SQFI publishes SQF Edition 9 and FSSC publishes FSSC 22000 Version 5.1

Bulletin date:
Bulletin number:
2021-05

Action required

CBs are required to audit against the newest version of SQF Food Safety Codes Edition 9. The revised SQFI Codes were published in October 2020 and all accredited CBs must begin auditing to the new Codes on 2021-05-21.  SCC anticipates SQF to publish new Certification Body requirements in the near future.  

 

CBs are required to audit against the newest version of FSSC 22000, Version 5.1.  The revised scheme was published in November 2020 and all accredited CBs must begin auditing to the new scheme as of 2021-04-01.


Affected customers

SCC CBAP customers accredited to the SQF scheme.


SCC MSAP customers accredited to the FSSC scheme. 


Background

Revisions to both SQF and FSSC are mainly due to GFSI Benchmarking Requirements version 2020.1. SQFI has updated the SQF Code to Edition 9, consolidating requirements to create a more streamlined experience. FSSC 22000 V5.1 has some additional minor changes, outlined below, as well as some CB requirement updates.

 

New requirements

SQF: Streamlined technical elements include site location and operations, food safety culture, chemical storage, personal hygiene, specifications, and training.

 
Technical changes based on GFSI benchmarking requirements include a food safety culture driving by senior management, internal laboratory requirements, HACCP plans for storage and distribution and remote activities. Additional technical changes have been made based on stakeholder feedback, specifically relating to co-manufacturing, ambient air testing and audit scoring. 

 

Several primary and manufacturing industries (livestock, animal feed, pet food, aquaculture and dietary supplements), now have dedicated codes, providing more specific requirements and risk assessment for each.

 

SQF Codes are now as follows:

  • Primary Plant Production
  • Primary Animal Production
  • Aquaculture
  • Food Manufacturing
  • Pet Food Manufacturing
  • Animal Feed Manufacturing
  • Animal Product Manufacturing
  • Dietary Supplement Manufacturing
  • Storage & Distribution 
  • Manufacture of Food Packaging
  • Quality

Please note that new Certification Body requirements are anticipated to be published in the near future. 

 

FSSC:Scheme updates include an addendum to permit full remote auditing in serious events, such as COVID-19. There is no need to issue new certificates.  

 

Main changes are as follows:

  • GFSI Benchmarking Requirements
  • Erratum change log- changes needed on the current version; 
  • Board of Stakeholders (BoS) decision list
  • CB On-Boarding Program
  • CB Loyalty and Performance Program
  • Revised requirements for CB license maintenance
  • New technical reviewer competency requirements
  • Updated auditor requirements for initial training and experience, initial assessment and assignment of subcategories

 

Main changes between FSSC 22000 Version 5 and 5.1 can be found here. 

 

Deadline

Accredited CBs shall audit to SQF Edition 9 beginning 2021-05-21.


Accredited CBs shall audit to FSSC 22000 Version 5.1 beginning 2021-04-01. 


Questions?

Please contact Abdel Kassou, Manager, Compliance and Assessment Services, at abdel.kassou@scc-ccn.ca or +1 613 238 3222 for more information.