Have you Heard that the FSSC 22000 Latest Version 6 has been Published?

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) accepts FSSC 22000 as a certification scheme for food safety management systems (FSMS). It offers management and production procedures to guarantee consistency, openness, and security throughout your whole supply chain. Any business in the food and beverage sector, from producers to merchants, must adhere to the norm. It is based on the broadly accepted ISO 22000 standard for food safety management systems, the industry-relevant Pre-Requisite Program (PRP), and other standards established by FSSC. The standard, which is consistent with the ISO approach and high-level structure, offers a comprehensive certification scheme for food safety management systems. In April 2023, FSSC 22000 Version 6 was launched.  

Begin planning for the transition as soon as possible, and carefully consider how to implement the necessary adjustments into the food management system. Steps to Take:  

• Learn about the updated FSSC 22000 V6 standard, paying special attention to the modifications.
• With the FSSC 22000 V6 awareness training train relevant staff in the company to ensure they understand the requirements and major changes.
• Determine the gaps that must be filled and develop a plan for implementation.
• Update the management system and put actions in place.

FSSC programs assist the consumer goods sector in putting in place efficient management systems, safeguarding their trademarks, and meeting food safety goals. The foundation also wants to assist organizations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN.

The following are the primary causes for an upgraded FSSC 22000 schemes:

• Integrating ISO 22003-1:2022 requirements
• Increasing the requirements for organizations to assist them in reaching the SDGs.
• Incorporating feedback from the Version 6 development survey, which garnered over 2,000 replies.

For organizations to get ready for the scheme and for certification bodies to implement it and receive accreditation, Version 6 will have a 12-month transition period. All organizations must complete the Version 6 upgrade audit before March 31, 2025, with the first Version 6 audits using it starting on April 1, 2024. The foundation has released a document outlining the Version 6 Upgrade Process, which includes a version of the scheme that highlights the differences between Version 5.1 and Version 6, as well as information on the transitional needs. The addition of criteria for food waste and loss is one of the biggest changes. To prevent food loss and waste both within their operations and along connected supply chains, organizations must have a stated policy and set of targets. A silo-breaking strategy that advances SDGs is supported by the increased food loss and waste needs.

What are the benefits of choosing FSSC 22000 Version 6?

Here are the advantages that FSSC 22000 v6 certification brings to an organization while implementing the food safety system:

1. Superior Risk Management: Using these basic risk management measures provides the benefit of a tried-and-true approach, reducing the possibility of systemic issues. The structure guarantees the organization can continue to monitor the system and respond to any issues or changes in industry needs. 
2. Improved Customer Retention: When it comes to maintaining clients, consistency of quality is critical. By adhering to the FSSC 22000 standard, organizations demonstrate to their customers that dependable, high-quality food is a top concern for the company. Customers can continue to buy with confidence since businesses have committed resources to this thorough and internationally recognized food safety management system.
3. Expanded Market Reach: Certification to an internationally recognized standard opens doors to new clients from all over the world. The organization gains access to large retailers, manufacturers, and processors who require this certification as a condition of doing business. By ensuring that the organization satisfies the most widely accepted worldwide standards, you gain the trust of an increasing number of customers and expand your market reach.
4. Save Time and Resources: The greater efficiency produced by the FSSC 22000 consistent framework will save the organization time and resources. Furthermore, when organizations adhere to a recognized framework, investigating suspected food safety breaches takes less time, allowing investigators to rapidly understand and analyze the processes that have been in place so the organization can go back to making excellent products.