## Global Seafood Alliance Unveils Enhanced Seafood Processing Standard 6.0
The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) has announced the launch of its new and improved Seafood Processing Standard (SPS) version 6.0. This update marks a significant step forward in ensuring the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and ethical practices within the seafood industry.
The hallmark of SPS 6.0 lies in its innovative modular framework, specifically designed to streamline audits and provide consumers with greater confidence in the seafood they consume. This framework encompasses both farm-raised and wild-caught seafood, encompassing ten distinct modules catering to the unique needs of individual processing facilities.
What’s New in SPS 6.0?
*
Restructured Modular Framework:
SPS 6.0 is built around a core set of food safety requirements that adhere to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) guidelines. This core framework is then complemented by ten specialized modules, each addressing a specific aspect of seafood production.*
Enhanced Data Capture and Reporting:
The new standard incorporates advanced technologies to enhance data capture, reporting, and assessment, further strengthening the transparency and accountability of the certification process.*
Customized Certification:
SPS 6.0 provides a more comprehensive and tailored certification option, allowing seafood processors to select the modules that best align with their specific operations and products.The Ten Modules of SPS 6.0
1.
Animal Welfare:
This module focuses on facilities that handle live animals and slaughter processes, ensuring humane treatment throughout the supply chain.2.
Effluent Discharge:
This module applies to non-remote wild processors, requiring them to implement sustainable practices for managing effluent discharge into natural water sources.3.
Enhanced Social:
This module goes beyond standard social responsibility audits with unannounced inspections conducted by a specialized team. It aims to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI).4.
Finished Product Testing:
This module mandates product testing for facilities processing medium to high-risk seafood, ensuring product safety and quality.5.
Low Acid Canned Foods:
This module specifically addresses thermal processing and low acid canned products, ensuring compliance with relevant safety regulations.6.
Outsourcing:
This module covers facilities that engage in outsourced activities, ensuring that these activities meet the same high standards as in-house operations.7.
Product Identity:
This module ensures traceability and transparency for facilities making claims related to Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) or Best Seafood Practices (BSP) certifications.8.
Ready to Eat:
This module applies to facilities producing ready-to-eat seafood products, emphasizing stringent food safety measures to prevent foodborne illnesses.9.
Remote Wild-Caught Environmental:
This module addresses the unique environmental challenges of wild processors located in remote environments, promoting sustainable fishing practices.10.
Social Responsibility:
This module is a core requirement for all facilities, with the option to opt for the more rigorous Enhanced Social module.Webinar and Implementation Timeline
GSA is hosting a webinar on Thursday, December 5, providing a detailed overview of SPS 6.0 and its new audit and reporting processes. The webinar will include a live question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to address their inquiries directly. Registration for the webinar is available [here](link to registration). A recording of the webinar will be sent to all registrants.
The GSA will begin accepting applications for SPS 6.0 certification in mid-2025. SPS 6.0 will fully replace Issue 5.1 beginning November 5, 2025. Pilot programs are already underway, and those interested in participating in the SPS 6.0 audit can contact the GSA team through [this page](link to GSA contact page).
This updated standard reflects GSA’s commitment to continuous improvement and its dedication to providing consumers with the highest quality and most sustainable seafood available. SPS 6.0 is a testament to the organization’s ongoing efforts to elevate the global seafood industry and ensure a responsible and sustainable future for this essential resource.
