Quick Answer
The three build on one another: HACCP is a method for controlling food hazards, with 7 principles under the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1-1969); ISO 22000 is the international standard for food safety management systems, placing HACCP principles inside a full management system for any organization in the food chain; FSSC 22000 is based on ISO 22000 plus sector-specific prerequisite programs (PRPs) from the ISO 22002 series and additional requirements, and is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), so many international retailers and brands require it from suppliers.
The Three Certifications Compared
| Comparison | HACCP | ISO 22000 | FSSC 22000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point method | International food safety management system standard | Certification scheme built around ISO 22000 |
| Set by | Codex Alimentarius Commission principles | International Organization for Standardization (ISO) | Foundation FSSC |
| Contents | 7 principles | Management system requirements + HACCP principles + prerequisite programs | ISO 22000 + ISO 22002-x sector PRPs + FSSC additional requirements |
| GFSI recognized | — | — | Yes (per Foundation FSSC) |
| Typical use | Basic hazard control in food factories | A complete food safety management system | Often required to supply international retailers and brands |
The 7 Principles of HACCP
Under the Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1-1969, revised 2020):
- Conduct a hazard analysis
- Determine the critical control points (CCPs)
- Establish critical limits
- Establish a system to monitor control of CCPs
- Establish corrective actions when monitoring shows a deviation
- Establish procedures to verify that the HACCP system works
- Establish documentation of all procedures and records
HACCP is about prevention: identify the biological, chemical and physical hazards that may arise in ingredients, processing and packaging, and set controls at the critical steps.
ISO 22000: Putting HACCP Into a Management System
ISO 22000 is the international food safety management system standard for organizations of any size and type in the food chain. Beyond HACCP principles, it requires management commitment, document and record control, internal audits, continual improvement and prerequisite programs (such as sanitation, pest control and personal hygiene).
FSSC 22000: The Version International Buyers Often Require
According to Foundation FSSC, the FSSC 22000 scheme uses international standards including ISO 22000 and ISO 22002-x (sector-specific prerequisite programs), with audits by licensed and accredited certification bodies; FSSC 22000 is a GFSI-recognized food safety management system. For factories supplying international chains and retailers, FSSC 22000 is often a purchasing requirement.
How to Check a Supplier’s Certification
- Read the certificate: does the scope (products and processes), address and validity cover the products and factory you’re buying from?
- Check the certification body: is it accredited?
- Check who holds it: the trading company itself, or the factory that actually makes the product?
- Request the latest audit result or certificate copy, and update it regularly.
- Certification doesn’t replace testing: still request test reports for the product and target market.
Tang Sugar’s Food Safety Management
Tang Sugar’s partner factories hold ISO 22000 food safety management system certification (SGS verified) and FSSC 22000 certification, and run a HACCP food safety system, applying consistent quality control from raw material sourcing through production to shipment. See our certifications. For certificates and specifications, contact us.
Products in this article
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FAQ
What is the difference between HACCP and ISO 22000?
HACCP is a method for controlling food hazards based on the 7 Codex principles; ISO 22000 is an international food safety management system standard that includes HACCP principles plus management commitment, document control, internal audits and continual improvement.
What is the difference between FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000?
FSSC 22000 is based on ISO 22000, adds sector-specific prerequisite programs from the ISO 22002 series and FSSC additional requirements, and is GFSI-recognized.
What are the 7 principles of HACCP?
Hazard analysis, determining critical control points, establishing critical limits, monitoring, corrective actions, verification procedures, and documentation and records.
What certifications do Tang Sugar’s factories hold?
Tang Sugar’s partner factories hold ISO 22000 (SGS verified) and FSSC 22000 certification and run a HACCP food safety system.
Is FSSC 22000 GFSI-recognized?
Yes. According to Foundation FSSC, FSSC 22000 is a GFSI-recognized food safety management system certification scheme.
Further Reading
- Factory Audit vs Product Inspection
- Finding and Evaluating Overseas Suppliers
- How Tapioca Pearls Are Made: 5 Manufacturing Steps
- Tea Shop Opening Services
Sources
- FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius: General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1-1969)
- Foundation FSSC: FSSC 22000, About us
- ISO: ISO 22000 Food safety management
- Tang Sugar: Certifications
