On March 31, the Foundation FSSC published Version 6 of its FSSC 22000 scheme. The updated version of the FSSC 22000 scheme:

• Integrates the requirements of ISO 22003-1:2022
• Strengthens the requirements to support organizations in their contributions to meeting the UNs’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Incorporates feedback of the Version 6 development survey, which received nearly 2,000 responses

Version 6 will have a 12-month transition window to allow organizations and Certification Bodies to prepare for implementation and gaining accreditation. The first audits to Version 6 will commence April 1, 2024, and all organizations must complete the V6 upgrade audit before March 31, 2025.

The Foundation has published a Version 6 Upgrade Process document, which details the transition requirements and a version of the scheme highlighting the changes between V5.1 and V6.

One of the key changes in V6 is the addition of requirements on food loss and waste. Organizations must have a documented policy and objectives detailing their strategy to reduce food loss and waste within their organization and the related supply chains. The additional food loss and waste requirements support a silo-breaking approach to help organizations contribute and move towards the UN Sustainable development goals (SDGs).

FSSC schemes support the consumer goods industry in implementing effective management systems, protecting their brands, and achieving food safety targets.