What is FSSC 22000 Version 7?
The Standard That’s Changing Global Food Safety in 2026
The world’s most recognised food safety certification scheme has been updated. FSSC 22000 Version 7 launches in May 2026 — bringing new ISO 22002:2025 PRP standards, GFSI 2024 alignment, and sustainability requirements. Here’s everything South African food manufacturers need to know — and how to prepare.
FSSC 22000: The Global Food Safety Certification Scheme — Now Upgraded to Version 7
FSSC 22000 — Food Safety System Certification 22000 — is a complete, internationally recognised certification scheme for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). Managed by Foundation FSSC, a Dutch not-for-profit organisation, it is trusted by over 41 432 certified organisations in more than 130 countries and is the benchmark standard recognised by major global retailers, FMCG companies, and export market buyers worldwide.
In May 2026, Foundation FSSC confirmed the launch of FSSC 22000 Version 7 — the most significant update to the scheme since Version 6 was introduced. Version 7 is not simply a minor revision. It integrates the newly published ISO 22002:2025 PRP series, aligns with GFSI Benchmarking Requirements version 2024, embeds UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and restructures how the food supply chain is categorised.
For South African food manufacturers, food processors, and supply chain businesses — this update is both an opportunity and an obligation. Organisations currently certified to Version 6 will have a 12-month transition period from the publication date to implement the new requirements.
What Changed? Version 6 vs Version 7 — The Key Differences
Version 6 has been the standard since its introduction and has served the food industry well. But the publication of new ISO standards, evolving GFSI benchmarking requirements, and growing sustainability expectations meant the scheme needed a substantive update. Here is a clear side-by-side summary of the major changes:
| Area | FSSC 22000 Version 6 | FSSC 22000 Version 7 |
|---|---|---|
| PRP Standards | ISO/TS 22002-x series (2009–2019) | ISO 22002-x:2025 series + new ISO 22002-100:2025 |
| GFSI Alignment | GFSI Benchmarking (previous edition) | GFSI Benchmarking Requirements v2024 |
| Sustainability | Climate change referenced (ISO 22000 Amendment 1) | Full SDG integration — environmental, social & responsible sourcing |
| PRP Core Standard | No universal core PRP standard | ISO 22002-100:2025 — common PRPs across all supply chain sectors |
| Retail/Wholesale Sector | BSI PAS 222 | ISO 22002-7:2025 (new dedicated standard) |
| Food Chain Categories | Existing category structure | Clearer, revised categorisation across all supply chain sectors |
| Food Safety Culture | Required (C2.5.8) | Strengthened and integrated requirements |
| Allergen Management | Required (C2.5.6) | Enhanced clarity and requirements |
| Food Loss & Waste | Required (C2.5.16) | Strengthened requirements |
| Equipment Management | Required (C2.5.15) | Strengthened requirements |
📌 Key point for V6-certified organisations: Version 6 remains fully valid and continues to use the existing ISO/TS 22002-x series until Version 7 is officially released. Upon publication, certified organisations have 12 months to transition. Transition audits are expected to fall between mid-2026 and mid-2027 depending on existing certification cycles.
What FSSC 22000 Version 7 Is Built On: The Three Core Elements
FSSC 22000 Version 7 retains its three-component structure — ISO 22000, sector-specific PRPs, and FSSC Additional Requirements — but the content of each has been significantly updated. All three remain mandatory for certification.
The international FSMS standard remains the backbone of FSSC 22000 V7. ISO 22000:2018 Amendment 1, published in early 2024, added climate action requirements to the existing 10 management system clauses. A new version of ISO 22000 itself is also under development — FSSC 22000 V7 currently incorporates ISO 22000:2018 with Amendment 1 while the new ISO 22000 standard completes its review process.
The most significant structural change in V7. The old ISO/TS 22002-x technical specifications have been replaced by the fully published ISO 22002:2025 series. This includes the new ISO 22002-100:2025 (common PRPs for all food/feed/packaging sectors), updated sector-specific standards (ISO 22002-1:2025 for food manufacturing, ISO 22002-2:2025 for catering, etc.), and the brand new ISO 22002-7:2025 for retail and wholesale. The ISO 22002:2025 series was published on 29 July 2025.
The scheme-specific requirements are retained but strengthened in V7. Key enhancements include food safety culture, allergen management, food loss and waste, equipment management, quality control, and the integration of sustainability and SDG considerations. The updated Additional Requirements will be available for free download from the FSSC website upon publication of Version 7.
Understanding the New ISO 22002:2025 Series in FSSC 22000 Version 7
One of the most practically significant changes in FSSC 22000 Version 7 is the transition from the old ISO/TS 22002 technical specifications to the fully published ISO 22002:2025 series. This restructuring provides greater global applicability and clarity across sectors. Here is the complete transition map:
| Previous (V6) | Current in V7 (2025) | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| — | ISO 22002-100:2025 NEW | Common PRPs — all food, feed & packaging supply chain sectors |
| ISO/TS 22002-1:2009 | ISO 22002-1:2025 | Food manufacturing (Cat BIII, C, K) — e.g. beverage plants, canned food, flour mills |
| ISO/TS 22002-2:2013 | ISO 22002-2:2025 | Catering (Cat E) — restaurants, hotels, airline/ship catering, school cafeterias |
| ISO/TS 22002-4:2013 | ISO 22002-4:2025 | Food packaging manufacturing (Cat I) — plastic bottle factories, food packaging plants |
| ISO/TS 22002-5:2019 | ISO 22002-5:2025 | Transportation and storage (Cat G) — food warehouses, cross-docking, transshipment |
| ISO/TS 22002-6:2016 | ISO 22002-6:2025 | Feed and animal food production (Cat D) — animal feed factories for livestock and aquaculture |
| BSI PAS 222 | ISO 22002-7:2025 NEW | Retail/wholesale (FI) — retail and wholesale businesses distributing food products |
📌 Important for South African food manufacturers: The relevant PRP standard for food manufacturing changes from ISO/TS 22002-1:2009 to ISO 22002-1:2025 and must be used alongside the new ISO 22002-100:2025 common PRP standard. Previous versions of the ISO/TS 22002-x series remain valid for audits under FSSC 22000 Version 6 during the transition period.
Why Version 7 Matters: The Five Drivers Behind the Revision
Foundation FSSC did not update the scheme for the sake of it. Five concrete factors drove the development of Version 7 — each with real implications for South African food businesses.
New ISO 22002:2025 PRP Series
The July 2025 publication of the updated ISO 22002 series made it necessary to integrate the new standards — including the new ISO 22002-100:2025 core document — into the scheme. These updates strengthen operational food safety controls and provide greater clarity across all sectors.
GFSI Benchmarking 2024
FSSC 22000 must remain benchmarked by GFSI to retain its global recognition with major retailers and supply chains. Version 7 aligns with the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements version 2024 — ensuring FSSC 22000 certification continues to be the trusted standard in international trade.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Version 7 integrates sustainability-related topics and enhanced support for UN SDG contributions — covering environmental stewardship, responsible sourcing, and social responsibility. Food safety and sustainable business practice are increasingly inseparable in global supply chains.
Clearer Food Chain Categorisation
The revised category structure provides a more defined and logical framework for categorising organisations across the food supply chain — reducing ambiguity and making it easier for organisations to identify exactly which requirements apply to their operations.
Continuous Improvement of the Scheme
Strengthened requirements in food safety culture, allergen management, food loss and waste, quality control, and equipment management reflect learnings from thousands of audits globally and ensure the scheme remains at the cutting edge of food safety management.
The V6 to V7 Transition Timeline — What You Need to Know Now
The 12-month transition period after publication sounds comfortable — but the changes to the PRP framework, sustainability requirements, and category structure mean that starting early is the only sensible strategy. Here is the full timeline:
The updated ISO 22002:2025 PRP series — including the new ISO 22002-100:2025 and updated sector-specific standards — was published on 29 July 2025, setting the foundation for FSSC 22000 Version 7.
Foundation FSSC hosted a public Insights Webinar introducing FSSC 22000 Version 7 requirements and the transition process.
Version 7 is expected to be formally published in early May 2026. The 12-month transition clock starts from this date. Version 6 certifications remain valid throughout the transition period.
Certified organisations will undergo transition audits at their next scheduled surveillance or recertification audit within the 12-month window. Timing depends on each organisation’s existing certification cycle.
All certified organisations must have transitioned to Version 7 by this point. Version 6 certifications will no longer be valid after the transition period expires.
⏰ Don’t wait: Organisations that begin reviewing the new ISO 22002:2025 PRP requirements, updating their gap analysis, and training their teams now will avoid the audit scheduling pressure that last-minute transition creates. ASC Food Safety Consultants can conduct a V7 gap analysis for your facility →
How to Become FSSC 22000 Version 7 Certified: The Four Steps
Whether you are certifying for the first time or transitioning from Version 6, the pathway to FSSC 22000 V7 certification follows the same structured four-step process. Building the right knowledge base at each step is critical.
Identify What You Must Implement
Download the FSSC 22000 V7 scheme documents (free from fssc.com). Identify the new ISO 22002:2025 standard applicable to your sector — for food manufacturing, this is ISO 22002-100:2025 plus ISO 22002-1:2025. Understand the updated FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements, BoS Decision List, and any new Scheme Interpretation Articles under Version 7.
Implement the Requirements
Implement your updated GMP programme aligned with ISO 22002-100:2025 and ISO 22002-1:2025. Revise and validate your HACCP plan. Update your ISO 22000-compliant FSMS to reflect V7 changes, including enhanced sustainability, SDG contributions, allergen management, food safety culture, food loss and waste, and equipment management requirements. An external consultant such as ASC Food Safety Consultants can provide gap analysis and implementation support.
Validate Your Implementation
Engage an FSSC-licensed Certification Body. Arrange your initial certification audit (Stage 1 document review + Stage 2 on-site audit) or a transition audit if moving from V6. If transitioning, the CB will assess compliance with V7 requirements at your next scheduled surveillance or recertification visit. Address all non-conformances raised before certification is granted or confirmed.
Obtain and Maintain Certification
Your V7 certificate is registered by the CB and publicly verifiable on the FSSC Public Register. Annual surveillance audits maintain your certification. A full recertification audit is required every three years. Continuous FSMS monitoring and improvement — particularly around the new V7 requirements — is essential to maintain compliance between audits.
FSSC 22000 Version 7 in the South African Food Industry
For South African food manufacturers, the transition to FSSC 22000 Version 7 is both a compliance milestone and a competitive opportunity. Understanding how V7 fits into the South African food safety landscape is essential for businesses planning their transition.
🏛️ R638 vs FSSC 22000 V7
Regulation R638 is the legal baseline for food safety in South Africa — requiring basic training, hygiene standards, and a Certificate of Acceptability. FSSC 22000 V7 goes far beyond R638, providing a comprehensive international management system framework. Both requirements apply — R638 is the floor, FSSC 22000 V7 is the global ceiling.
🛒 Retail & FMCG Supplier Demands
Major South African retail groups and FMCG companies are increasingly requiring GFSI-recognised certification from food manufacturing suppliers. FSSC 22000 V7 maintains GFSI recognition — ensuring your certification remains valid in the eyes of major buyers as the scheme updates.
🌍 Export Market Access
FSSC 22000 is the passport to EU, UK, and US export markets. Version 7’s GFSI 2024 alignment and FDA FSMA compatibility ensure South African exporters remain competitive in global markets where food safety requirements continue to tighten.
♻️ Sustainability & ESG
Version 7’s integration of SDG requirements aligns with growing ESG demands from investors, retailers, and export buyers. For South African manufacturers seeking long-term supply chain inclusion, V7’s sustainability dimension is an opportunity to demonstrate responsible business practice — not just compliance.
📈 The V7 Opportunity for SMEs
Foundation FSSC’s Development Programme provides a stepping-stone approach for SMEs working toward full certification. South African SMEs can use the 12-month V7 transition period to progressively build their FSMS with guidance from ASC Food Safety Consultants — turning a compliance deadline into a capability-building opportunity.
🏭 Industry Coverage Nationally
FSSC 22000 V7 applies across food manufacturing, catering, packaging, transport and storage, feed production, and retail and wholesale sectors — covering the full breadth of South Africa’s food and agri-processing industry from the Western Cape wine industry to KZN food manufacturers.
ASC Food Safety Consultants provides training and consulting services across all nine South African provinces — fully online via ascfoodsafetytraining.com, with on-site and virtual consulting available nationally through ascfoodsafety.com.
How ASC Food Safety Consultants Prepares South African Businesses for FSSC 22000 V7
Knowledge is the foundation of any successful FSSC 22000 journey — and with the changes V7 introduces, that foundation needs to be solid. ASC Food Safety Consultants delivers the training and consulting support South African food businesses need at every stage of the pathway.
🎯 Introduction to FSSC 22000 Courses Bundle — Aligning with Version 7
ASC’s HPCSA-accredited training bundle provides the structured GMP → HACCP → FSSC 22000 pathway. Course content is being updated to reflect FSSC 22000 Version 7 requirements — including the new ISO 22002:2025 PRP framework, updated Additional Requirements, and V7 sustainability considerations. Enrol now and get ahead of the transition.
🔗 More from ASC Food Safety Consultants — ascfoodsafety.com
Your South African Partner in Food Safety Excellence
Aluzar Systems Consultants (ASC) is a specialist food safety and public health consultancy with its Head Office in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, and branches in Gauteng (Randburg) and Cape Town (Rondebosch), Western Cape. With extensive hands-on experience implementing and auditing food safety management systems — including FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, BRCGS, GLOBALG.A.P., and HACCP — across food manufacturing, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, ASC brings deep technical expertise to every engagement.
ASC operates across two complementary platforms: ascfoodsafety.com for consulting, auditing, FSMS implementation, document toolkits, and in-person or virtual training; and ascfoodsafetytraining.com for HPCSA-accredited online self-paced training courses accessible nationally and internationally.
“Leading with Science. Ensuring Food Safety.”
Frequently Asked Questions: FSSC 22000 Version 7
The questions South African food safety professionals are asking most about the V7 transition — answered plainly.
Ready to Get Ahead of FSSC 22000 Version 7?
Whether you’re transitioning from V6, building your FSMS from scratch, or preparing your team — ASC Food Safety Consultants has the training, tools, and expertise to take you there.
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