GSA Releases Seafood Processing Standard Version 6.0
Global Seafood Alliance (GSA) is pleased to announce the official release of 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, ten 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 ten 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 Thursday, December 5 introducing key features of SPS 6.0 and its new audit and reporting processes, including a live Q&A session. Interested parties may register for the webinar here. A recording of the webinar will be sent to all registrants.
GSA will begin accepting all applications to SPS 6.0 in mid-2025 and fully replace Issue 5.1 beginning November 5, 2025. Pilots are underway; if you’re interested in getting audited to SPS 6.0, please reach out to the GSA team via this page.
About Global Seafood Alliance
The Global Seafood Alliance is an international, nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing responsible seafood practices through education, advocacy and third-party assurances. Through the development of its certification programs, GSA has become the leading provider of assurances for wild and farmed seafood globally. The organization’s work addresses the full spectrum of responsibility, from environmental responsibility and social accountability to food safety. Established in 1997 as the Global Aquaculture Alliance, GSA is headquartered in Portsmouth, N.H., USA. To learn more, visit www.globalseafood.org.
