Cleaning & Sanitation

Aligned with FSSC 22000 Requirements

Requirement Overview

FSSC 22000 requires that all areas where food is handled, processed, stored, or transported be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition. Organizations must implement documented cleaning and sanitation procedures as part of their prerequisite programs (PRPs), with responsibilities, methods, frequencies, and verification clearly defined.

Effective sanitation is essential to prevent microbial growth, allergen cross-contact, foreign material hazards, and non-compliance with regulatory and customer standards.

Key Compliance Objectives

  • ✓ Maintain clean, hygienic premises and equipment at all times

    ✓ Implement documented and validated cleaning procedures

    ✓ Ensure personnel are trained in sanitation methods and chemical handling

    ✓ Verify cleaning effectiveness visually, microbiologically, and where applicable, with allergen or ATP testing

Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation

1. Develop and Document Cleaning Procedures

  • Cleaning procedures must address:

    • • What: Items to be cleaned (equipment, floors, walls, tools, etc.)

      • How: Methodology, chemicals, tools, and safety steps

      • When: Frequency of cleaning (daily, shift-based, deep clean)

      • Who: Assigned cleaning staff

      • Verification: Visual checks, swabbing, test methods

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS)

      • Detailed cleaning SOPs and instructions

      • Approved chemical list and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

2. Assign Trained Sanitation Personnel

  • Responsibilities Include:

    • • Executing cleaning as scheduled

      • Using chemicals safely and appropriately

      • Completing records and verifying results

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Sanitation-specific training records

      • Job descriptions with cleaning responsibilities

      • PPE and chemical safety documentation

3. Conduct and Verify Cleaning Activities

  • Routine Sanitation Activities Include:

    • • Cleaning during and between shifts

      • Scheduled deep cleans

      • Visual inspections and rapid hygiene verification (e.g., ATP swabs)

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Completed cleaning logs (with sign-off)

      • Verification records and trend reports

      • Non-conformance reports and corrective actions

4. Review and Improve Sanitation Effectiveness

  • Verification Methods:

    • • Internal audits and hygiene inspections

      • Microbiological and allergen swab results

      • Root cause analysis of hygiene-related incidents

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Cleaning trend data

      • Meeting notes from sanitation review sessions

      • Updated SOPs or corrective action plans

Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes

Audit Finding Recommended Action
Incomplete or outdated cleaning SOPs Review and revise sanitation procedures regularly
Missed or undocumented cleaning tasks Use checklists with sign-off and supervisor verification
No cleaning efficacy verification Implement ATP, swab, or allergen testing to confirm effectiveness
Poor chemical storage and labeling Segregate, label, and document usage of all sanitation chemicals

Auditor Verification Checklist

During an FSSC 22000 audit, be prepared to present:

  • • Master Sanitation Schedule and area-specific cleaning SOPs

    • Cleaning logs completed and verified by authorized personnel

    • Verification records (e.g., visual checks, ATP or swab tests, microbiological results)

    • Staff training documents on sanitation, chemical handling, and hygiene principles

Implementation Roadmap

Build Your Program

  • ✓ Develop SOPs for cleaning all zones, equipment, and surfaces

    ✓ Create and maintain a site-wide Master Sanitation Schedule

Train and Execute

  • ✓ Train staff on cleaning techniques, frequency, and verification

    ✓ Conduct scheduled cleaning and log completion with sign-off

Verify and Monitor

  • ✓ Use visual, microbiological, or allergen verification tools

    ✓ Conduct internal audits to assess compliance and effectiveness

Improve Continuously

  • ✓ Review sanitation records and trend data

    ✓ Adjust cleaning frequencies and methods based on risk assessment and results

Why This Matters?

  • ✓ Reduces risks of contamination, allergen cross-contact, and microbial hazards

    ✓ Demonstrates compliance with FSSC 22000 and regulatory expectations

    ✓ Supports traceability, audit readiness, and product safety

    ✓ Strengthens hygiene culture and operational reliability

Support Tools Available

Food Safety Systems provides:

  • ✓ Editable sanitation SOP templates

    ✓ Master Sanitation Schedule planners

    ✓ Verification tracking logs (ATP, swab, allergen)

    ✓ Training guides for sanitation personnel

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Food Safety Systems is an independent consulting provider. We help businesses meet FSSC 22000 sanitation and hygiene requirements but are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or certified by the Foundation FSSC. All trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners and used for identification purposes only.

For official FSSC 22000 scheme documentation, visit: www.fssc.com/fssc-22000