Skip to main content
Food Safety

How Can You Transition Smoothly to FSSC 22000 Version 6

By May 14, 2025No Comments

How Can You Transition Smoothly to FSSC 22000 Version 6?

FSSC 22000 Version 6 is now in effect, and food businesses certified under previous versions must transition to stay compliant. The new version introduces stricter requirements, improved clarity, and additional focus areas. A smooth transition requires planning, training, and documentation upgrades. Here’s how to get it right.

What’s New in FSSC 22000 Version 6?

  • More detailed food fraud prevention and food defense requirements

  • Stricter environmental monitoring program (EMP) expectations

  • Added focus on equipment management and cleaning validation

  • Enhanced audit duration and impartiality rules

  • Mandatory sustainability objectives and reporting

  • Revised rules for allergen management and PRP effectiveness

Transition Timeline

  • All audits after April 1, 2024, must follow Version 6

  • No extensions granted by FSSC for transition

  • Certified companies must complete the transition by their next audit

Steps to Transition Smoothly

1. Understand the Key Changes

  • Download the FSSC 22000 Version 6 documents

  • Compare the new requirements against your current system

  • Highlight gaps in procedures, documentation, and records

2. Conduct a Gap Assessment

  • Internal audit or third-party pre-assessment

  • Identify what needs updating: PRPs, documentation, risk analysis, etc.

  • Prioritize high-risk and high-impact gaps first

3. Update Your Documentation

  • Revise food defense, food fraud, EMP, allergen, and cleaning programs

  • Add procedures for equipment maintenance and validation

  • Include new sustainability and environmental objectives

4. Train Your Team on the Changes

  • HACCP team must understand all new Version 6 clauses

  • Train QA, production, and sanitation staff on new EMP and allergen protocols

  • Provide refresher training on root cause analysis and CAPA

5. Strengthen Internal Audit Practices

  • Align your internal audit checklists with Version 6 clauses

  • Audit EMP, food defense, and risk management more thoroughly

  • Include audit duration and impartiality practices in your audit program

6. Prepare for the Certification Body Audit

  • Schedule your audit well in advance

  • Ensure all updated documentation is controlled and approved

  • Conduct a mock audit or readiness review

7. Communicate With Your Certification Body

  • Inform your CB that you are ready for a Version 6 audit

  • Clarify the audit duration and any additional requirements

  • Ensure your audit scope reflects current operations

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Rushing implementation without proper training

  • Copy-pasting generic procedures without tailoring to site-specific risks

  • Failing to monitor the effectiveness of updated PRPs

  • Underestimating new EMP or food defense expectations

How CAYS Scientific Can Help
At CAYS Scientific, we support your transition by:
✅ Conducting gap assessments and mock audits
✅ Updating documentation to meet FSSC 22000 V6 requirements
✅ Providing in-house or online staff training
✅ Assisting with food defense, fraud, and EMP program improvements

📞 Contact CAYS Scientific today to ensure your transition to FSSC 22000 Version 6 is smooth, stress-free, and audit-ready.

Leave a Reply