FSSC 22000 v7 FLW requirements
FSSC 22000 expects certified organisations to manage food loss and waste, not just food safety. Here is what that means in practice, what auditors look for, and how to get your FLW system audit-ready.
- SchemeFSSC 22000, Version 7
- TopicFood loss and waste (FLW) requirements
- WhoCertified food manufacturers, processors, packaging and retail/wholesale organisations
- RelatedISO 20001:2026, FLW Protocol, SDG 12.3
What FSSC 22000 asks for
Since Version 6, FSSC 22000 has included a specific additional requirement on food loss and waste. In short, a certified organisation is expected to:
- Have a documented policy and objectives setting out its strategy to reduce food loss and waste, in its own operations and its related supply chain.
- Control products that are donated, so that food passed on for human consumption remains safe.
- Control surplus products and by-products intended for animal feed or other uses, so they are not contaminated.
- Make sure these activities comply with applicable legislation.
Always work from the current official FSSC 22000 scheme documents for exact wording. Version 7 is the current version; I help clients interpret the requirements in the context of their own operations.
What auditors look for
A policy on paper is not enough. Auditors want to see that food loss and waste is managed as part of the food safety management system, with evidence that it works:
- A credible baseline. Data on how much food is lost or wasted, where and why, not just a waste contractor's invoice.
- Objectives that link to the data. Targets with owners, timelines and KPIs that are actually tracked.
- Controlled procedures for donation, surplus, rework and by-products, with records.
- Corrective actions. When FLW KPIs go off track, a documented response (CAPA).
- Management review. Evidence that leadership reviews FLW performance and decides on improvements.
An FLW system that passes audit and saves money
- FLW gap assessment: a full review against the FSSC 22000 v7 FLW requirements. For a lighter first look, start with the one-day Quick Scan.
- Measurement framework and baseline built with your team, aligned with the FLW Protocol.
- Audit-ready documentation: FLW policy, procedures, CAPA log, evidence file and management review template.
- Donation and surplus procedures that keep food safe and compliant.
- Pre-audit mock review with a full checklist walkthrough.
- One system for two standards: build it once so it also meets ISO 20001:2026.
I prepare organisations for audits and certification. Certification decisions are made by independent certification bodies.
Walk into audit day with confidence
Start with a one-day Quick Scan, or go straight to a full FLW gap assessment against the FSSC 22000 v7 FLW requirements.