Scope
Following the publication of FSSC 22000 version 7, this bulletin has been produced to update certification bodies and stakeholders on the UKAS transition process and overall timelines for transition of accreditation to the new version of the scheme.
Summary of changes
Following the publishing of GFSI’s 2024 benchmarking requirements and updates to the ISO 22002 series of pre-requisite programmes on food safety, Foundation FSSC undertook a review and update of the FSSC 22000 scheme, resulting in the publishing of version 7 in May 2026. The main changes in version 7 include:
- Incorporation of the new ISO 22002-x series of pre-requisite programmes on food safety
- Aligning the scheme with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarking requirements 2024
- Strengthening the requirements to support organisations in their contributions to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); this includes new requirements for food loss and waste reduction and sustainable food packaging
- Providing a more defined structure for the division of food chain (sub)categories; this includes updated auditor qualification requirements and a more structured division of the ISO 22003-1:2022 Annex A (sub)categories to harmonise competency requirements
- Addition of requirements for certification bodies to implement an AI governance framework
- Editorial changes and amendments as part of continual improvement
ISO 22002-x series
A core part of the transition relates to the update of the pre-requisite programme (PRP) standards. These documents are normative under the FSSC 22000 scheme and version 7 has updated the standard to require compliance with the new ISO 22002-x:2025 series, which replace the previous BSI PAS and ISO/TS 22002-x technical specifications. The new PRP standards were published by ISO in July 2025, harmonising the structure of the standards as well as unifying essential hygiene and safety practices that organizations must implement as part of their food safety management system. The introduction of ISO 22002-100:2025 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.
Further detail on the changes is provided on the FSSC website, as well links to the updated FSSC scheme documents: FSSC 22000 Version 7: Key Changes Explained – FSSC
UKAS transition plan
The proposed assessment approach is based on the FSSC 22000 Version 7 Upgrade Process: Version-7-Upgrade-Process
Assessment will be completed as a desktop exercise through review of submitted documentation. To enable effective assessment, CABs are required to submit the following:
- A Gap Analysis that shall, as a minimum, cover the scheme changes in version 7 and the impact on the CAB.
- An action/implementation plan for any actions identified within the gap analysis.
- Relevant documentation to evidence the implementation of any required changes.
- Evidence of training for certification personnel (e.g. application reviewers, auditors, technical reviewers and certification decision makers). It is not expected that all personnel will have completed training at the time of assessment however, for those who have not completed required training, evidence is required indicating when it is planned for completion.
- Evidence of requalification of auditors against the newly introduced sub(sub)categories (see FSSC 22000 v7 Part 1, Table 1), as required in FSSC 22000 v7 Part 4, Section 3.5.3 (4).
- Evidence that the changes and requirement to transition to FSSC 22000 v7 has been communicated to affected clients.
Timeline
| Date | Milestone / Activity |
|---|---|
| 07 May 2026 | FSSC 22000 v7 published |
| May 2026 to September 2026 | UKAS and CAB preparation |
| 31 October 2026 | Deadline for CABs to provide the required documentation |
| November 2026 | UKAS to complete transition assessments |
| November 2026 to February 2027 | CABs to address identified improvement actions |
| 30 April 2027 | All UKAS transition decisions to be completed |
| 01 May 2027 | FSSC 22000 v6 audits to cease; all audits from this date must be to FSSC 22000 v7 (1) |
| 01 May 2027 to 30 April 2028 | CABS to transition all certified customers to the revised standard via “upgrade” audits; initial certifications to be completed to version 7 (2) |
(1) Initial certification audits: both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit shall be conducted to Version 7 when the audit takes place from 1 April 2027 onwards OR conduct the Stage 1 to Version 6 (when conducted before 1 April 2027) and Stage 2 to Version 7 when conducted on or after 1 April 2027.
(2) An upgrade audit is a full audit against the new FSSC 22000 V7 requirements and may be conducted announced, or unannounced if required to meet the 3-yearly unannounced audit requirements. For upgrade audits utilizing the ICT Audit Approach method, both the remote component and the onsite component shall be completed against V7 commencing from 1 April 2027 onwards. It is not possible to conduct part of the audit to a different scheme version.
Process
It is not expected that any site assessment will be required and the default approach will be to complete the assessment via desktop review with any issues identified to be addressed as Mandatory Improvement Actions (MIAs) via the UKAS Assessment Portal. If significant concerns are raised, additional assessment activity may be recommended, and the CAB will be notified. Witness assessments are not required as part of the transition.
Estimated effort required for the transition is as follows:
- Technical Assessor
- Minimum 0.5 days desktop assessment of evidence submitted. This may be increased depending on CAB size, complexity and volume of documentation submitted
- 25 days office time (preparation and reporting)
- Assessment Manager
- Minimum 0.5 days for planning, reviewing/issuing reports, management of any identified improvement actions, updating accreditation schedules and assessment programmes and completing actions required for the decision-making process
- Total effort proposed (minimum):
- 25 days
UKAS will be ready to begin transition assessments from November 2026. There is no need to submit an application form, and the required assessment activity will be set up and managed by UKAS. Whilst no application is required, CABs are required to provide all requested documentary evidence by 31 October 2026 to enable timely completion of the required assessment activity. Documentation can be shared with UKAS using the Customer Portal.
Following completion of the assessment, CABs will have 3 months to close out any identified mandatory improvement actions. UKAS will then have 2 months to complete the required decision-making and issuance of updated schedules of accreditation ahead of the 01 May 2027 effective date for FSSC 22000 v7.
As with any transition, failure to meet any defined milestones and to successfully complete the transition by the deadlines may put accreditation in the relevant scope at risk.
Should you require any clarification on the above, please contact your UKAS Assessment Manager in the first instance. In the absence of your UKAS Assessment Manager, one of the following may be able to assist:
- Alex Bryan: Senior Assessment Manager – [email protected]
- Isla Paterson: Accreditation Specialist – [email protected]
Download a pdf copy of this Technical Bulletin here.