FSSC 22000 and IFS Food Standard have been updated recently, with FSSC 22000 Version 6 to be enforced from April 2024, and IFS Food Version 8 enforced from October 2023.
You can get (free) copies of the newly updated standards from the standards owners:
Changes to Food Fraud Requirements in the Standards
FSSC 22000
There have been minor changes to the food fraud requirements in FSSC 22000 for Version 6. The clause numbers remain the same: 2.5.4.1 and 2.5.4.2.
- The biggest change is that this standard now explicitly requires that the methodology for the vulnerability assessment process be defined.
- Version 6 does not make any mention of the “documented procedure” for vulnerability assessments that was part of the previous version (Version 5.1).
- The definition for food fraud in FSSC 22000 (Appendix 1) has had “feed” added to its scope.
- For businesses within the FSSC category FII (food brokering, trading and e-commerce), they must also ensure that their suppliers have a food fraud mitigation plan.
Food Fraud Requirements of FSSC 22000, Version 6 (with new wording in blue)
2.5.4 Food Fraud Mitigation
2.5.4.1 Vulnerability Assessment
The organization shall:
- Conduct a food fraud vulnerability assessment based on a defined methodology, to identify and assess potential vulnerabilities; and
- Develop and implement appropriate mitigation measures for significant vulnerabilities.
The assessment shall cover the processes and products within the scope of the Organization.
2.5.4.2 Plan
- a) The organization shall have a documented food fraud mitigation plan, based on the output
of the vulnerability assessment, specifying the mitigation measures and verification procedures.
b) The food fraud mitigation plan shall be implemented and supported by the organization’s
FSMS.
c) The plan shall comply with the applicable legislation, cover the processes and products
within the scope of the organization and be kept up to date.
d) For food chain category FII*, in addition to the above, the organization shall ensure that
their suppliers have a food fraud mitigation plan in place.
- a) The organization shall have a documented food fraud mitigation plan, based on the output
*FII = Food brokering, trading, and E-commerce activities
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IFS Food
The new version of IFS Food, Version 8, has had its requirements significantly re-worded. The clause numbers remain the same: 4.20.1 to 4.20.4.
The new wording is easier to understand and makes the requirements more easily enforced for auditing. But does not change what a food business must do to comply. For example, while the previous version required that food fraud vulnerability assessments be reviewed “at least annually and/or in the event of increased risks”, the new version says they should be reviewed “at least once within a 12-month period or whenever significant changes occur.”
The only notable change to meaning is that the phrase “full commitment from the senior management” has been removed from clause 4.20.1, presumably because it is not easily auditable.
Food Fraud Requirements of IFS Food, Version 8 (with new wording in blue)
4.20 Food Fraud
4.20.1 The responsibilities for a food fraud vulnerability assessment and mitigation plan shall be clearly defined. The responsible person(s) shall have the appropriate specific knowledge and full commitment from the senior management.
4.20.2 A documented food fraud vulnerability assessment, including assessment criteria, shall be documented, implemented and maintained. The scope of the assessment shall cover all shall be undertaken on all raw materials, ingredients, packaging materials and outsourced processes, to determine the risks of fraudulent activity in relation to substitution, mislabelling, adulteration or counterfeiting. The criteria considered within the vulnerability assessment shall be defined.
4.20.3 A documented food fraud mitigation plan shall be documented, implemented and maintained developed, with reference to the vulnerability assessment, and shall include the testing and monitoring methods. and implemented to control any identified risks. The methods of control and monitoring shall be defined and implemented.
4.20.4 The food fraud vulnerability assessment shall be reviewed, at least once within a 12-month period or whenever significant changes occur. regularly reviewed, at least annually, and/or in the event of increased risks. If necessary, the food fraud mitigation plan shall be revised/updated accordingly.
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Takeaways
There are no big surprises in these two updates, but it pays to read all clauses carefully.
The good news is that if you have to stay up to date with multiple standards we’ve got you covered – at least when it comes to staying on top of food fraud requirements 😊
We’ve just released Edition 3 of our authoritative guide to current food fraud requirements in all major food safety standards, for auditors, consultants and food fraud specialists, with updates for the amended FSSC and IFS requirements.
Get all the food fraud requirements of all the major standards in one convenient e-book (updated)
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It costs USD27, which includes all future updates. Learn more about it here.
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