Standard for seafood processors is updated

The global standard setting out good practice for seafood processing has been updated to provide more clarity on food safety measures.
The latest edition of the Seafood Processing Standard (SPS), published yesterday, is part of the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) third-party certification programme. All operators seeking cerification under the programme must comply with the new standard as from 16 January 2021.
SPS Issue 5.1 includes new or revised statements regarding the outsourcing of processing, environmental monitoring and food-product testing and on food safety as it pertains to canning, thermal processing and other specialty processing methods. The revised standard also strengthens employee rights and protection.
Chris Weeks, BAP program integrity manager said: “We look forward to the implementation of SPS 5.1, which provides additional information in the areas of outsourcing, food safety, environmental monitoring and employee health and safety.”
SPS applies to processors of both wild-caught and farmed seafood, replacing the BAP Seafood Processing Plant Standard when it changed from BAP to Global Seafood Assurances (GSA) in February 2019. A sister organisation to the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA), GSA also manages the Responsible Fishing Vessel Standard (RFVS).
Best Aquaculture Practices is an international certification program based on achievable, science-based and continuously improved performance standards for the entire aquaculture production chain. More information on the SPS Isssue 5.1 can be found in the BAP’s FAQ.