loss and food waste
• New requirements for companies developing primary packaging and packaging materials
• Revised regulations on audit duration and multi-site certification

We already recommend that companies review their existing management systems for the potential impacts of the new requirements. Particular attention should be paid to adapting documentation, procedural instructions and PRP programmes, as well as to the further development of the food safety culture.

Key dates at a glance:

• 1 May 2026: Publication of FSSC 22000 version 7
• 1 May 2027: Start of transition audits to version 7
• 30 April 2028: End of the transition period

We will be glad to support you in preparing for the new version. In addition, we will provide you with further information and a webinar on the most important changes in the coming months.

Further information can be found in our detailed technical article on FSSC 22000 version 7.

Kind regards,

Your TÜV NORD CERT team!

For further information, contact us by phone on +389 2 3221 603 or at office@t-cert.mk