Global Seafood Alliance (GSA), based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, announced on Monday (Nov. 4) the release of Seafood Processing Standard (SPS) version 6.0, a new certification standard for seafood processors worldwide.

GSA, which manages the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) program, said the changes aim to boost audit efficiency and provide stronger consumer assurances.

The SPS 6.0 standard features a modular framework focused on food safety for farm-raised and wild-caught seafood. It reports to use 10 specialized modules to address varying production processes and products, incorporating enhanced data capture and reporting technologies to ensure compliance.

The modules cover areas like animal welfare and social responsibility, with a core aligned to the Global Food Safety Initiative standards set by the Consumer Goods Forum, an independent organization, GSA said.

GSA had certified 3,959 facilities in 43 countries by the end of 2023, including processing plants, farms, hatcheries and feed mills. However, as reported by Undercurrent News, allegations have surfaced about misleading practices within the BAP program, specifically related to its certification of Indian shrimp.