Food safety and the food industry go hand-in-hand – you can’t have one without the other. Whether you’re in dairy production, baked goods manufacturing or the meat industry, every food business must comply with strict standards and regulations. This is where food safety audits play a critical role, and it’s why FPE now provide food safety audit services in South Australia.
Designed to protect public health, food safety audits come in various forms and focus on different aspects of food production and compliance. Let’s explore the different types of audits in the food industry, the importance of auditing, and what areas typically get evaluated.
Overview
- What is a food industry audit?
- The 3 types of audits in the food industry
- Why are food safety audits important?
What are food industry audits?
Food industry audits are comprehensive evaluations to assess whether food businesses comply with food safety standards and regulations. They also identify areas for improvement, aim to mitigate risks and serve as transparent reports for the business operations.
A food industry audit helps to ensure the quality of food produced, optimising profits and production efficiency. An audit also considers sustainability practices and overall costs.
Through regular internal and external audits, food processing companies protect their reputation, shield customers from quality and food safety issues and ensure efficient and effective business operations.
Internal vs external audits
Food safety audits are classified as either internal or external audits. If the audit is conducted by an auditor employed within the business (such as a manager), then it is considered an internal audit. If the audit is conducted by an external organisation for a supplier audit and certification audit, then it is labelled as an external audit.
These audits can then be further categorised into three different types based on the relationship between the food safety auditor and the business being assessed.
The 3 types of audits in the food industry
1. Internal food safety audits (first party)
An internal food safety audit (also known as a first-party audit) is a self-assessment performed by a food business to evaluate its own food safety systems, practices and processes. Within the food industry, this type of audit is typically carried out by a staff member, be it a manager or designated auditor, rather than an external party.
Because the audits are performed in-house, they are cost-effective, provide practical findings due to staff familiarity with the business, and enable continuous monitoring for ongoing improvements.
What is assessed during a food safety audit?
The audit focuses on several, key areas such as:
Food storage
Ensuring food is stored at the correct temperature and in conditions that prevent any contamination or spoilage.
Food preparation
Evaluating proper food handling, cross-contamination prevention (i.e. raw and cooked food), adherence to food safety protocols (i.e. cooking food to the correct internal temperatures or frozen food thawed correctly).
Sanitation
Inspecting cleaning procedures as well as ensuring handwashing facilities and sanitation equipment are properly installed.
Employee hygiene
Assessing the hygiene practices of staff, including hand washing and wearing the appropriate attire.
Facility design
Reviewing the layout to allow for drainage, proper airflow, separation of raw and cooked foods etc.
HACCP compliance
Ensuring the food business is following Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines.
Learn more about HACCP compliance:
Food safety management systems
Reviewing the systems in place for identifying, monitoring and managing food safety risks.
Temperature control
Verifying food is kept at the correct temperatures during storage and preparation.
Pest control
Investigating any signs of pests within the facility and ensuring proper pest control measures are in place.
2. Supplier audits (second party)
A supplier food safety audit (or a second-party audit) is conducted by a business to assess the food safety practices, processes and systems of its suppliers. This type of audit in the food industry is designed to ensure the suppliers comply with the appropriate standards and regulations and have proper quality control measures in place.
In particular, the audits help to identify any risks that could impact the safety of the food products (such as improper storage, transport or handling) and ensure both parties share the same commitment to protecting public health. They can also help to streamline workflows, reduce costs and improve product quality.
3. Management system certification (Third-Party audit)
The last type of audit in the food industry is a certification audit (also known as a third-party audit). Conducted by external organisation, a management system certification ensures that the interrelated processes of the business are streamlined to achieve the business objectives.
The management certification audit may focus on a number of different topics, including product or service quality, operational efficiency, environmental performance, health and safety in the workplace, information security systems and many more.
The certifications include the: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000 and ISO 27001, HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point and FSSC 22000.
The role of auditor in food industry audits
During these comprehensive audits, the auditor evaluates the business’ documentation, employee training, as well as its food safety management system and processes. This audit not only helps to identify areas of improvement but can award a certification of management systems that adds to the credibility and reputation of the food business.
Why are audits important in the food industry?
Within the food industry, food safety audits play a crucial role in identifying areas for improvement, mitigating risks and ensuring your business complies with food standards and regulations. The audits not only help to prevent the outbreak of foodborne illnesses, contamination and costly recalls, but can help to improve overall efficiency, performance and brand reputation.
FPE is your trusted food safety partner
As a leading supplier of food safety technology, FPE also provides management systems certification and second party audits. These services mean that South Australian food processors can now access local auditing services, reducing the cost of maintaining certifications. It’s our mission to support you to deliver high quality food products that align with customer standards and company values. To learn more about our audit services, call AU 1800 882 549 or reach out using the contact form.
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.
