Food loss and waste — policy, measurable objectives and safe surplus handling

Plain-language summary

A documented policy and objectives with measurable targets and timelines for reducing food loss and waste, plus controls that keep donated and surplus product safe.

What the clause is really asking

Version 7 turns a sustainability aspiration into a management-system requirement for every category except packaging (I). You need a documented policy and objectives describing your strategy for reducing food loss and waste within the organisation and its related supply chain, with clear, measurable targets and defined timelines. Products donated to not-for-profit organisations, employees or others need controls that ensure they are safe to consume; surplus products or by-products intended as animal feed or food must be protected from contamination. All of it must comply with the applicable legislation, be kept up to date, and never compromise food safety. The Foundation frames this as its contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3.

What auditors look for

Auditors ask for the numbers: what is your baseline, what is the target, by when, and what has happened since. A policy without a figure is a finding. They also check what happens to product that goes to staff or charities — dates, storage, labelling — and how surplus destined for feed is kept from contamination.

Typical evidence

Food loss and waste policy and objectives with measurable targets and timelines; baseline and periodic measurement by waste stream; donation procedure and records (safety, dates, traceability); surplus and by-product handling controls; legal compliance check; review records

How to comply — recommendations

Measure by stream for a quarter — process waste, rejects, returns, expired stock — set one or two targets with dates, and report progress at management review. Give donations the same release discipline as sales. Keep feed-destined surplus in dedicated, labelled containers.

Common nonconformities

Policy with no targets or dates; no measurement or baseline; donations released without a safety check; surplus for animal feed stored with waste; supply chain not considered

Resources for this clause

• ArticleFSSC 22000 Version 7 explained: what changed, the dates that matter, and how to prepare for the upgrade audit
• Free downloadFSSC 22000 V7 Gap ChecklistEvery change from FSSC 22000 Version 6 to Version 7 as a tracked project — V6 audits end on 30 April 2027, and this is the file that gets a site to its upgrade audit with the evidence ready.
• Free masterclass · ~18 minFSSC 22000 V7 MasterclassV6 audits end 30 April 2027. Every V7 change clause by clause — the new ISO 22002 family, allergen testing, culture evidence, fraud/defence competence, food loss & waste targets — and a 90-day plan.