On March 31, 2023, the FSSC Foundation released the new 6th version of the FSSC 22000 standard.

The updated version of the FSSC 22000 standard was introduced mainly due to:

-    Integration with the requirements of ISO 22003-1:2022,

-    Strengthening the requirements to support organizations in their contribution to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,

-    Taking into account feedback from the Version 6 development survey, which received nearly 2,000 responses.  

 

Major changes in the updated version of the standard include the following: 

-    Alignment of food chain categories in accordance with ISO 22003-1:2022.

-    The scope was expanded to include trading and brokerage activities (FII) while the scope dedicated to farms and the FSSC 22000-quality module were removed from the program.

-    Integration of food safety and quality culture requirements.

-    New requirements for quality control, food loss and waste, and equipment management have been introduced.

-    Strengthened additional requirements in Part 2 of the program, including but not limited to allergen management and environmental monitoring.

-    Modified and clarified requirements for the certification process.

-    Added QR code on FSSC 22000 certificates to improve traceability.

 

Version 6 of the standard will have a 12-month transition window to allow organizations to prepare for certification to comply with the new version.

The first Version 6 audits will begin April 1, 2024, and all organizations must complete the Version 6 update audit by March 31, 2025.