A Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized food safety certification, FSSC 22000 Version 6 is a food safety management system certification scheme governed by “Foundation FSSC.” Foundation FSSC is a foundation whose mission is creating a better world through the GFSI-recognized food safety management system FSSC 22000 and the social management system FSSC 24000. 

The food safety management system certification requirements provide a rigorous system to manage food safety risks and provide safe products for use by consumers and companies in the food industry. 

Here’s are some of the key changes since FSSC 22000’s version 5. 

What Did FSSC 22000 Version 6 Change? 

The FSSC declares that this updated version of the standard aims to incorporate the stipulations of ISO 22000 and bolster requirements to assist organizations in advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); 

This updated edition enhances the scheme requirements for facilities seeking certification by adding new requirements. Five of the biggest changes are the addition of these requirements:  

Food Safety and Quality Culture 

This latest inclusion specifically mandates that institutions must possess a recorded strategy for food safety and quality culture, complete with objectives and schedules that demonstrate ongoing enhancement and assessment in management review. 

It states that top management should establish, implement, and maintain food safety and quality culture objectives. 

Equipment Management  

In order to buy new equipment or its components, it is now essential to possess recorded specifications that give information about the equipment. This includes the sanitary finish design conditions and surface traits that meet the application or end use. 

It’s also crucial to conduct a risk evaluation on alterations in machinery or its structure to guarantee that the commissioning has been executed correctly and that it won’t affect the operations. 

Quality Control  

This addition necessitates a structured quality assurance process, which includes setting up, executing, and sustaining quality standards in line with the final product specifications and product launch.  

Additionally, the outcomes of the quality control parameters should be examined and evaluated, and these findings should be used for management review. The procedure for quality control should also be incorporated into the internal audit processes. 

Communication Requirements 

This new section necessitates that the certification body is notified within a three-day timeframe about events or circumstances that could impact food safety, legality, compliance, and/or integrity of the certification. 

Examples include: 

• War & Natural Disasters 
• Labor Strikes 
• Fire & Flood 
• Crime & Terrorism 
• Recalls & Withdrawals
• Outbreaks, etc 

Food Loss and Waste 

This new addition stipulates that a company’s strategy to diminish food loss and waste within the associated supply chain should be outlined by a policy and recorded objectives. 

The statement further emphasizes that food donated to non-profit entities, staff, and other groups must be safe. This contribution needs to be regulated, and the items should be managed in accordance with food safety standards. 

Companies should also implement management strategies for excess items or secondary products intended for animal consumption to avoid cross contamination. 

When Will FSSC Begin Auditing For the New Changes? 

FSSC 22000 Version 6 was published on April 1, 2023, and organizations will be given a one-year timeframe to meet and comply with the new requirements. 

Between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, all previously certified entities will undergo audits based on the new Version 6. 

Despite the provision of a 12-month transition phase, it is recommended to begin implementing the new changes as early as possible. This is due to the fact that some of the recent changes require comprehensive critical analysis and risk evaluation for efficient implementation. 

How to Prepare For FSSC 22000 Version 6 

Equipping your teams with the knowledge required to help maintain a culture of quality and food safety in the daily routine of your organization is an invaluable process.  

Online Courses that cover the new FSSC 22000 Version 6 can give you confidence in the risk analysis, documentation, and verification during your internal and certification audits. All while being 100% self-paced and easily accessible.  

Everything You Need to Meet the New Requirements 

Get your teams up to date with Registrar Corp’s FSSC 22000 Version 6 online training.  

We’ve spent over 20 years as industry leaders in the regulatory compliance space and help more than 30,000 businesses across 180+ countries achieve compliance each year.  

We know what it takes to meet rigorous standards like the FSSC 22000 certification and we have developed a line of new comprehensive online courses to get your business ready for the new audits.