FSSC 22000 V 6 is the latest version of the FSSC 22000, which is an internationally accepted food safety certification scheme, recognized by Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and other global schemes like BRC or IFS. The FSSC 22000 V 6 has basis in ISO food safety management systems and aligns with related ISO standard including ISO 9001, ISO 14000.
The FSSC 22000 scheme offers relevant and practical criteria for conducting audits within organizations in the food industry. This audit system is recognized by customers and suppliers all over the world as it integrates concepts that meet requirements of global organizations. In the day and age when safety of food and food products has become critical, this scheme offers a reliable and uniform set of rules that companies must abide by. This format offers simplicity and a structured approach to maintain hygiene and safety of food that the customers buy for consumption.
The FSSC 22000 certification scheme (hereafter the Scheme) outlines the requirements for the audit and certification of food safety management systems (FSMS) or FSMS and Quality Management Systems (QMS) of organizations in the food supply chain. The certificate confirms that the organization’s FSMS (FSSC 22000) or FSMS and QMS (FSSC 22000-Quality) is in conformance with the Scheme requirements.
The Scheme is based on the publicly available standards/technical specifications:
- ISO 22000 requirements for any organization in the food chain;
- ISO 9001 requirements (where FSSC 22000-Quality is required);
- Relevant prerequisite programs (PRPs) based on technical specifications for the sector (e.g. ISO/TS 22002-x; PAS xyz); and
- FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements as determined by our stakeholders.
When the Foundation decides that updates or changes to the Scheme are necessary, requirements for communication and implementation will be published separately.
The Scheme provides a voluntary certification model that can be applied across the entire food supply chain. It can cover supply chain sectors where specific prerequisite programs (PRPs) have been developed and accepted. The food chain category description used by this Scheme is defined according to ISO/TS 22003:2022.
As of February 2010, the Scheme has been benchmarked and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) confirming global food industry recognition and acceptance.
- Updates for Version 6
- Features and Benefits
- Applicability
- Consulting Methodology
Version 6 of FSSC 22000 was released in April 2023. The main reasons for the update were to:
- integrate the requirements of ISO 22003-1:2022,
- strengthen requirements to help organizations deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
- and incorporate feedback from the Version 6 development survey conducted.
The updates are significant and mainly cover changes in product categories, audit duration and additional FSSC requirements in areas such as food loss and waste, quality control, equipment management, allergen management, and integration of food safety and quality culture requirements.
The audit duration requirement has been updated in line with that of ISO 22003-1:2022. For all certified organizations, the total audit duration will be reviewed and updated according to the new duration calculation rules. The new rule applies to the next planned regular audit, meaning the next surveillance or re-certification audit.
FSSC is based on the food chain categorization described in ISO 22003-1:2022 This is particularly important to consider when implementing the additional FSSC 22000 requirements in chapter two of the Scheme document.
Noteworthy are the changes in the food chain categories of V6 compared to V5.1:
- Primary production (category A) of animal and plant products has been removed and replaced by category BIII “Activities on harvested plants” and
- category C0 “Transformation of carcasses for further processing…” have been included.
- The categories DIIa and DIIb pet food were removed and pet food has been included in food categories CI through CIV.
- The transport and storage category has been merged into one category G.
- The FII brokerage activities category has been newly added.
The main changes are:
- Qualitative and quantitative traceability of labels and printed packaging (including secondary packaging) with food safety-relevant information, such as best before dates, allergens and nutritional values
- Comprehensive allergen management including training, declaration, validation and verification
- Food and quality culture
- Systematic approach to quality control
- Foreign body management and management of all breakages
- Equipment management
- Food loss and waste
- Communication requirements
Transition timeline
Companies have a 12-month transition window. The first audits to Version 6 will commence from 1 April 2024. All certified organizations must complete the Version 6 upgrade audit before 31 March 2025.
Audits against the current FSSC 22000 Version 5.1 are allowed up until and including 31 March 2024. From 1 April 2024, all FSSC 22000 audits shall be conducted against Version 6.0 of the standard. Special rules apply if stage 1 of the audit is conducted in March 2024 and stage 2 of the audit in April 2024. For more information talk to your local DNV office.
For already certified companies, the audit to Version 6.0 will be considered an upgrade audit. Therefore, it will be a full audit against the new FSSC 22000 Version 6.0 and may be announced or unannounced to meet the 3-year unannounced audit requirements.
As your certification body, DNV is required to update and re-issue the FSSC 22000 certificate after the successful completion of a Version 6 upgrade audit. The re-issue maintains the certificate expiry date from Version 5.1.
All upgrade audits will be uploaded on the FSSC Assurance Platform within 2 months of the last day of the Version 6 upgrade audit. The upload must be completed by 31 May 2025. All Version 5.1 certificates will automatically be set to “withdrawn” after 31 May 2025.
The FSSC 22000 Scheme consists of three components: ISO 22000, sector-specific PRPs, and additional requirements. Besides these three components, there is an FSSC 22000-Quality option based on the additional requirements of ISO 9001.
For organizations wishing to integrate their food quality management system into the scope of their certification, FSSC 22000-Quality certification is available. FSSC 22000-Quality consists of a combined FSSC 22000 and a full ISO 9001 audit.
With a growing world population, there is an increasing need for affordable, safe and good quality food products. To fulfil this need, FSSC 22000 provides a trusted brand assurance platform to the food industry. Key in this mission is the availability of the FSSC 22000 certification Scheme for food safety management systems. FSSC 22000 Scheme published in November 2020 and the main factors that initiated the development of this version have been:
- Incorporating the GFSI benchmarking requirements version 2020.1
- Strengthening the licensing process and the Integrity Program
- Minor editorial changes or amendments to the V5 Scheme requirements
Having this certification offers many benefits to the company, the most prominent of which is building a strong brand on a global scale. With all processes in place, the company will have proven credentials to show and this will raise the confidence of consumers. Other benefits include:
- Reduce product recalls and withdrawal
- Stay prepared for unexpected situations
- Building an image as a reputable supplier
- Improved legal compliance
- Have a strong footing to acquire more business
- Provides a systematic methodology to effectively identify and manage food safety risks
- ISO-based certification model can be used across the whole food supply chain
- Recognized by the GFSI and by the European cooperation for Accreditation (EA)
- Facilitates internal benchmarking and management through consistent application across multiple/international sites
- Shows your commitment to food safety, providing confidence to your customers
FSSC 22000 can be applied to organizations of any size or complexity in the food/feed supply chain. This includes manufacturers of all food and beverage types, ingredients/additive manufacturers, pet and animal feed manufacturers, and packaging manufacturers.
The FSSC has also extended the scope of its standard to include transport and storage, retail operations and catering establishments.
Technocrat Consultants helps companies systematically gain this certification within a set time-frame. We are dedicated to guiding our clients regarding the type of changes that are required and also with the monitoring of processes to acquire this certification for effective results.