FSSC 22000 Version 6: What You Need to Know About the Latest Food Safety Standard
Food safety is a top priority for any organization involved in the food industry, and the FSSC 22000 standard is one of the leading food safety management system standards worldwide. Recently, the FSSC 22000 standard was updated to version 6, which includes several significant changes that organizations need to be aware of to maintain certification.
One of the significant changes in the FSSC 22000 version 6 standard is the realignment of the food chain categories in accordance with ISO 22003-1:2022. Additionally, the scope of the standard has been expanded to include trading and brokering (FII) while removing farming and FSSC 22000-Quality from the scheme.
Another significant change in version 6 is the integration of the requirements on food safety and quality culture, emphasizing the importance of developing a culture that prioritizes food safety and quality. The updated standard also includes new requirements on quality control,food loss and waste, and equipment management.
To strengthen the existing requirements, FSSC 22000 version 6 has added several new requirements, such as those related to allergen management and environmental monitoring, in part 2 of the scheme.
Moreover, the updated standard includes changes and clarifications on requirements for the certification process, ensuring organizations maintain compliance during the certification process. A QR code on FSSC 22000 certificates has also been added for improved traceability.
Organizations have a 12-month transition window to prepare for the new version, with the first audits commencing on April 1, 2024. All organizations must complete the V6 upgrade audit before March 31, 2025, to comply with the new standard. The Foundation has published a Version 6 Upgrade Process document detailing the transition requirements and a version of the scheme highlighting the changes between V5.1 and V6.
In conclusion, the FSSC 22000 version 6 standard includes several significant changes that organizations in the food industry need to comply with to ensure the safety and quality of their products. The updated standard emphasizes the importance of a food safety and quality culture, and organizations must take appropriate action to update their food safety management systems before the deadline of March 31, 2025, to comply with the new standard.
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