Audits/Certification/GFSI

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, vendor certification has been top of mind for the food industry given the increased requirements and oversight of third-party audits and FDA regulations to better accommodate public health. This article will give a baseline understanding of the regulatory requirements between U.S. federal bodies (FDA, USDA) in comparison to widely known GFSI standards (BRC, SQF, FSSC 22200). Additionally, it will provide insight into key control areas for mitigating risk and adapting business in accordance with the growing emphasis on the importance of food safety culture.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to pivot to virtual food safety audits and inspections, but there has been reluctance to sustain this model of remote evaluations. Recently, advances have emerged in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and development of novel approaches to auditing that have worked to bridge the gap and help virtual audits and inspections move closer to gaining equivalency to traditional onsite formats.

Dr. Markus Lipp, Senior Food Safety Officer at the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), spoke with Food Safety Magazine during the GFSI conference on the collaborative work that FAO, GFSI, and other organizations are doing to strengthen food safety and sustainability worldwide.

At the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) 2022 conference in Barcelona, a panel discussion examined GFSI's plans for reshaping its Global Markets Program, as well as its new model for auditor training and professional development.

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) will launch a pilot program for Food Safety Auditor qualifications to increase recruitment by eliminating repeat auditor checks in GFSI-recognized certification programs.

GFSI is focused on creating a pathway to professional development and for the recognition of food safety auditors as a way to improve the attractiveness of the profession. GFSI's new model of auditor qualification introduces a Professional Recognition Body to conduct the first auditor qualification program.

This article provides insights into audit success, presents some ways to reduce findings, and offers some pointers to auditors on what elements to watch for in a well-functioning sanitation team. 

It can be challenging to maintain good working relationships with federal regulators when things are going well, but how do you leverage your best efforts during an inspection/audit especially when there are issues? Let's address how handling the inspection itself can be your most important asset, along with a fundamental understanding of the science and regulations that are in play.

We need to better define the requirements around ambient air testing in the latest version of the Safe Quality Food audit scheme.