Development Program
The FSSC Development Program supports small and medium-sized organizations (SMEs) in the supply of safe food.
FSSC Development Program: Affordable and Reliable Food Safety for SMEs
With the global population continuing to grow, the demand for affordable, safe, and high-quality food products is stronger than ever. To help meet this demand, the Foundation FSSC provides a trusted food safety assurance platform for the food industry.
The FSSC Development Program is specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food supply chain. It enables SMEs to build and maintain a conforming food safety system that meets customer expectations and assists with long-term market access. Integrating the Development Program in vendor assurance programs further supports larger food organizations with the food safety of their SME suppliers.
Why Choose the FSSC Development Program?
- Tailor-made for SMEs: An accessible and practical solution for businesses that want to meet client food safety requirements or enter new markets.
- Increased visibility: Conforming organizations are listed on the FSSC website, improving transparency and trust across the food supply chain.
- Vendor assurance support: Large food organizations benefit when their SME suppliers adopt the Program, strengthening supply chain safety and efficiency.
- Step-by-step improvement: The Program helps SMEs gradually develop a robust food safety management system, even if GFSI-recognized certification is not yet within immediate reach.
Program Framework and Benefits
The FSSC Development Program v2.0 is aligned with CODEX HACCP, the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Global Markets Program, and the FSSC 22000 Scheme. It incorporates essential elements of ISO 22000 and related technical specifications, giving SMEs a globally recognized framework.
Key features include:
- Self-assessment checklists to evaluate and improve food safety systems.
- The flexibility to remain in the Development Program or progress toward full FSSC 22000 certification.
- Enhanced harmonization and cost efficiency when integrated into vendor assurance programs.
Global Accessibility
Owned by the non-profit Foundation FSSC and managed by an independent Board of Stakeholders, the Development Program is available worldwide. Official documents are published in English, while sector assessment requirements are also available in Japanese and Spanish.
Which organizations can use the Development Program?
The FSSC Development Program applies to smaller and medium-sized food businesses in the sectors of food and feed manufacturing, catering and food service, packaging, retail, wholesale, e-commerce, and transport and storage. It can benefit both ingredient manufacturers that supply to other food manufacturers and those that supply to retailers and food service organizations.
Below are examples of businesses that could benefit from the Program:
Food and Feed Manufacturing
- Artisan food manufacturers and “start-ups”
- Food product and food ingredient manufacturers
- Manufacturers of novel foods and ingredients
- Manufacturers of food products for delivery to restaurants and retail
- Food shops like bakeries and butchers
- Processors of feed and animal food
Food and Feed Packaging Manufacturing
- Flexible and rigid plastics, such as PET bottles, plastic jars and food containers
- Paper, such as cartons, boxes, and sacks
- Metal, such as cans, bottles, and boxes
- Glass, such as jars and bottles
- Other packaging materials
Catering and Food Service
- Catering facilities (including on-board service on airlines, railways, cruise, and passenger ships)
- School and industry dining rooms
- Restaurants and coffee shops
- Hotels, hospitality and banqueting functions, food services
Retail, Wholesale, and E-commerce
- Supermarkets and hypermarkets
- Convenience stores, wholesale (cash and carry) stores, mass or club stores
- Retailers or wholesalers may offer internet sales or home deliveries (e-commerce) that may be included in the scope when linked to the physical location
Transport and Storage Services
- Transport companies including transport services by road, rail, air and water
- Storage companies including warehouses and distribution centres
- Cross-docking activities
How to become a Conforming Organization?
The FSSC Development Program requires that participating organizations meet minimum food safety requirements.
The Program is delivered by independent licensed Conformity Assessment Bodies and is governed by FSSC monitoring and verification activities.
These steps are proposed for achieving conformity:
- Reflect
- Download all relevant Program Requirements.
- Complete a self-evaluation against the requirements using the free-to-download self-assessment checklists.
- Prepare
- When ready, contact an FSSC Development Program licensed Conformity Assessment Body.
- Arrange an assessment of the food safety system by the Conformity Assessment Body and address nonconformities identified.
- Conform
- After a successful assessment, the Conformity Assessment Body will issue a Conformity Statement, and the organization will be listed in the FSSC register of Conforming Organizations.
- A Conformity Statement is valid for one year. To maintain the conforming status, annual assessments will be performed.
- Organizations can decide to continue conforming to the Development Program or can choose to proceed towards full FSSC 22000 certification.