Development Program
The FSSC Development Program supports small and medium-sized organizations (SMEs) in the supply of safe food.
What is the FSSC Development Program?
With a growing world population, there is an increasing need for affordable, safe, and quality food products. To fulfill this need, Foundation FSSC provides a trusted brand assurance platform to the food industry. The FSSC Development Program fits the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food supply chain and their customers to achieve a conforming food safety system.
As such, the Program is a tailor-made solution suitable for SMEs that want to meet their clients’ food safety requirements or expand their market access.
Organizations that conform to the FSSC Development Program requirements have the added benefit of being listed on the FSSC website, which increases transparency and safety throughout the food supply chain. Integrating the Development Program in vendor assurance programs further supports larger food organizations in contributing to the food safety of their SME suppliers.
Tailor-made for small and medium sized food organizations
- It is an easy-to-use Program that is especially suitable for SMEs that want to develop and improve their food safety system but might not achieve GFSI-recognized certification in one step.
- The Program is aligned with CODEX HACCP and based on food safety elements of ISO 22000 and the related sector technical specifications. It offers participating enterprises the opportunity to start at the conformity level whilst building the maturity of their food safety system. Once conforming, the SME decides whether to remain in the Development Program or proceed towards full FSSC 22000 certification.
- The Program’s self-assessment checklists support organizations in assessing and improving their food safety system.
- The Program is aligned with CODEX HACCP, GFSI Global Markets, and the FSSC 22000 structure, including the option to progress to full FSSC 22000 certification.
- Conforming Organizations are listed here.
- Integrating the Development Program into vendor assurance programs supports larger food organizations in ensuring the food safety of their SME suppliers. This integration will also improve harmonization and cost efficiency in the food supply chain.
- The Program is owned by the non-profit Foundation FSSC and managed by an independent Board of Stakeholders.
- The Program documents are available in English and will be translated into several languages.
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 in emerging markets
- 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
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
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, and food stores
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 and allows them to proceed towards accredited third-party certification such as FSSC 22000.
The Program is delivered by independent licensed Assessment Bodies and is governed by an Integrity Program.
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 Assessment Body.
- Arrange an assessment of the food safety system by the Assessment Body and implement any corrective actions in case of nonconformities.
- Conform
- After a successful assessment, the Assessment Body will issue a Conformity Statement and the organization will be listed in the FSSC register of Conforming Organizations.
- The validity of a Conformity Statement is 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.