Halal and FSSC 22000 Certification: Similarities and Differences

Both halal and FSSC 22000 certifications aim to ensure product integrity, however, their focus areas and methodologies are different. 

Halal certification ensures that products meet Islamic dietary laws, addressing both ingredient compliance and processes to maintain religious permissibility. On the other hand, FSSC 22000 focuses exclusively on food safety, following internationally recognized standards to mitigate risks and ensure consumer health.

In this guide, we’ll explore the overlaps and differences between Halal and FSSC 22000 certifications, breaking down their objectives, requirements, and value to businesses.

Halal & FSSC 22000: Similarities 

Halal certification and FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) share several similarities, primarily in their focus on ensuring product safety, quality, and compliance with specific standards

1. Standards-Based Approaches

• Halal Certification: Based on food safety management standards like ISO 22000, alongside region/country specific standards such as MS1500:2004, SJPH, GSO standards, or the AHF Halal Standards.
• FSSC 22000: Built on ISO 22000 and integrates other standards like ISO/TS 22002-1 for food manufacturing.

 Both rely on a structured, standards-based approach to ensure compliance with specific requirements.

2. Emphasis on Risk Management

• Halal Certification: Requires identification and mitigation of risks such as cross-contamination with haram (prohibited) substances.
• FSSC 22000: Mandates risk analysis and mitigation strategies based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) framework.

Both prioritize systematic risk assessment and management.

3. Critical Control Points

• Halal Certification: Focuses on Halal Critical Control Points (HCCPs) like segregation of halal and non-halal materials, and the handling of ingredients.
• FSSC 22000: Focuses on general Critical Control Points (CCPs) to ensure food safety throughout the production chain.

Both involve monitoring CCPs to ensure compliance, though halal specifically targets religious permissibility alongside safety.

4. Traceability Systems

• Halal Certification: Requires traceability to confirm ingredients, sources, and processes comply with halal requirements.
• FSSC 22000: Mandates traceability systems to track food products and ensure safety and integrity across the supply chain.

Both emphasize end-to-end traceability.

5. Documentation and Records

• Halal Certification: Requires detailed documentation of ingredients, processing methods, and halal verification records.
• FSSC 22000: Requires extensive documentation of food safety management systems, procedures, and records.

For both, documentation is critical for audits, certification, and demonstrating compliance.

6. Supplier Management

• Halal Certification: Demands that suppliers are certified halal or halal suitable. 
• FSSC 22000: Requires supplier approval programs to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Both require robust supplier vetting and management practices.

7. Training and Competence

• Halal Certification: Requires staff to be trained in halal principles, including segregation, handling, and production. Halal training is usually part of the facility audit.  
• FSSC 22000: Demands food safety training for employees to ensure the implementation of safety practices.

Employee training is fundamental to both systems.

8. Hygiene and Sanitation

• Halal Certification: Focuses on cleanliness and purity (taharah) to ensure no contamination with haram (forbidden) substances.
• FSSC 22000: Enforces Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and sanitation controls to maintain food safety.

Both require stringent hygiene practices.

9. Third-Party Audits

• Halal Certification: Regular audits by a recognized halal certifying body to ensure compliance.
• FSSC 22000: Audits by accredited certification bodies for compliance with food safety standards.

Both rely on independent third-party audits for certification.

10. Global Recognition

• Halal Certification: Recognized by various religious and government authorities globally, depending on the certification body.
• FSSC 22000: Accepted by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and recognized worldwide.

Both are globally recognized and enhance market access.

Halal & FSSC 22000: Differences 

Following the similarities, here’s an in-depth breakdown of the differences between Halal certification and FSSC 22000 certification: 

1. Purpose and Objective

• Halal Certification: Focuses on ensuring that products comply with Islamic dietary laws. It assures Muslim consumers that the product is permissible (halal) according to Shariah law.
• FSSC 22000: Aims to ensure food safety by preventing contamination and hazards during production, storage, and distribution.

Key Difference: Halal certification emphasizes religious compliance, while FSSC 22000 focuses on public health and safety.

2. Focus Areas

• Halal Certification: Includes:
  • Prohibited ingredients: No pork, alcohol, or improperly slaughtered animals.
  • Hygiene rules: Emphasis on religious cleanliness (taharah).
  • Segregation: Separation of halal and haram products throughout the supply chain.
• FSSC 22000: Includes:
  • Food safety hazards: Biological, chemical, physical, and allergen risks.
  • Sanitation protocols: Focused purely on food safety and hygiene standards.
  • Risk management: A hazard-based preventive approach.

Key Difference: Halal certification focuses on religious permissibility, while FSSC 22000 emphasizes hazard prevention and management.

3. Ingredient Requirements

• Halal Certification: Strictly evaluates whether ingredients and additives are halal, including enzymes, emulsifiers, and processing aids.
• FSSC 22000: Evaluates the safety of ingredients but not their religious permissibility.

Key Difference: Halal certification investigates ingredients based on their halal nature, while FSSC 22000 assesses only their safety.

4. Auditors and Expertise

• Halal Certification: Involves halal auditors trained in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and food science/microbiology.
• FSSC 22000: Conducted by food safety auditors with expertise in ISO standards, HACCP, and safety protocols.

Halal certification requires specific religious training, whereas FSSC 22000 relies on technical food safety expertise.

5. Process Flow

• Halal Certification:
  • Verify halal status of raw materials and suppliers.
  • Assess production processes for contamination risks.
  • Conduct ritual slaughter for animal-based products.
  • Certify packaging and labeling as halal.
• FSSC 22000:
  • Analyze hazards using HACCP principles.
  • Implement FSMS to manage risks.
  • Ensure compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and sanitation rules.

Key Difference: Halal certification integrates religious rituals and rules, while FSSC 22000 uses a scientific hazard-based framework.

6. Symbol and Recognition

• Halal Certification: Uses a halal logo approved by the certifying authority. 
• FSSC 22000: Does not have a universal logo but provides a certificate of compliance.

Key Difference: Halal certification includes a religious symbol, while FSSC 22000 focuses on a documented certificate.

Summary

Aspect	Halal Certification	FSSC 22000 Certification
Focus on Religious Compliance	✓	✗
Focus on Food Safety	✓	✓
Follows ISO Standards	✓	✓
Risk Management (HACCP)	(HCCP-specific)	(HACCP-specific)
Ingredient Compliance	✓ (Halal-specific)	✗ (Safety-only)
Prohibits Pork and Alcohol	✓	✗
Segregation of Products	✓	✗
Hygiene Standards (Sanitation)	✓	✓
Religious Symbol/Logo	✓	✗
Documented Certificate	✓	✓
Third-Party Audits	✓	✓
Training and Competence	✓ (Halal-specific)	✓ (Safety-specific)
Supplier Approval Program	✓	✓
Traceability Requirements	✓	✓
Focus on Risk Mitigation	✓	✓
Uses Religious Expertise	✓	✗
Uses Food Safety Experts	✗	✓
Annual Certification Renewal	✓	✗ (Every 3 years with audits)

Can Halal and FSSC 22000 Audits be Integrated? 

Halal and FSSC 22000 audits can be effectively integrated, offering businesses a streamlined approach to compliance. 

Integration benefits include reduced audit time, cost savings, and a cohesive management system that meets the needs of both Muslim consumers and global food safety standards.

Reach out to AHF today at +1-(630)-759-4981 or simply complete this form to learn how we can help integrate Halal and FSSC 22000 certifications for your business. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is the difference between Halal and FSSC 22000 certification?

Halal focuses on Islamic dietary compliance, while FSSC 22000 ensures food safety standards.

Can Halal and FSSC 22000 audits be integrated?

Yes, integrating both audits streamlines compliance, saving time and costs for businesses.

Why is Halal certification important?

Halal certification ensures products meet Islamic dietary laws, catering to Muslim consumers worldwide.

What does FSSC 22000 certification cover?

FSSC 22000 focuses on food safety management, addressing biological, chemical, and physical hazards.

Do Halal and FSSC 22000 certifications enhance market access?

Yes, both certifications build consumer trust and open access to global and niche markets.

What industries benefit from Halal and FSSC 22000 certifications?

Food manufacturing, processing, cosmetics, and packaging industries benefit from these certifications.

Who conducts Halal audits?

Halal audits are conducted by trained halal auditors with expertise in Islamic dietary laws and food science.

Who can help integrate Halal and FSSC 22000 certifications?

The American Halal Foundation (AHF) has networks in place to integrate Halal and FSSC 22000 certifications.