Elevating Food Safety: Transition to FSSC 22000 Version 6
The FSSC Foundation is a leader in food safety management systems. The FSSC scheme supports the consumer goods industry in implementing effective management systems, protecting their brands, and helping to achieve food safety objectives. The new version 6 of the FSSC 22000 scheme includes new essential requirements for organizations aiming to meet globally recognized standards.
FSSC (Food Safety System Certification) 22000 is a globally recognized certification scheme and provides a certification model applicable to the entire food chain. Last year, version 6 of the FSSC 22000 standard was introduced, with a one-year transition period. Audits according to the previous version (5.1) can still be conducted until March 31, 2024. From April 1, 2024, all audits will be conducted according to this new version 6.0. This latest update includes refinements to support organizations in contributing to achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), which are part of the UN Climate Agreement 2030. Feedback from the development survey for the new version has also been incorporated.
Key Changes
The new version includes a significant number of changes aimed at improving effectiveness. This version replaces version 5.1. Several major changes have been applied, mainly concerning changes in possible scopes, audit duration, and the additional FSSC requirements. The additional requirements include those related to labeling and claims, food loss and waste, quality control, equipment management, allergen management, and integration of food safety and quality culture requirements. The requirements for environmental monitoring have also been further emphasized and clarified. Additionally, new actions have been added, such as demonstrable control of physical contamination and mandatory reporting to the CI (certification body) in emergency situations or if the integrity of the certificate is at risk.
The most important changes in version 6.0 of FSSC 22000 include:
- Reorganization of food chain categories in accordance with ISO 22003-1:2022.
- The scope has been expanded to include a new scope option FII for Trading / Brokering / E-commerce and reduced by removing Farming and FSSC 22000-Quality from the scheme.
- Integration of food safety and quality culture requirements.
- New requirements for quality control, food loss and waste, and equipment management.
- Strengthening of existing additional requirements in part 2 of the scheme, including but not limited to allergen management and environmental monitoring.
- Changes and clarification of the certification process requirements.
- Addition of a QR code on FSSC 22000 certificates for better traceability.
Transition to FSSC22000 V6
For the implementation of the new version 6.0, there is a 12-month transition period, giving organizations time to prepare. From April 1, 2024, all organizations will be audited according to the so-called ‘V6-upgrade’ by an accredited CI, and the update audit must be completed by March 31, 2025.
Implementing FSSC 22000 V6
Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 has always been a valuable scheme for companies seeking to maintain the highest level of food safety management. To keep the implementation process clear, FSSC has published a Version 6 Upgrade Process document, outlining the transition requirements. This document highlights the changes between V5.1 and V6. However, transitioning to version 6 requires a focused approach that demands knowledge, insight, and time. To ease the process for your organization, the specialists at Schouten Advies are ready to assist you.
Questions or Need Advice?
If you have further questions about the transition to the implementation of FSSC 22000 version 6, or if you need assistance, our specialists are here to help. Please contact us via info@schoutenadvies.
