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ASSURANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS: CONSOLIDATING A STRATEGIC DOCUMENT
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UPDATES TO FSSC 22000 VERSION 6: KEY CHANGES AND IMPLICATIONS
Apr. 9 2024
FSSC 22000 is an internationally recognised certification scheme ensuring the safety and quality of food products. The latest version, FSSC 22000 Version 6, was published at the beginning of April 2023. A 12-month transition period is in place between April 1st, 2023, and March 31st, 2024.
The new version of the standard brings significant changes impacting food production companies and the certification process by integrating requirements of ISO22003-1:2022 and strengthening the requirements to support organisations in their contributions to meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What Are the Key Changes?
Realignment of Food Chain Categories
FSSC 22000 Version 6 introduces changes to food chain categories according to ISO22003-1:2022. FSSC 22000 Version 6 adds two new categories: BIII - the pre-process handling of plant products, and C0 - which focuses on animal primary conversion. The pet food production categories have been removed, and pet food is now covered in categories C & D. Transport has been merged into one category, G. Finally, trading and broking have also been added in category FII. As a result, some organisations will change to a different food safety category.
Additional FSSC 22000 Requirements
The additional requirements in Version 6 include more detailed clauses on integration of the requirements on food safety and quality culture but also validation/verification of packaging claims, criteria for using recycled materials, more detailed allergen management, environmental monitoring, quality control, purchase and installation of new equipment, and handling of food loss and waste.
Audit Duration
Due to changes in the accreditation document ISO22003-1:2022 and the additional requirements, the audit time for FSSC 22000 audits will need to be revised. For many organisations, the audit time will increase.
Once an organisation is certified, they will be presented with their certificate. The certificate will have a QR code printed on it for easy verification and information access.