Food Safety audits have become a new reality for companies that manufacture, process or store food. Businesses that want to sell their product through retailers or large restaurant chains in most cases must undergo some type of food safety audit.
In general, there are two types of audits (HACCP / GMP and GFSI – global food safety initiative) audits. Depending on multiple factors such as the size of business, intended market, customer requirements and others, the companies decide which type of food safety audit is right for them.
Here is a closer look and comparison of the two types of audits.
HACCP / GMP Audits.
Basic food safety audits requiring HACCP food safety system based on local requirements supported with good manufacturing practices and some procedures or programs. Typically, the elements of the programs are determined by the facility based on their needs. HACCP and GMP audits tend to be less demanding and often reflect best industry practices and local legislative requirements rather than international standards.
HACCP / GMP audits are usually adopted by companies as a first step at businesses that are new to audits against voluntary standards. Smaller facilities with limited resources may also elect to undergo HACCP / GMP audits as those are less demanding when compared to GFSI audits.
Examples of HACCP / GMP Audits are standards offered by range of organizations including AIB, NSF, Merieux or FoodChain ID. Usually HACCP audits last 1 day and price for an audit doesn’t exceed $3,000.
GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative Audits)
GFSI audits are considered a higher-level audit that are benchmarked against GFSI guideline document. GFSI audits are recognized internationally and reflect global food safety standards and industry practices. GFSI audits are focused on CODEX HACCP guidelines as a core element. GFSI audit codes have a specific list of pre-requisite programs with defined elements such as responsibilities, monitoring, corrective actions and verification activities. Internal Audits, Food Safety Culture and management reviews are integral parts of GFSI audits. Examples of GFSI audits that are common in the US are SQF (Safe Quality Foods), BRC (British Retail Consortium) or Primus GFS.
GFSI audits are adopted by variety of companies regardless of the size. Primary factor that triggers a GFSI audit is a contract with national retailers such as Walmart, Aldi, or Target. The main benefit of GFSI audits is reduction of the number of food safety audits at food facilities. Certificates from GFSI audits are recognized internationally and are also appropriate for food facilities that export products to foreign countries.
GFSI audits last 2 or more days depending on the size of the facility and number of HACCP / Food Safety Plans. The cost of GFSI audits ranges from $7,000 to $10,000 per audit.
In recent years we’ve seen a sharp rise in requests for GFSI certification audits. GFSI audits are considered a higher level of food safety system and strong proof of a robust food safety program.
HACCP / GMP audits remain a primary choice for audit standards in start up companies or companies producing low risk foods or food contact substances.
Here at BD Food Safety Consultants LLC, we offer consulting services in assisting our clients with audit preparations. We specialize in HACCP / GMP and GFSI audits. We came up with a system (based on 4 essential steps) in audit preparations that has been proven to be effective. Learn more about how we can help you achieve audit certification of your choice. Visit us at https://bdfoodsafety.com/audit-preparations/