GSA Releases New Seafood Processing Standard

The Global Seafood Alliance will hold a webinar on December 5 introducing key features of the new version.

Kristen Kazarian, Managing Editor

November 8, 2024

1 Min Read
Salmon processing
A worker filleting salmon Global Seafood Alliance

The Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) has released 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, 10 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 customized, 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 10 Modules

  • 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

Related:Fresh Express Acquires Produce Processor / Wholesaler

GSA will conduct a webinar on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, sharing key features of SPS 6.0 and its new audit and reporting processes, including a live Q&A session. Register for the GSA webinar here.

GSA will begin accepting all applications to SPS 6.0 in mid-2025 and fully replace Issue 5.1 beginning Nov. 5, 2025.

About the Author

Kristen Kazarian

Managing Editor

Kristen Kazarian has been a writer and editor for more than three decades. She has worked at several consumer magazines and B2B publications in the fields of food and beverage, packaging, processing, women's interest, local news, health and nutrition, fashion and beauty, automotive, and IT.

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