Transitioning from BRC to FSSC 22000
Thanks very much!
I went to a FSCC2200 Implementation training and my take away is that the scheme still new, it covers the same topics in different programs, does not have an interpretation guide, overall is confusing, and my personal opinion: it would be a step back in our current Quality Systems.
It might be good for companies who still shopping around for a Food Safety Standard, but I wouldn't recommend it for companies already certified under SQF or BRC.
P.S. My company is not changing Standards :)
IMHO ISO22000 would be fine if they deleted all references to OPRP (or revised the standard to make it readily intelligible).
However if you like the idea of learning a new, poorly defined HACCP language, unique to ISO, it may suit you perfectly.
Rgds / Charles.C
BRC vs FSSC - we have certified to BRC for 5 years with great success. Another manager is now driving towards FSSC. We supply fresh fruit to South African and European retailers. Can anyone please share their thoughts. What will this mean to transition to FSSC seeing I dont have much FSSC experience, and not wanting to replace a successfully implemented standard with another just for the sake of it.
Thanks very much!
Hi there,
You will need to get yourself copies of the relevant standards, ISO 22000:2005 and TS/ISO22002-1 2009.
The main difference will be with regard to the requirements for HACCP in ISO 22000. If you look at the following clauses:
7.4.3 Hazard assessment
7.4.4 Selection and assessment of control measures
7.5 Establishing the operational prerequisite programmes (PRPs)
7.6 Establishing the HACCP plan
In ISO 22000 there is a requirement to establish prerequisites and then categorisation of control measures into operational prerequisite programmes and critical control points and then development of documentation for both. The methodology for determining operational prerequisite programmes and critical control points is described in ISO 22000 Clause 7.4.4 Selection and assessment of control measures:
The selection and categorization shall be carried out using a logical approach that includes assessments with regard to the following: a) its effect on identified food safety hazards relative to the strictness applied; b) its feasibility for monitoring c) its place within the system relative to other control measures; d) the likelihood of failure in the functioning of a control measure or significant processing variability; e) the severity of the consequence(s) in the case of failure in its functioning; f) whether the control measure is specifically established and applied to eliminate or significantly reduce the level of hazard(s); g) synergistic effects Control measures categorized as belonging to the HACCP plan shall be implemented in accordance with 7.6. Other control measures shall be implemented as operational PRPs according to 7.5.
As per BRC -CCP's are documented in the HACCP plan including:
a) hazard(s)
b) control measure(s)
c) critical limit(s)
d) monitoring procedure(s)
e) corrections and corrective action(s) to be taken if critical limits are exceeded
f) responsibilities and authorities
g) record(s) of monitoring
In ISO 22000 the same document requirements for CCP's above apply to operational prerequisite programmes with the exception that there are no critical limits.
Regards,
Tony
I have worked with both BRC and FSSC 22000 at different companies and I much prefer BRC. The requirements are a lot more clear and there are fewer debates with auditors over interpretation of the standard. As mentioned, the introduction of OPRPs in FSSC 22000 is the main difference and I think a significant one. Avoid getting involved in OPRPs as long as possibe!!!! You can see from discussions on this site that there is so much confusion in the industry over their purpose and correct use. Especially if you are happy with your BRC compliant food safety program, I would recommend sticking with it.
Kind regards