Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of an auditor in the food industry?
According to Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, the role of the auditor is to carry out audits of a business’s food safety management system to determine if they comply with the appropriate food safety standards and requirements. The food safety auditor must then report the outcome of the audit to the relevant enforcement agency.
What is an internal audit in the food industry?
An internal audit identifies whether your systems and processes, including food safety, operational processes and risk mitigation strategies, are effective. Conducted by a member of your team, it promotes continuous improvement, operational efficiency and can help to prepare for an external audit.
How does a food safety audit differ from a quality assurance audit?
A food safety audit evaluates compliance against regulations such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) and helps to prevent the risk of contamination and food-borne illnesses. It also assesses aspects such as employee hygiene, sanitation, temperature control and product traceability. Quality assurance audits are primarily concerned with preventing defects throughout the production process. This could involve evaluating product characteristics such as consistency, taste or texture, as well as the packaging of the final product.