Part 6: Food Fraud Explained (FSSC 22000 Version 6)

Welcome to part 6 of the FSSC 22000 additional requirements series. In this article, we will cover Food Fraud Mitigation as outlined in Requirement 2.5.4 of FSSC 22000 Version 6. We hope you find this article informative and valuable.

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

Before we begin, let us introduce our most popular FSSC 22000 V6 DIY services:

Table of Contents

1. Video Explaining Food Fraud Mitigation

2. Examples of Documents to Use for Food Fraud Mitigation

3. Frequently Asked Questions

4. Common Audit Findings

5. Conclusion

6. How can we help?

7. FSSC 22000 V6 Series-related Articles

8. FSSC 22000 V6 Training Options

9. Comments

Video Explaining Food Fraud Mitigation

The video also includes examples and demonstrates the recommended documentation you can use for Food Fraud Mitigation.

Video explaining the requirements for Food Fraud Mitigation as part of the FSSC 22000 Version 6 additional requirements.

Examples of Documents to Use for Food Fraud Mitigation

Here is a list of documents to consider:

Food Fraud Procedure
Food Fraud Vulnerability Risk Assessment

Visit our online, self-paced Food Fraud and Food Defence training HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

The video covers the following frequently asked questions:

What is Food Fraud?
What is a Vulnerability Assessment?
What is a Food Fraud Plan?
What is VACCP?
Do you need a Food Fraud Mitigation Team?
Who needs Food Fraud Training?
Does FSSC 22000 provide guidance regarding Food Fraud?
What if no legislation governs Food Fraud, what do I use as a reference?

View an index of all documents HERE

Common Audit Findings

Our auditors flagged a few Food Fraud Mitigation weaknesses during recent audits, which we would like to share with you:

Not having a defined methodology: During our audits, we observed a significant absence of a clearly defined methodology for Food Fraud Mitigation. Many organisations lack a structured approach that systematically identifies and evaluates potential fraud risks. Without a robust methodology, it becomes challenging to implement effective preventive measures, resulting in vulnerabilities.
The Food Fraud mitigation plan is not customised for the organisation: Another common finding is that the Food Fraud Mitigation Plan is not tailored to the organisation’s unique needs and risks. Generic plans often fail to address specific threats pertinent to the organization’s operations, suppliers, and product lines. Customisation is crucial to ensure that the mitigation strategies are relevant and effective in countering the organisation’s particular risks.
The Food Fraud Mitigation Plan is not reviewed regularly: Regular review and updating are essential to keeping it effective and relevant. However, many organisations do not have a schedule for reviewing their plans. This oversight can lead to outdated practices and gaps in mitigation efforts, especially as new fraud trends and risks emerge.
Outdated Food Fraud Plan: Our auditors found that some companies do not update the Food Fraud Mitigation Plan when a new raw material is acquired.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mitigating Food Fraud is critical to ensuring the integrity and safety of food products, as emphasised by the FSSC 22000 requirements. Organisations can significantly reduce the risks associated with Food Fraud by implementing a comprehensive Food Fraud prevention plan that includes vulnerability assessments, rigorous supplier controls, effective traceability systems, and continuous monitoring.

Employee training and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability further strengthen these efforts. Adhering to these practices safeguards consumers and enhances brand reputation and compliance with global standards. A proactive approach to Food Fraud mitigation demonstrates a commitment to food safety and quality, reinforcing consumer trust and business sustainability.

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:

Visit our online, self-paced Food Fraud and Food Defence training HERE

How can we help?

We offer a variety of FSSC 22000 V6 services. If you need more information, please let us know HERE and we will direct you to the relevant department or service.

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