HACCP vs ISO 22000 vs FSSC 22000: which do you need?
A side-by-side comparison of HACCP, ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 to help you choose the right food safety framework for your business and customers.
The short version
HACCP is a methodology, not a certification standard. ISO 22000 wraps HACCP inside a full food safety management system (FSMS). FSSC 22000 takes ISO 22000 and adds sector-specific prerequisite programmes (PRPs) recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
If your customers ask for 'GFSI-recognised certification', HACCP alone is not enough. You'll need FSSC 22000, BRCGS, IFS or SQF.
When HACCP alone is enough
Small-to-medium UK businesses without retailer-driven certification requirements can comply with food law using a robust HACCP plan, supported by prerequisites and good documentation.
When to step up to ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000
If you're selling to large retailers, exporting, or supplying multinational brands, you'll almost certainly be asked for GFSI-recognised certification. FSSC 22000 is widely accepted, builds on ISO 22000, and explicitly covers food safety culture and food fraud — both increasingly under audit scrutiny.
Frequently asked questions
Is FSSC 22000 better than BRCGS?+
Neither is better — they are different. BRCGS is highly prescriptive and popular in UK retail; FSSC 22000 is more management-system based and common in manufacturing supply chains. Choose based on customer requirements.
Author
TFCG Editorial Team
Food safety practitioners
- Chartered CIEH members
- BRCGS Approved Trainers
- Lead Auditors
Chartered food safety practitioners and former technical managers with hands-on UK manufacturing, catering and retail experience. Every article is technically reviewed before publication.
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