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
Related clauses
ISO 22000 clause 8 (operation), 6.2 (objectives), 9.3 (management review); FSSC 22000 2.5.13 (packaging design principles)
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