FSSC 22000 Version 6: Everything You Need to Know for Food Businesses

Let’s imagine an international food company that got certified in accordance with FSSC 22000 previous version. This would mean quite bad consequences. Thus, it will be necessary to upgrade its certificate according to FSSC 22000 Version 6.0 Certification. Thanks to the changes in FSSC Version 6, companies will have to make changes in their actions to maintain cooperation. For instance, it could be better observation of the sources of food or increased control over products. This is needed in order to avoid the possibility of any problems with food safety. At the same time, it can also secure consumer health as well as the reputation and the image of the company. First of all, the company needs to fully understand the changes in FSSC 22000 V6, and for this purpose, it is necessary to read this blog post from beginning to end since it covers FSSC 22000 Version 6 everything you need to know.

Herein the FSSC 22000 compliance guide will allow you to learn about FSSC 22000 version 6 certification, FSSC 22000 Version 6 Requirements, FSSC 22000 Version 6 Changes, FSSC 22000 Version 6 Certification Process, and how we, Legal4sure, can assist you in this process.

What is FSSC 22000 Version 6.0 Certification

Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 Version 6 is a new version of one of the most popular Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) in the world. The standard guarantees the highest level of food safety; thus, it would be advantageous for all organizations from the food industry to comply with the new requirements. The FSSC 22000 Version 6 came into effect on April 1, 2023. At the moment, FSSC 22000 certifies more than 31,000 facilities worldwide. All facilities, which apply FSSC 22000 standard, have 12 months to prepare for the new requirements. Starting April 1, 2024, all audits have to be performed using Version 6 of the standard.

Although the new version of the standard is fully compatible with Version 5.1, it starts with several new requirements for which the analyzer will be looking. This additional precision reflects the ongoing development of the industry and the growing demand for accountability and transparency. In this blog post, we will learn the main changes, advantages, and all the details about FSSC 22000 Version 6 certification.

 

Changes in FSSC 22000 Version 6 certification

FSSC 22000 v6 Changes bring about several important changes in order to improve food safety practices and conform to international regulations. Wondering what the changes in FSSC 22000 v6 are? The main changes in FSSC 22000 v6 include:

Five new requirements – 

• Food safety and quality culture
• Equipment management
• Quality control
• Communication requirements
• Food loss and waste

 

Existing requirements currently cover 11 new areas – 

• Supplier management
• Product labeling
• Food defense
• Food fraud
• Logo use
• Allergen management
• Environmental monitoring
• Transportation and distribution
• Product design and development
• Requirements for organizations with multiple sites
• Control of hazards and prevention of cross-contamination

 

Two requirements are retained without change – 

• Verification of the PPRS (Plastic Pollution Reduction Standard)
• Validation of the health status

Qualitative & Quantitative Traceability of Food Packaging

Labels and packing materials, including secondary packaging, can be tracked both qualitatively and quantitatively for food safety information such as “best before” dates, allergens, and nutrient content.

Improvements in Allergen Management

Updated guidelines to ensure better control of allergen risks.

Stricter Measures for Food Defense

Improved protocols to protect against intentional contamination.

Updates to the FSSC 22000 Scope

The standard has made some changes to its scope, updating a few categories and making the structure clearer. Here’s what’s new:

• The existing category (A) on the subject of “Primary production” of animal and plant products is replaced by a new one “Pre-process handling of plant products” (BIII) such as packaging fruits and vegetables.
• A new category (C0) is introduced on the subject of conversion of animal carcasses for further processing.
• Pet food categories (DIIa and DIIb) are no longer existent and now belong to the categories CI to CIV of food products.
• The category of “Transport and Storage Services” is now included in a new category of G.
• A new category FII for brokering activities has been created.
• Overall descriptions of categories have become more precise and elaborate. Foods intended for dietary or medical purposes if it is legally considered food in the country of manufacture can fall into category C. Pharmaceuticals and medical products are excluded from the scope of FSSC 22000 standard.
• Packaging (I) now covers such materials as napkins and packaging materials (aluminum foil, waxed paper, plastic films) for foods. Personal household use packaging materials are not within the scope.
• The FSSC 22000 scheme is no longer covering the combined FSSC 22000 and ISO 9001 process that was not previously mentioned by GFSI.

While version 6 is compliant with FSSC 22000 version 5.1, it starts with several new requirements that the analyzer needs to look for. This increased accuracy proves the ever-growing development in the industry as well as the increased demand for transparency and accountability. Now, let’s discuss the differences between FSSC 22000 versions 5.1 and 6.

FSSC 22000 Version 5.1 Vs Version 6

Key Aspects	FSSC Version 5.1	FSSC Version 6
Release Date	3 November 2020	31 March 2023
Mandatory Date	1 April 2021	1 April 2024
ISO Alignment	Aligned with ISO 22003:2013	Updated to align with ISO 22003-1:2022
Scope Expansion	Focused on existing food chain categories	Expanded to include Trading and Brokering (Category FII); removed Farming and FSSC 22000-Quality from the scheme
Food Safety & Quality Culture	Basic requirements for promoting a food safety culture.	Integrated complete requirements focusing on the development and maintenance of both food safety and quality culture within the companies.
Quality Control	The main focus is on food safety aspects.	Introduced specific requirements for quality control, including quality policy, objectives, product release parameters, and procedures for start-ups and changeovers to ensure proper packaging and labeling.
Equipment Management	Not specifically addressed in FSSC 22000 version 5.1.	New requirements focus on the importance of equipment maintenance to prevent food safety hazards.
Food Fraud and Defense	Required documented procedures for threat assessment and mitigation.	Increased requirements necessitate complete vulnerability assessments, the implementation of mitigation measures, and regular reviews.
Allergen Management	General requirements for managing allergens.	Expanded requirements include detailed risk assessments, validation and verification of control measures, specific labeling controls, employee training, and annual reviews.
Environmental monitoring	Contains basic guidelines for environmental monitoring.	Introduced risk-based assessments for relevant indicator organisms, compliance with customer and regulatory requirements, trend analysis, and annual program reviews.
Product design and development	Focused on general product safety considerations.	Added requirements for ongoing shelf-life verification processes and validation of cooking instructions on labels to ensure food safety.
Communication requirements	General guidelines for internal and external communication.	Mandated timely reporting to certification bodies within 3 working days of serious events affecting the FSMS or certification integrity, including natural disasters, malicious activities, or significant public food safety events.
Certification Process	Contains standard certification procedures	Clarified and modified certification process requirements, including the addition of a QR code on FSSC 22000 certificates for improved traceability.
Food Loss and Waste	Not specifically mentioned	New clause requiring organizations to document policies and objectives for managing food loss and waste, including controls for donations, surplus products, and by-products, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation.

Reasons Behind the Latest Revision in FSSC 22000 certification

The FSSC updated the standard for three main reasons:

• In order to include the new requirements in ISO 22003-1:2022.
• To update guidelines to support companies in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• To make improvements following the results of feedback from about 2,000 respondents in the survey in Version 6 development.

Benefits of FSSC 22000 Version 6

Gaining the FSSC 22000 certification has different advantages such as improved food safety management, creating customer confidence, adherence to international standards, and increased supply chain safety.

• Benefits in Food Safety Management: The primary advantage of FSSC 22000 certification is that it gives you proper management of food safety process. This will help you in setting a very high standard in managing food safety of your customers.
• Market Reputation through Food Safety Certification: Certification helps you in building the reputation of being dedicated to food safety and thus increasing the level of trust of consumers in you. Consumers are like gods to the people who run businesses and it is their duty to provide the best product to them.
• Compliance with Global Standards for Food Safety: This certification increases your reach globally. It is in compliance with global standards of food safety, making international transactions easier for you.
• Improved Supply Chain Management: It provides better supply chain management.

Requirement for FSSC 22000 Version 6

To obtain FSSC 22000 Version 6 certification, organizations must meet specific FSSC 22000 Version 6 Requirements, including:

• Risk Analysis and HACCP Plan: Recording of the process involved in the risk analysis and creation of the HACCP plan, taking into consideration the basic control points and controls.
• Strict Controls: Implementation of strict controls that will guarantee food safety.
• Documentation and Audit: Maintaining detailed documentation and conducting audit.

These requirements are made to ensure that all aspects of food safety are effectively managed.

 

 

Documentation Requirements for FSSC 22000 Certification

To satisfy the FSSC 22000 Food Safety certification requirements:

• Policy on Food Safety
• Control of Hazards Plan
• FSMS or Management Manual
• Procedures
• Plan for Improving Food Safety (monitoring the food safety objectives and targets)
• Food Defense Plan
• Food Fraud Prevention Plan
• Emergency Plan
• Allergen Control Plan
• OPRP/CCP Monitoring Records
• Nonconformance/Corrective Action Registers
• Environmental Monitoring Plan

Implementation Steps for FSSC 22000 Version 6

The FSSC 22000 Version 6 Certification Process follows these implementation steps:

• Gap Analysis: Performing a comprehensive analysis of the present food safety management system of an organization to identify aspects where improvements and gaps can be filled according to the FSSC 22000 standard.
• Development of FSMS: Enhancing the effectiveness of the events and the execution of organized food handling The FSSC 22000 standard was consistent with the framework of the board (FSMS).
• Training: Organizing training sessions and seminars to teach the faculty of the association at various levels about the FSSC 22000 standard, food handling requirements, and effective conditioning practices.
• FSSC 22000 Certification Audit Preparation: Played a leading and assisting role in preparing the FSSC 22000 certification audit including conducting fictional reviews and status assessments.
• Continuous Improvement: Offering continuous support for improvement, which affects the way the business deals with the restoration program and sanitation.

 

Get Expert Help with FSSC 22000 Compliance – Free Consultation!

It would be your finest choice to go ahead with Legal4sure in order to obtain FSSC 22000 certifications. We are established consulting firms for FSSC 22000 certification services. We have a team of experienced or competent FSSC 22000 consultants and auditors that can help you obtain certifications in an effective manner. Legal4sure has extensive experience and competency that can assist your organization to obtain certifications without any trouble at all. For more information on how your organization can benefit from FSSC 22000 certificates, contact our consultants today.