New version of FSSC 22000 published

A key driver is the integration of requirements to promote sustainability efforts. FSSC programs are designed to help companies implement effective management systems, protect their brands and achieve food safety targets. In addition, organizations should be guided to make a contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and thus help to create a better future to preserve an environment worth living in for future generations.

The main reasons for the updated version of the FSSC 22000 schema are:

• Integrating the requirements of ISO 22003-1:2022,
• Strengthening the requirements to support organizations in their contributions to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and
• Incorporating feedback as a result of the Version 6 development survey, which received nearly 2000 responses.

The transition period is 12 months, so that the first audits according to version 6 will have to be implemented from April 1^st, 2024.

All organizations must complete the V6 upgrade audit before March 31^st, 2025.

The FSSC Foundation has published a version 6 upgrade process document that outlines the transition requirements and a version of the schema that highlights the changes between V5.1 and V6.

We want to give you a short overview about the main changes in terms of version 6:

• There was a reorientation of the categories of the food chain according to ISO 22003-1:2022.The scope has been extended to Trading and Brokering (FII) and reduced by removing Farming and FSSC 22000 quality from the system.New requirements for food safety and quality culture have been integrated.
• There are also new binding requirements for quality control and equipment management and for avoiding food loss and food waste.
• Some of the existing and other additional requirements have been formulated more strictly, mainly relating (but not limited) to allergen management, foreign body management and environmental monitoring.
• In addition to 8.4.2 of ISO 22000:2018, the existing obligation to inform the certification body of changes that could affect the fulfillment of the certification requirements within 3 working days has been included in the communication requirements (2.5.17). and concretized.
• In addition, changes and clarification of the requirements for the certification process and the addition of a QR code on FSSC 22000 certificates for improved traceability can be found.

Further information

• qualityaustria product portfolio: Food Safety
• News article: IFS Food Version 8 is published
• Overview: FSSC Website