Preparing for Your Food Safety Audit

• Food safety plan reassessment is of course done annually, but once more in time for the audit (which is mandatory anyway), will get everyone up to speed on changes in processes, equipment, and products.
• Similarly, a refresh of Environmental Monitoring (EMP) and Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) programs will ensure sanitation programs and relevant checklists are up to date.
• Past non-conformances are a great tool to educate and motivate. Failures can create a mindset of complacency, but an honest and open attitude towards non-conformance can foster a spirit of continuous improvement. Encouragement to revisit what went wrong, how it was resolved and how it’s working now is key here.

Practice makes perfect as they say and reviewing existing plans and programs, running through them, and adjusting where required will ensure everyone is in a state of readiness once the audit date has arrived.

• Internal audits are preparation for success. They ensure continuous improvement as well as verification that everything is working. They are the greatest tool available and a comprehensive overview of the entire food safety management system. They also offer an important advantage – being able to identify and resolve issues in advance prepares the team for what’s ahead in the audit and increases the chance of a successful audit outcome.
• A review of processes for recalls, and food defence and fraud programs will refresh the team on things like recall plans, vulnerability assessments, and mitigation plans and prepare them for any questions the auditor may have around procedures, responsibilities, and actions.  

• Familiarise yourself with the food safety standard requirements for certification as this may have been updated since your last audit.
• Prepare site visits in advance where applicable.
• Make sure all the necessary paperwork and documents are completed before the audit.
• Ensure you are able to demonstrate the policies and procedures outlined in your plan.
• Organise all the important documents so they are readily available and easy for the auditor to navigate when required.
• Clear the schedules of all staff involved in the audit so they are available on demand at whatever point of the audit that’s necessary.
• Be up-to-date on previous non-conformances and able to report on developments since the last audit.
• Communicate positively with the team in the days leading up to the audit. Engage and motivate their participation and encourage them to be proud of the part they play in the food safety culture of the organisation.

Why Intertek SAI Global

We’re here to help build a world-class, globally competitive, and sustainable food industry today.

With over 25 years of experience and a global reputation built on first-class delivery and technical support. Intertek SAI Global has partnered with the food industry for decades, engaging with hundreds of food and beverage suppliers, manufacturers and contractors throughout their assessment and certification process – while making the process as seamless and simple as possible.

Adding value is at the core of our business and our processes. Let us show you how assessment and certification can add value to your business. Australia-wide, delivering over 60,000 audits each year, your local Intertek SAI Global team is equipped to support your unique requirements.

Expertise You Can Trust – At Intertek SAI Global, we are committed to supporting our customer. Adding value is at the core of our business and our processes. Let us show you how assessment and certification can add value to your business.

Transparent and Honest – We make sure to approach everything with transparency and integrity. We will explain your audit durations and break down the costs associated. We ensure you understand your quote and guarantee no hidden costs or chargeable expenses until the audit is completed.

Customer Service for Added Support – Our customers are our number one focus. Your local Intertek SAI Global team has the experience to support you to ensure your Food Safety Management System meets your unique business requirements. Your Intertek SAI Global customer support system includes a dedicated business development manager, a scheduling team, an invoicing team and experienced local auditors.

With the ongoing challenges facing the food industry, it’s time to build a stronger and more effective food safety management system. Contact us to speak to a food safety expert and see how we can help you and your business achieve food safety excellence.