FSSC 22000 V6 Additional Requirements Part 3 of 20: Management of Services and Purchased Materials Overview

In part 3 of the FSSC 22000 V6 additional requirements series, we outline the additional requirements for Requirement 2.5.1, the Management of the Services and Purchased Materials.

We highly recommend also watching the video. You will not regret it!

This series is designed to help you understand the additional FSSC 22000 V6 requirements. Stay tuned for upcoming parts that delve deeper into each requirement!

Before we get started, we would like to introduce our most popular FSSC 22000 V6 DIY services:

1. Complete document templates toolkit for Food Manufacturing / Processing / Packing
2. Complete document templates toolkit for Packaging Manufacturing
3. Introduction to FSSC 22000 V6 online self-paced course
4. Transition to FSSC 22000 V6 online self-paced course (from V5.1 to V6)

Requirement 2.5.1 in a Nutshell – Management of Services and Purchased Materials

We will dissect the requirements into “bite-size ” chunks to make them easier to discuss. Requirement 2.5.1 (Management of Services and Purchased Materials) has five Clauses numbered from a to e.

Refer to page 18 of the FSSC 22000 V6 scheme document. Do you have a copy? CLICK HERE

(a) Competency of Testing Laboratories

(All Food Chain Categories)

In addition to the requirements of Clause 7.1.6 of ISO 22000:2018, which emphasises verification and validation activities, this section focuses on the competence of laboratories performing these tests.

Key takeaway: Use competent laboratories (internal or external) that can produce reliable results. Look for indicators like:

• Successful participation in proficiency testing programs.
• Regulatory approval.
• Accreditation to international standards like ISO 17025 (demonstrates competence in testing).

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(b) Procurement in Emergency Situations

(Food Chain Categories C, D, I, FII, G, K)

This section applies to specific food chain categories and builds upon ISO 22000:2018 Clause 7.1.6. It emphasises maintaining product conformity and supplier evaluation during emergencies.

Key takeaway: Establish a documented procedure for emergency procurement. This ensures:

• Products still meet specifications.
• Suppliers are evaluated for suitability.

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(c) Control of Prohibited Substances in Animals, Fish and Seafood

(Food Chain Categories C0, CI, CIII, CIV)

This section applies to food chain categories dealing with animals, fish and seafood and goes beyond ISO/TS 22002-1:2009 Clause 9.2. It highlights the importance of a policy for procuring animals, fish and seafood subject to the control of prohibited substances.

Key takeaway: Implement a policy for procuring animals, fish, and seafood that addresses:

• Control of prohibited substances like pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicines, heavy metals, and pesticides.

Clarification

To provide a comprehensive clarification on the requirement specified in the FSSC 22000 V6 additional requirements for food chain categories C0, CI, CIII, and CIV regarding the procurement of animals, fish, and seafood subject to the control of prohibited substances.

The organisation must have a policy for procuring animals, fish, and seafood that are subject to control of prohibited substances such as pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicines, heavy metals, and pesticides. This policy ensures that the products procured meet food safety standards and do not contain harmful substances that could pose risks to consumers.

Examples of Scenarios and How Substances End Up in Animals, Fish, and Seafood:

Scenario 1: Pharmaceuticals in Animals:

Example: In intensive farming practices, animals may be administered pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics or growth hormones to promote growth and prevent diseases. If these pharmaceuticals are not correctly managed or withdrawn before slaughter, residues can end up in the meat products derived from these animals.

Scenario 2: Veterinary Medicines in Fish:

Example: In aquaculture operations, fish may be treated with veterinary medicines to control diseases or parasites. If the withdrawal period before harvesting is not followed correctly or if unauthorised substances are used, residues of veterinary medicines can accumulate in the fish, presenting a risk to consumers.

Scenario 3: Heavy Metals in Seafood:

Example: Seafood sourced from polluted waters or contaminated environments may contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, or cadmium. These metals can enter the aquatic ecosystem through industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, or natural sources and accumulate in the tissues of fish and seafood, posing health risks to consumers.

Scenario 4: Pesticides in Animals, Fish, and Seafood:

Example: Animals, fish, and seafood may be exposed to pesticides through contaminated feed, water sources, or environmental pollution. Improper use of pesticides in agriculture or aquaculture practices can lead to residues of these chemicals in the final products, potentially impacting food safety and consumer health.

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(d) Reviewing Specifications

(Food Chain Categories C, D, I, FII, G, K)

This section applies to specific food chain categories and emphasises the ongoing review of specifications for raw materials and finished products.

Key takeaway: Establish a process to review specifications regularly. This ensures continued compliance with:

• Food safety requirements.
• Quality requirements.
• Legal requirements.
• Customer requirements.

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(e) Recycled Packaging Materials

(Food Chain Category I)

This section applies solely to food chain category I and is in addition to Clause 7.1.6 of ISO 22000:2018. It focuses on using recycled packaging as a raw material input for finished packaging materials.

Key takeaway: Establish criteria for using recycled packaging as a raw material input into finished packaging production. This ensures compliance with:

• Relevant legal requirements.
• Customer requirements.

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Examples of Documents to Use

Here is a list of documents to consider:

View an index of all documents HERE

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Video Explaining the Management of Services and Purchased Materials

Watch the video for a deeper dive: We highly recommend watching the accompanying video for a more detailed explanation of the requirements. The video includes examples and scenarios and showcases the recommended documentation to use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Management of Services and Purchased Materials.

1. Is it compulsory to do laboratory analysis for FSSC 22000?

The FSSC 22000 standard does not explicitly mandate laboratory analysis. However, the need for laboratory analysis may vary depending on the organisation’s specific requirements and the nature of its operations.

For example, in scenarios where the organisation deals with high-risk food products or perishable goods or is mandated by law to conduct laboratory testing, e.g., processed meat, or has a complex supply chain, laboratory analysis may be necessary to ensure food safety and compliance. The requirement is that the laboratory used for verification and/or validation of food safety must be competent.

2. Must you also use external laboratory services if you have an internal laboratory?

Whether to use external laboratory services alongside an internal laboratory depends on various factors, such as the scope of testing required, the capacity and expertise of the internal laboratory, and the need for independent verification. Sometimes, organisations may opt for external laboratory services for specialised tests or to validate internal laboratory results.

The FSSC 22000 scheme requires the use of a competent laboratory. In the case of South African laboratories, these could be laboratories accredited by SANAS (ISO17025 accredited laboratories) or that participate in recognised proficiency testing programmes that ensure that the laboratory results are repeatable and reproducible.

3. What is considered a competent laboratory?

A competent laboratory in the food industry meets the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, the general standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Competency is demonstrated through the implementation of testing methodologies that ensure accurate, reproducible, repeatable, and reliable testing results.

4. What are repeatable results?

Repeatable results refer to a laboratory’s ability to produce consistent and reproducible test outcomes when the same sample is tested multiple times under the same conditions. They indicate the precision and reliability of the laboratory’s testing procedures.

5. What are validated test methods?

Validated test methods are crucial in various industries, ensuring testing procedures’ accuracy, reliability, and suitability for their intended purposes. These methods undergo rigorous evaluation to confirm their effectiveness in producing consistent and accurate results. For example, validated test methods play a pivotal role in ensuring food safety and quality in the food industry.

The validation process often involves oversight by relevant industry bodies or accreditation organisations. These entities review and approve testing methodologies, ensuring they meet stringent standards for accuracy, reproducibility, and adherence to correct procedures. This approval or accreditation signifies that the test methods can yield reliable results and that laboratory personnel competently follow the prescribed protocols.

The significance of validated test methods extends beyond the food industry. Each case aims to have dependable, standardised testing procedures that can be universally recognised and trusted. This facilitates regulatory compliance and enhances the credibility and quality of the products or services being tested.

6. Does the requirements for a competent laboratory apply to the organisation and the supplier?

The requirement for a competent laboratory applies to both the organisation and the suppliers providing services. For example, the organisation must ensure that both internal and external laboratories meet the competency criteria outlined in the standard to produce reliable test results.

7. What are considered emergency situations in relation to procurement?

Emergency situations in procurement may include unexpected events that could impact the supply chain, such as natural disasters, supplier bankruptcy, or sudden quality issues with raw materials. For example, in the case of a power failure, alternative arrangements must be made to ensure the continuity of procurement operations and that products conform to specifications.

8. What should the supplier have in place in relation to emergency situations?

Suppliers should have procedures to address emergency situations and ensure that the products supplied conform to specifications. They should also demonstrate competency in their services and provide evidence of compliance with regulatory requirements.

9. How will you evaluate the supplier?

Suppliers can be evaluated based on trends relating to rejected raw materials, adherence to product specifications, competency in providing services, and compliance with regulatory standards. Evaluation methods may include audits, performance reviews, and documentation verification.

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Conclusion

This concludes part 3 of our FSSC 22000 V6 additional requirements series, covering the Management of Services and Purchased Materials. By understanding these requirements and implementing them effectively, you can ensure the safety and quality of your products throughout the supply chain.

Get the tools you need: ASC Consultants offers a variety of FSSC 22000 V6 resources to help you achieve and maintain certification. Explore our document template toolkits and online self-paced courses to streamline the implementation process:

1. Complete document templates toolkit for Food Manufacturing / Processing / Packing
2. Complete document templates toolkit for Packaging Manufacturing
3. Introduction to FSSC 22000 V6 online self-paced course
4. Transition to FSSC 22000 V6 online self-paced course (from V5.1 to V6)

If you have any questions about FSSC 22000 or these additional requirements, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the comment section at the end of the article. We’re here to help!

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Comments

If you have any questions about FSSC 22000 or these additional requirements, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. We’re here to help!

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