On March 31, 2023, the FSSC Foundation published Version 6 of FSSC 22000. Version 6 has a 12-month transition window to allow organizations to prepare for the new version and certification bodies to implement and gain accreditation. The first audits for Version 6 will begin on April 1, 2024, and all organizations must complete their V6 upgrade audit before March 31, 2025.
The FSSC 22000 Foundation released a Version 6 Upgrade Process document detailing the transition requirements and highlighting the changes between V5.1 and V6. The main changes in FSSC 22000 Version 6 are as follows:
- The Food Chain Categories have been reorganized in accordance with ISO 22003-1:2022.
- The scope has been expanded to include Trading and Brokering (FII) and narrowed by removing Farming and FSSC 22000-Quality from the program.
- The integration of requirements for food safety and quality culture has been ensured.
- New requirements have been defined for quality control, food loss and waste, and equipment management.
- Existing additional requirements in Part 2 of the program have been strengthened, including but not limited to allergen management and environmental monitoring.
- Changes and clarifications have been added to the Certification Process requirements.
For more information, please visit the FSSC 22000 website.