Food factory inspector doing visual inspection of the product

Preparing for FSSC 22000 version 7: Key changes and audit readiness

24 August 2026 | Louise Harris, Safety and Quality Specialist

FSSC 22000 version 7 Scheme Document was published in May 2026. Are you / your suppliers ready for audits against it?

Alongside other key changes, version 7 has shifted from its previous prerequisite programmes (PRPs) to the new ISO 22002‑x:2025 series, which was published in July 2025 and introduced a unified baseline PRP standard, ISO 22002‑100:2025. The ISO 22000 standard is also currently under review and expected to be launched in 2027.

With every part of The FSSC 22000 Scheme undergoing an update or review, now is a good time to ensure your systems are aligned with the latest requirements. Here we summarise the key changes and takeaways for certified sites, so that you can be prepared for FSSC audits taking place from May 2027 onwards.

So, what are the key changes in FSSC 22000 version 7?

Enhanced product design and development controls
Traceability
Food Loss and waste objectives
Food Safety and quality culture

All these changes are likely to require updates to documented procedures, risk assessments, internal audit programmes and management review inputs before transition to version 7.

Below are extracts of the version 7 standard, showing new/changed requirements. In the next section, we have also provided further context on the bases of these changes. We are here to help if you are unsure of which requirements are relevant to your business or need clarity on how they will impact you.

1. Enhanced Product Design and Development Controls (Food Chain (Sub)categories BIII, C, D, E, F, I & K)

Organisations that design primary packaging / packaging material, shall take the following principles into consideration when developing new products or making changes:

Effective containment and protection of the product from spoilage and damage throughout all steps in the supply chain;
Preserve and extend the shelf-life of the product being packed;
Minimise food loss waste;
Clear communication to consumers on how to handle, store and prepare food.

The incorporation of the above principles shall not negatively impact on food safety.

2. Traceability (Food Chain Subcategory C0- Animal Primary Conversion)

Food chain subcategory C0, organisations shall establish, implement and maintain appropriate procedures and systems to ensure the traceability of all edible parts of the carcass is maintained until the carcass is deemed fit for human consumption (including blood for human consumption).

3. New Food Loss and Waste Requirements

Organisations must now:

Have objectives that are supported by clear and measurable targets and defined timelines.

4. Food Safety and Quality

Organisations must:

Provide sufficient resources to maintain a positive food safety and quality culture;
Ensure a demonstrable commitment from all personnel to the production and safe handling of food shall be available.

Overall, version 7 places greater emphasis on practical implementation, measurable objectives and demonstrable control. This means that certified sites should start reviewing procedures, risk assessments and audit programmes now to prepare for transition.

Please get in touch if you are unsure of what the new requirements mean to you in practical terms.

Bases of the new considerations in FSSC v7

Some of the new considerations are around revised food chain categories, artificial intelligence, Sustainable Development Goals, auditor requirements, multi-site certification and adopting the 22002-x 2025 series.

Revised food chain categories

The scope structure has been significantly revised and expanded:

Expanded subcategories and new sub-subcategories (e.g. dairy, meat, beverages, fats/oils, plastics, paper, glass, etc.)
Better alignment with ISO 22003-1:2022 food chain categories.

Therefore, it may be worth checking the categories you are certified to.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

The use of AI in certification requires a governance framework that ensures an ethical, fair and compliant application, including risk assessments, validation, monitoring and clear roles.

With proper training, transparency and stakeholder communication, AI should support (not replace) human judgment.

Sustainable development goals

Requirements have been strengthened in relation to supporting organisations in their contributions to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To further support Food Loss and Waste (FLW) reductions and sustainable food packaging, some of the Save Food Packaging design principles have been included in version 7.

Developed by the Australasian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and globalised by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), these design principles are applicable to all FSSC 22000 (Certified) Organisations involved in the design of packaging materials.

Auditor requirements

The requirements for auditor qualifications have been updated in line with the new GFSI Benchmarking Requirements and to harmonise competency criteria linked to a more structured division of food chain (sub)categories.

This approach places further emphasis on competencies, including knowledge of products, processes, best practise and legislation.

Multi-site certification expanded

New requirements allow multi-site certification for the following food chain subcategories:

Pre-process handling of plant products;
Food service, and;
Transport services,

with defined sampling and central-function audit requirements.

Adopting the new ISO 22002-x:2025 series

Version 7 has shifted from the previous prerequisite programmes (PRPs), namely the BSI PAS (Publicly Available Standard) and the ISO/TS 22002-x (Technical Specifications), to the new ISO 22002‑x:2025 series. This shift was brought about by ISO’s fundamental restructuring and modernisation of the PRP requirements.

Published in July 2025, the new ISO series introduced a unified baseline PRP standard, ISO 22002‑100:2025 (aka ‘Part 100’), which consolidates common requirements across the food chain and reduces duplication, variability and complexity that existed in the previous ISO/TS documents.

Part 100 is supported by sector-specific parts linked to the organisation’s scope, e.g. ISO 22002-1, which focuses specifically on food manufacturing and must be applied in addition to Part 100. This harmonised structure provides clearer, more consistent requirements and supports a more globally applicable audit approach.

At Campden BRI, we sit on the Technical Working Group for the ISO 22000 standard, which is currently under review and expected to be launched in 2027.

With every part of The Scheme undergoing an update or review it is a good time to ensure your systems are realigned to the new requirements.

Need help preparing for FSSC 22000 v7 audits?

We provide consultancy, guidance and practical support in all aspects of ensuring safety, quality and compliance, and managing risk.

We offer a wide range of technical support activities to help companies implement commercial standards such as FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, BRCGS and more. We support verification activities, including auditing, and can visit your facilities and support you in addressing the findings and implementing best practices.

We also offer site evaluations, pre-certification gap analysis and pre-audit support so that you can have confidence that your systems are effective and ensure audit conformance.

With FSSC 22000 version 7 audits beginning from May 2027, now is the time to review your systems, identify any gaps and make sure your organisation is ready to meet the updated requirements with confidence. Get in touch for pre-audit support.