How to get you Certified

As per FSSC 22000

Guidelines For
Food Safety
System Certification
FSSC 22000
OneCert = Value

Disclaimer: These Guidelines are made for developing basic understanding only, can not
be used or referred as standard reference. For the standard reference please refer to
applicable standards.

OneCert International Private Limited

H-08, Mansarovar Industrial Area, Mansarovar,

Jaipur-302020 (Raj) India

Phone & Fax No: 0141-2395481, 6541882

E-mail: info@onecertasia.in

Website: www.onecert.com
OneCert International is a nationally and internationally recognized Organic
Certification Agency accredited by APEDA under the National Programme for Organic
Production (NPOP-India) for Organic. OneCert International is a branch of OneCert
Inc; US.

As a second step towards certification services, OneCert International is offering our

certification services in Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000)

OneCert International was formed to provide understandable, affordable and efficient

certification services in Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000).

The name OneCert and logo are recognized internationally as a symbol of high integrity
and quality. OneCert International FSSC experts are internationally recognized and
expertise in food handling, processing, transportation and distribution. OneCert
International ensures all the support, within the permitted limits, to its customer.

What is FSSC 22000 Certification?

FSSC 22000 is a food safety certification scheme based on the existing internationally
recognized standard ISO 22000 and complemented by technical standards ISO/TS 22002-
1(Food Manufacturing), ISO/TS 22002-2 (Catering) ISO/TS 22002-3 (Farming) and
ISO/TS 22002-4 (Food Packaging Manufacturing) covering prerequisites.

It specifically targets the food, feed and packaging manufacturing sector, and takes into
consideration the Global Food Safety Initiative’s (GFSI) gap analysis.
.
Why FSSC 22000 Certification?

FSSC 22000 provides:

• A powerful management system framework, fully integrated in the company’s overall

management system and consistent with other standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO
14001.

• A robust Hazard Analysis and Risk Management methodology based on HACCP

principles and ability to improve food safety effectiveness and efficiency.

• The use of the technical specification ISO/TS 22002-1, concerning the pre-requisite
 programs, as requested by ISO 22000 § 7.2 and fitting the retailers needs for the due
diligence and related issues.

• Labels and certification marks help a consumer to recognize trustworthy Food

products easily.

• FSSC 22000 certification and logo are important marketing tools.

• FSSC 22000 certification helps in getting comparatively a better price.

Other benefits to be highlighted include:

• Independence, the standard being owned by a nonprofit foundation.

• Multiple stakeholder approach in development and governance of the standard.
• International and ISO worldwide credibility, built over GFSI approval.
• Common language through global standards, ensuring worldwide consistency in
implementation and allowing for benchmarking.

Features of FSSC 22000

FSSC 22000 is a combination of FSMS / ISO 22000 and 18 Prerequisite Programmes
(PRP’s) listed below.
The distinctive item of this certification scheme is the use of prerequisite programs (PRP’s)
to assist in controlling food safety standards within the manufacturing processes of the food
supply chain.
FSSC complements ISO 22000 and provides a common set of 18 pre-requisite programs
(PRP’s) for use by food and food packaging manufacturers:
• Construction and layout of buildings
• Layout of premises and work space
• Utilities – air, water, energy
• Waste disposal
• Equipment suitability, cleaning and maintenance
• Management of purchased materials
 • Measures for prevention of cross contamination
• Cleaning and sanitizing
• Pest control
• Personnel hygiene and employee facilities
• Rework
• Product recall procedures
• Warehousing
• Product information/consumer awareness
• Food defense, bio-vigilance and bio-terrorism

How can ONE prepare for certification?

• The process described in FSSC 22000 includes the following steps:
• Identify, evaluate, and control the food safety hazards that may be expected to occur
in order to avoid harming the consumer directly or indirectly
• Communicate appropriate information through the food chain regarding safety issues
related to the product
• Communicate information concerning development, implementation, and updating of
the food safety management system throughout the organization
• Evaluate periodically and update, when necessary, the food safety management
system to cover the company’s actual activities and the most recent information on
food safety hazards
• Development, implementation, and certification of a food safety management system
is a continuous journey, with the independent audit representing one element of the
total assessment process.

Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification by OneCert International

1. OneCert International Certification services are understandable, affordable and

efficient.
2. A team of young, energetic and experienced auditors having excellent knowledge
of different types of operations is deputed on the basis of sector of the food chain
category.

3. OneCert Logo is recognized internationally as a symbol of very high integrity and

quality.

4. Customer services and other supports to the clients are par excellence.

5. Neither hidden costs nor confusing statements.

OneCert International Audit & Certification Process

The Certification process of OneCert International is divided into 5 steps

1. Application:

Contract reviewer will ensure that applicant organization have appointed an

authorized representative (Management representative or food safety team leader) to
provide the necessary information to enable it to establish the following:

a) the desired scope of the certification

b) the general features of the applicant organization, including its name and the
address(es) of its physical location(s), significant aspects of its process and
operations, and any relevant legal obligations;

c) general information, relevant for the field of certification applied for,

concerning the applicant organization, such as its activities, human and
technical resources, functions and relationship in a larger corporation, if any;

d) information concerning all outsourced processes used by the organization that

will affect conformity to requirement;

e) the standards or other requirements for which the applicant organization is

seeking certification;

f) Information concerning the use of consultancy relating to the management

system.

Application review:

Once complete application of client is received, our contract reviewer will review
the same on the basis of applicable standards to ensure the following:

a. the information about the applicant organization and its management system is
sufficient for the conduct of audit
 b. the requirements for certification are clearly defined and documented, and have
been provided to the applicant organization; If any incomplete information/
non compliance are found or any additional information is needed, we will
contact the client

c. any known difference in understanding between us (OneCert International) &

applicant organization is resolved

d. OneCert International has the competence & ability to perform the certification
activity;

e. The scope of certification sought, the location(s) of the applicant organization

operations, time required to complete audits and any other points influencing
the certification activity are taken into account (language, safety conditions,
threats to impartiality, etc.);

f. Records of the justification for the decision to undertake the audit are
maintained.

Once required information is gathered or requirements raised (if any) are completed,
an onsite audit is planned on a mutually agreed date and time.

Contract reviewer will appoint the auditor/ audit team as per the requirement of the
client’s management system in consultation with the Quality Assurance Executive.

This reviewing of application usually takes about a couple of days based on the
information provided by applicant.

Stage 1 Audit

Upon receipt of the signed contract, the client should be informed of the date for stage 1
audit which is carried out at client’s location to assess the client’s food safety
system certification conform with all the requirements of FSSC 22000 standard, to
verify that food safety system certification is designed to achieve organization’s food
safety policy and objectives, to assess the capability of food safety system
certification to manage compliance with statutory, regulatory and contractual
requirements and to confirm the planned arrangements for the Stage 2 audit.
The purpose of initial audit is to assess the readiness of the management system for
stage 2 audit, also called as ‘Certification Audit’ or ‘Main Audit’ and to plan for the
Certification Audit. It is necessary that at the time of initial audit the requirements for
certification as mentioned above are met.

The stage 1 audit will cover validation of scope of management system and
certification, design of management system, document review, applicable legal and
other requirements, internal audit process and management review process.

Once client is prepared for stage 2 audit, date and time for stage 2 on-site audit is fixed
in consultation with client. During audit, OneCert International auditors will abide to
principles of Confidentiality (Confidentiality form & conflict of interest annual
declaration). The stage 1 audit findings are recorded and sent to client as audit report,
indicating any areas of concern that could be classified as nonconformity during the
stage 2 audit.

While determining interval between stage 1 and stage 2 audits, OneCert International
consider convenience and needs of client to resolve areas of concern identified during
stage 1 audit. Accordingly, OneCert International will revise its plan & arrangements
for stage 2 audit. The interval between stage 1 and stage 2 audits should not be
longer than 6 months. The stage 1 audit should be repeated if a longer interval is
taken.

It is necessary that client completes appropriate correction and corrective actions

latest before the start of the Stage 2 Audit.

Stage 2 Audit

The Certification Audit shall be conducted within maximum 6 months of the 1st stage
audit.
The stage 2 audit takes place at client’s site to confirm

• the implementation, including the effectiveness of the client’s food

safety management system to the requirements of the FSSC 22000,

• to verify that the information and evidence of conformity is achieved

to all requirements of the food safety system certification standard,
 • to assess the capability of the food safety system certification to perform key
activities, such as processes & activities including production methods,
controls, PRP’s, HACCP plans & procedures as well as competency of
personnel managing and involved in the food safety functions, in conformity
with FSSC 22000 standard,

• to assess the client’s food safety system certification in compliance with

statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements;

• to confirm that the client’s food safety system certification is effective in

achieving the stated food safety policies and objectives

Based on the objective evidence of conformity or nonconformity to the requirements of

FSSC 22000, the audit team leader in consultation with audit team members arrives at
audit conclusion based on audit findings. If non-conformities are found during the
audit, a corrective action request form is provided to client to comment on the
nonconformities and a corrective actions plan will be decided in consultation with the
client who should submit the corrective action report to, OneCert International upon
closure of the non conformities.

If there is any major non –conformity found during the stage 2 audit, the effectiveness of
the corrective action will be verified by an on-site follow up audit.

Issuing Certificate:

When all corrective actions agreed between the client and the audit team have been
completed & Upon receipt of the full payment, the audit report will be forwarded to
reviewer for further review & if reviewer will grant the permission for certification,
then it will be forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer of OneCert International who
will act as a signing authority to finally grant the certification. If additional
documents are required, a communication will be sent to the client.

The certificate(s) will identify the standard(s) to which the client has been found
compliant at the time of audit and the scope of the management system.

Certification decision
Reviewer will take the certification decision based on the audit conclusions and
recommendation of audit team. Certification decisions will be intimated to the client.
Post certification activity:

Surveillance audits

Audit is conducted for first year (within 365 days from certification decision Date) and
second year (within 365 days from first surveillance audit this time frame for 2nd
surveillance audit can be extended up to 60 days for some justified reasons (for
example plant is shut down due to up-gradation or major breakdown in
plant/machinery, natural calamities etc.) to assess the clients continued compliance to
the requirements of standard. If this time frame will be extended, client’s certification will
lead to suspension.

The surveillance audit program shall include, at least

• internal audits and management review,

• a review of actions taken on nonconformities identified during the previous audit,

• treatment of complaints,

• effectiveness of the management system with regard to achieving the certified

client's objectives,

• progress of planned activities aimed at continual improvement,

• continuing operational control,

• review of any changes, and

• use of marks and/or any other reference to certification

Recertification Audit

Recertification audit is conducted in the same manner as of initial certification audit

within every 3 years but before the expiry of certification.

The postponement of recertification audit date beyond the expiration date of certificate
is not allowed.
Findings of recertification audits are listed in report along-with proper conclusions &
recommendations. When, during a recertification audit, instances of nonconformity
or lack of evidence of conformity are identified, the maximum time for verification
of correction and corrective actions by OneCert International is 60 days, and these
actions to be implemented prior to the expiration of certification.

In case of major N.C., it is not possible to check there solution upon expiry of the
certificate, OneCert International will decide the suspension of certification.

Certification Maintenance:

The client is required to inform OneCert International promptly of any significant

changes to its product(s) or services that impact the certified management system(s) or
any other circumstances, which may affect the validity of its certification. For example:
Change of site, Additional sites, Change of process, Change of ownership, Change of
scope, change in number of employees etc. OneCert International will then take the
appropriate action, such as, conducting a special visit and/or changing the
certification.

Non-performance of surveillance visits at interval greater than 365 days results in

certificate loosing its validity. Validity of the certificate cannot be extended beyond the
expiry date indicated on the certificate and reassessment audit (if applicable) must be
completed within the validity period including the time required and foreseen for
completing the corrective actions on the non conformities if found any during the re-
certification audit.

If necessary, OneCert International may have to conduct audits at short notice to

investigate complaints, or in response to changes or as follow up on
suspensions/withdrawals. In such cases, advance intimation will be given to the clients.

Suspending, withdrawing or reducing the scope of certification

OneCert International reserves the right to suspend, withdraw or reduce the client’s
scope. It can be done in following events:
 • The client’s certified food safety system certification has persistently or
seriously failed to meet certification requirements, including requirements for
the effectiveness of the management system,

• The certified client does not allow surveillance or recertification audits to be

conducted at the required frequencies,

• The certified client has voluntarily requested a suspension

Under suspension, the client’s management system certification is temporarily invalid.

Further failure to resolve the issues that have resulted in the suspension within a
time frame shall result in withdrawal or reduction of the scope of certification.

The maximum allowable suspension period will be 6 months within which the client
has to revoke its certification status from suspended to operational status.

Under the category of reduction of the scope of certification, OneCert International

will exclude the parts not meeting the requirements, when the client has persistently or
seriously failed to meet the certification requirements for those parts of the scope of
certification. Such reduction of scope will be in line with the requirements of the FSSC
22000 standard used for the certification.

Under the category of reduction of the scope of certification, OneCert International

will exclude the parts not meeting the requirements, when the client has persistently or
seriously failed to meet the certification requirements for those parts of the scope of
certification. Such reduction of scope will be in line with the requirements of the FSSC
22000 standard used for the certification.

OneCert International reserves the right to publish the fact that such action has been
taken.
Certificates & OneCert International Logo/Marks

If the company is in compliance with the relevant standard requirements, they can
advertise their company profile as FSSC 2000 certified company with OneCert
International logo. Product labeling doesn’t come under the scope of certification.

The OneCert International logo and accreditation mark(s) are sent (soft copy by mail) to
the certified client along with certificate document.

The client has to submit the sample of matter printed with logo either by soft or hard copy
to ONECERT INTERNATIONAL for the final approval of logo usage.

Handling Appeals and Complaints

Clients are free to approach OneCert International for any type of complaints or
appeals against the OneCert International staff, OneCert International certification
system or other clients certified by OneCert International. Any complaints or appeals
have to be made either in writing or through e-mail or phone to the OneCert
International office. Complaints will be handled confidentially. The Chief Executive
Officer of OneCert International or the person appointed by him for this task deals
with appeals and takes decisions on the same.

 Cost of FSMS Certification by OneCert International:-

OneCert International fees may vary depending upon the time required for different
activities such as processing of application, review/s, audit/s, report writing,
decision making etc. Fees of a Client will depend upon:

1. No. of products applied for FSSC Certification.

2. No. of production lines (Processor only).

3. No. of employees
 4. No. of Operation sites or Offices.

5. Size of operation.

6. Absence/ Presence of Management System

7. Complexity of operation.

8. Records maintained and information provided.

For more details please write to OneCert International Office with brief
description of your operations.

Time taken by OneCert International for Certification

The certificate is based on the certification decision and will be released after accepting
corrective actions & closure of all non-conformities (as applicable), raised while certification
audit, by the client.

Sandeep Bhargava
Director
OneCert International Private Limited
H-08, Mansarovar Industrial Area,
Mansarovar, Jaipur (Raj.)-302020