GSA releases new seafood processing standard
The new Seafood Processing Standard (SPS) version 6.0 has been launched by the Global Seafood Alliance (GSA), with new features including a restructured modular framework built around core food safety requirements covering both farm-raised and wild-caught seafood, 10 separate modules to accommodate the specific production processes and products at individual facilities, and enhanced data capture, reporting and assessment technologies.
According to GSA, the 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 6.0 core has been designed to meet Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) requirements, while the 10 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 specialized 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
GSA will conduct a webinar on 5 December 2024 introducing key features of SPS 6.0 and its new audit and reporting processes. The non-profit trade association will begin accepting all applications to SPS 6.0 in mid-2025 and fully replace Issue 5.1 beginning 5 November 2025.
