What Is New with Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 Version 6?

FSSC 22000 V6, the latest version of the internationally recognised food safety certification scheme, arrived in April 2023, bringing significant changes for food production companies. Here is a comprehensive overview of what is new:

Food chain categories:

• Two new categories: BIII (pre-processing of plant products) and с0 (primary conversion of animals) cater for specific sectors.
• Revised categories: Pet food now falls under categories C and D, while transport has been merged into category G. E-commerce is included in category FI.
• Potential reclassification: Some organisations may need to move to a different food safety category during the transition.

Additional requirements for FSSC 22000:

• More detailed clauses: You will find an improved focus on areas such as validation/verification of packaging claims, criteria for recycled materials, allergen management, environmental monitoring, quality control, purchase of new equipment and handling of food waste.

Audit time:

• Expected increase: Due to the revised accreditation document and the additional requirements, audit time may increase for many organisations.
• Integration options: Organisations undergoing integrated audits with management systems or other food safety schemes may see some time savings.

Other key changes:

• Adoption of the updated ISO 22003-1 requirements: FSSC V6 aligns with the latest international standards for food safety management systems.
• Focus on food safety culture: The new version emphasises building a strong food safety culture within organisations.
• Strengthened quality control: Stricter requirements for quality control procedures have been introduced.

Transition period and implications:

• 12-month transition: Organisations have until 31 March 2024 to move to FSSC V6. Audits will no longer be conducted against V5.1 after that date.
• Preparation and training: Early preparation through training and gap analysis is crucial in order to ensure a smooth transition.
• Expert guidance: Consultation with certification bodies or consultants can simplify the transition process.

Overall, FSSC 22000 V6 aims to improve food safety across the supply chain through:

• Addressing new trends and challenges.
• Improving the robustness of food safety management systems.
• Promoting continual improvement of food safety practices.

For organisations seeking FSSC 22000 certification, understanding these changes is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring safe food production.

If you have any further questions, we are at your disposal!