This new framework was designed specifically to improve audit efficiencies, provide elevated assurances for farm-raised and wild-caught seafood to consumers
Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) announced the official release of the Seafood Processing Standard (SPS) version 6.0.
Key features of the standard include a restructured modular framework built around core food safety requirements covering both farm-raised and wild-caught seafood, ten separate modules to accommodate the specific production processes and products at individual facilities, and enhanced data capture, reporting and assessment technologies.
This new framework was designed specifically to improve audit efficiencies, provide elevated assurances for farm-raised and wild-caught seafood to consumers, and create a more customised, comprehensive certification option for seafood processors globally.
The SPS framework is as follows:
SPS 6.0 core, designed to meet Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) requirements
The ten modules include:
Animal Welfare – For facilities involved and/or responsible for live animals and slaughter
Effluent Discharge – For non-remote wild processors discharging to natural water sources
Enhanced Social – Unannounced, requires a specialised social and technical audit team, designed to meet Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) requirements
Finished Product Testing – Requires product testing for medium to high-risk facilities
Low-Acid Canned Foods – For thermal processing and low-acid canned products
Outsourcing – For facilities enlisting outsourced activities
Product Identity – For facilities making claims related to Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) or Best Seafood Practices (BSP) certification
Ready to Eat – For facilities producing RTE products
Remote Wild-Caught Environmental – For wild processors located in remote environments
Social Responsibility – Required for facilities that not electing the Enhanced Social module
