Food Safety is a major concern for companies in the food industry, mostly in Philippines, where food and agricultural sectors plays a critical role. To make sure the global ambitions satisfies client’s expectations, various food businesses are searching globally recognized certification for food safety. Amidst the most trusted standards are ISO 22000:2018 and FSSC 22000 version 6.1. These certifications has helped to enhance Food and Safety Management, achieve access to international firms and decrease risks Philippine’s organizations.

What is ISO 22000:2018 Certification

ISO 22000:2018 is a global standard for Food and Safety Management (FSMS), issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It incorporates the rules of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control points (HACCP) and aligns with various ISO standards, making it easy for businesses to integrate it into their operations. In the Philippines, manufacturers, providers, and processors are all rapidly adapting to ISO 22000:2018. This procedure ensures that the food is in safe hands from field to fork.

Benefits of ISO 22000:2018 certification

  • Improved client belief and confidence
  • Regulatory adherence with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Philippines and other regional bodies.
  • Enhanced hygiene measures and food safety.
  • Better interior methods and efficiency.
  • Reach to global markets/firms and international buys.

What is FSSC 22000 version 6.1

FSSC 22000 version 6.1 is a Global Food Safety Initiative renewed certification plan based on ISO 22000. It includes ISO 22000 with region-precise Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) and an extra necessary set by the FSSC foundation. Version 6.1 is the current redesigned as of 2204-2025, showing the advanced global trends in sustainability, food, safety, and risk management.

In the Philippines, FSSC 22000 v 6.1 is a model for food producers who provide products to MNCs or send their products abroad. This certification is broadly accepted by global merchants and food firms, making it a significant tool for growth and conformity.

Benefits of 22000 version 6.1 in Philippines

  • FSSC 22000 version 6.1 is established on ISO 22000:2018, it contains all risk-specific ways and management system advantages of
  • This version focuses attention on food fraud assessments and protection plans to help organizations protect themselves from theft and destruction.
  • Encouragement of social and environmental responsibility for a strong food culture.
  • Region-specific needs to firms like animal food, packaging, transport, storage, and food processing.

Reasons for businesses in Philippines to get certified

The Philippines is a globally growing food market, with products like seafood, processed foods, coconut, banana, and pineapple. To keep in competition and stay up to the needs of the buyers and compliance with the safety of food standards like ISO 22000:2018 and FSSC 22000 version 6.1 is required. Reasons:

  1. Regulatory Compliance: Acceptance with ISO and FSSC methods coordinates well with Philippine’s FDA and department of agriculture regulations.
  2. Global Market Reach: Both the certifications are globally identified and make easy for Philippine business to reach foreign markets and partners.
  3. Client Trust: Certification marks loyalty to food trait and safety, making brand image better in the eyes of customers in
  4. Business Capability: Executing proper safety system for food enhances functional efficiency and decreases wastage.

Steps for certification in Philippines

  1. Testimony: Building a manual for food safety and essential procedures.
  2. Gap Evaluation: Assess present procedures against ISO and FSSC
  3. Practice: Training staffs on certified standards and food safety principles.
  4. Systematic Certification Review: Include an accredited body of certification in Philippines to your review system.
  5. Maintenance: Upgrade and maintain the system through consistent enhancement and yearly monitoring audit.

Choose Global Quality Services for your Certification

Global Quality Services is a leading consultancy firm. It has provided ISO to several clients locally and internationally. Global Quality Services has modified the sense of various businesses by changing their working environment and implemented quality in every corner of operations that takes care of the whole journey, starting from the implementation process to post certification guidance.

For food businesses in the Philippines, executing ISO 22000:2018 or FSSC version 6.1 certification is not just a requirement but a move concerning functional excellence, global market reach, and client trust. As the food market grows with rising customer demands and rigid rules, Philippine businesses should stay beforehand by embracing safety in food management that coordinates with foreign practices.

FAQs: ISO 22000:2018 & FSSC 22000 v6.1 Certification (Philippines)

1. What is the difference between ISO 22000:2018 and FSSC 22000 v6.1?

ISO 22000:2018 is an international standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), focusing on risk control, HACCP principles, and management system requirements.
FSSC 22000 v6.1 builds on ISO 22000 but includes additional requirements such as sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002 series), food fraud mitigation, food defence, and mandatory requirements from the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Many large retailers and global buyers require FSSC 22000 because it is GFSI-recognized.

2. Who needs ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 certification in the Philippines?

These certifications are ideal for food manufacturers, processors, cold storage facilities, packaging manufacturers, food distributors, catering companies, and agricultural producers. Businesses supplying supermarkets, export markets, or multinational brands often pursue FSSC 22000 due to its GFSI approval, while ISO 22000 suits companies building a structured FSMS foundation.

3. How long does it take to get ISO 22000:2018 or FSSC 22000 v6.1 certified?

Certification timelines typically range from 3 to 6 months, depending on current food safety controls, documentation maturity, internal competency, and audit readiness. Organizations with existing HACCP or GMP systems may progress faster. FSSC 22000 may require additional time due to prerequisite programs and GFSI requirements.

4. What are the main requirements for achieving certification?

Both standards require:

  • A documented Food Safety Management System

  • Hazard analysis using HACCP principles

  • Established PRPs (e.g., cleaning, sanitation, pest control, maintenance)

  • Traceability and recall procedures

  • Internal audits and management review

  • Corrective actions and CAPA processes
    FSSC 22000 additionally requires:

  • Food fraud and food defence plans

  • More detailed PRPs based on ISO/TS or applicable technical specifications

  • Unannounced audit compliance (based on scheme rules)

5. How much does ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 certification cost in the Philippines?

Costs vary depending on organization size, number of employees, scope of operations, and chosen certification body. ISO 22000 is generally more cost-effective because it has fewer scheme-specific requirements. FSSC 22000 tends to be higher due to GFSI alignment, unannounced audit rules, and mandatory PRP modules. Most Philippine SMEs can expect certification fees to range from PHP 120,000 to PHP 350,000, excluding consultancy and readiness work.