FSSC 22000 version 6 (and version 7)
FSSC 22000 version 6 is the valid audit framework. The version was published on 31 March 2023 and became mandatory on 1 April 2024. Foundation FSSC published version 7 in May 2026, but as of June 2026 everyone is still audited against version 6. The additional requirements and the audit process are based on version 6.
You do not need version 7 yet. V6 audits are allowed up to and including 30 April 2027. The upgrade period for V7 runs from 1 May 2027 to 30 April 2028.
Version timeline at a glance
| Date | What applies? |
|---|---|
| 31 March 2023 | Version 6 published |
| 1 April 2024 | Version 6 mandatory (first V6 audits) |
| 31 March 2025 | V5.1 to V6 upgrade audits completed |
| May 2026 | Version 7 published |
| 30 April 2027 | Last V6 audits allowed |
| 1 May 2027 | Mandatory upgrade to version 7 starts |
| 30 April 2028 | All certificates must be on version 7 |
On this page
We explain what is new in version 6, what version 7 changes and how to plan the transition.
Food loss, equipment management, culture.
What is new in version 6?New PRP series, GFSI 2024, strengthened requirements.
What changes in version 7?Transition planning for your organisation.
When should you upgrade to version 7?What is new in version 6?
Version 6 brought a number of concrete changes compared with version 5.1.
Two new additional requirements
Version 6 added two new requirements to the list:
- Equipment management (2.5.15): equipment that is newly put into use must be assessed for food safety risks and food safe design.
- Food loss and waste (2.5.16): every certified organisation must have a policy to reduce food loss and waste, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12.3).
Example of food loss and waste: a soft drinks producer sets up a registration system for returned products and rejects at the end of the line. Each quarter the team discusses the volume and takes action on the largest waste item.
Integration of ISO 22003-1:2022
Version 6 integrates the revised audit rules from ISO 22003-1:2022. That standard describes how certification bodies must carry out food safety audits. This had no direct impact on the content of the system, but it did affect how auditors plan and document their work.
Stricter culture and quality requirements
Food safety culture (2.5.8) and quality control (2.5.9) were made more concrete in version 6. Where a policy statement used to be enough, version 6 asks for demonstrable activities, measurements and improvement actions. More on this in the additional requirements.
What changes in version 7?
Version 7 was published in May 2026. Certification to version 7 starts from 1 May 2027. The most important changes:
New ISO 22002 series
The best-known change: version 7 moves from the ISO/TS 22002 series (technical specifications) to the new full ISO 22002 standards, published in July 2025. This includes:
- ISO 22002-100:2025: a harmonised baseline for all sectors.
- ISO 22002-7: a new specification for retail and wholesale.
Version 6 continues to use the existing ISO/TS 22002 series until the transition is complete.
Alignment with GFSI Benchmarking 2024
Version 7 is aligned with the new GFSI Benchmarking Requirements (2024 edition). These set stricter expectations on food safety culture, food fraud, food defence, supplier management and traceability. FSSC 22000 incorporates those requirements into the additional requirements of version 7.
Strengthened requirements on specific themes
Version 7 places more emphasis on:
- food safety culture (demonstrable programmes, measurement of behaviour);
- food fraud and food defence (risk-based strengthening);
- traceability (stricter and broader);
- supplier management (more attention to risk-based selection and assessment).
Clearer category structure
The food chain categories have been restructured in version 7 for greater clarity, especially for the FI/FII categories (retail and trade) and for the new retail category that aligns with ISO 22002-7.
When should you upgrade to version 7?
The transition planning is simple:
- Up to and including 30 April 2027: you may be audited against version 6. You do not need to do anything.
- From 1 May 2027: upgrade audits to version 7 start. You plan an upgrade audit with your certification body at that point.
- Up to and including 30 April 2028: all certified organisations must be on version 7.
Do not wait until the last moment. If many organisations want to upgrade at the same time in spring 2028, audit slots may be scarce. Plan your upgrade audit by the end of 2027 at the latest.