The latest update to the FSSC 22000 certification - Version 6, released on April 1, 2023, brings several important changes for companies in the food and beverage sector. Whether you’re preparing for your next audit or updating your internal controls, understanding FSSC 22000 certification and new scheme requirements is critical.
For companies such as INOXCVA, renowned for manufacturing stainless steel kegs, compliance goes beyond meeting regulations. It reflects a genuine commitment to food safety in keg manufacturing, delivering high-quality products, supporting sustainable practices, and building long-term trust with customers.
The version 6 continues to follow the same core structure—ISO 22000, the relevant PRPs (Pre-Requisite Programmes), and the FSSC-specific scheme requirements. However, with new clauses and sharper expectations, the update demands a closer look.
Organisations can expect extended audit times. This isn’t just more paperwork; auditors will now be digging deeper due to new scheme requirements, especially around climate, equipment, and waste reduction. It’s important to plan resources accordingly, as your audit team will need more time and preparation to cover the broader scope.
For the first time, ISO 22000 has been revised to include climate change under Clause 4. This means companies must evaluate how environmental changes could influence their food safety management system, from raw material sourcing to production resilience. While interpretations may vary, ignoring it is not an option.
Clauses 2.5.3 (Food Defence) and 2.5.4 (Food Fraud) aren’t new, but they’re now under heavier audit focus. A growing number of non-conformities are being raised here. It's essential that companies revisit their strategies to prevent intentional tampering or deceptive practices within the supply chain.
Quality is no longer an afterthought. It now sits side-by-side with food safety in these clauses. Organisations must demonstrate a healthy quality and food safety culture, not just compliance on paper, but a system that works in practice. It’s a cultural shift that will require engagement at all levels of the business.
This clause outlines clear expectations around maintaining and managing production equipment. Poorly maintained systems can undermine the entire food safety management system, so companies must show they have solid maintenance protocols that meet hygiene and performance standards.
Sustainability now has a formal seat at the table. Except for food packaging manufacturers, all certified organisations must build a strategy to reduce food loss and waste. This supports global sustainability goals and reflects a rising consumer expectation for waste-conscious production. In this context, sustainable keg packaging is gaining attention as a practical solution for beverage producers looking to align with low-waste goals.
Clause 2.5.17 focuses on testing communication during mock product recalls, not only internally but also with your certification body. In short, it’s about readiness. In a real recall scenario, delays in communication can cost money, credibility, and consumer trust. This clause ensures everyone is looped in and ready to act fast.
For companies aiming to maintain or achieve FSSC 22000 certification, adapting to Version 6 is not optional. From audit prep to updating your food safety management system, the work you put in now will pay off in compliance, risk management, and long-term trust.
Start by evaluating where you currently stand on the updated FSSC 22000 certification and scheme requirements. Look at climate risk analysis, equipment maintenance plans, waste strategy documentation, and internal communication drills. Every clause has an operational impact, and the earlier you act, the smoother your transition will be.
At INOXCVA, we manufacture stainless steel beer kegs and are proud to be the first Indian company in this category to receive the FSSC 22000 certification. INOXCVA kegs are trusted and approved by global brewing leaders, including AB InBev and Heineken, making us a reliable partner in beverage industry compliance and global food safety. Made with AISI 304 stainless steel and designed to last over 50 filling cycles, they ensure consistent performance, global brewing compliance, hygiene, and safety. This certification reflects our commitment to international quality standards, environmental responsibility, and circular economy practices, meeting the expectations of the world’s leading brewers.
FSSC 22000 Version 6 isn’t just another update—it signals a more practical, hands-on shift in how food and beverage businesses are expected to operate. With deeper audits, fresh focus areas like food loss prevention, equipment upkeep, and mock recall communication drills, the bar has been raised. The introduction of “quality” alongside food safety calls for systems that do more than tick boxes. They need to work in real time and stand up to everyday pressures. With rising concerns around food fraud and defense, companies must rethink how they manage risk across the entire supply chain.
At INOXCVA, we’ve built our keg manufacturing processes to align with this forward-thinking approach. Every stainless steel keg is designed to uphold hygiene, reduce environmental impact, and support safe storage and transport across diverse beverage categories. We see FSSC 22000 certification not just as a standard, but as a working foundation for product integrity and customer confidence. For any business in food production, packaging, or distribution, now’s the time to revisit your food safety management system. Check where you stand with the revised FSSC 22000 certification and scheme requirements, fix what’s missing, and prepare well in advance. Staying audit-ready today means being better equipped for tomorrow—and more trusted by the people who count on you.
To accelerate your beverage business, choose INOXCVA's FSSC 22000 certified kegs trusted by brewing giants like AB InBev and Heineken, ensuring beverage safety and global compliance.
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