Obtaining certification under GFSI-recognized standards such as SQF (Safe Quality Food), BRC (British Retail Consortium), and FSSC 22000 (ISO) is essential for food manufacturers aiming to ensure food safety, expand market opportunities, and gain consumer trust. Preparing for these audits requires careful planning, robust systems, and a proactive approach to maintain compliance. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed in your next audit.
Take the time to fully understand the requirements of the SQF and BRC standards that apply to your operations. Each standard focuses on specific areas. For instance, SQF emphasizes food safety management systems, product quality, and compliance with legal requirements. Understanding these details will help you implement the key controls needed to achieve these certifications.
Accurate and up-to-date documentation is the backbone of a successful GFSI audit. Make sure all your policies, procedures, and records are well-maintained and easy to access. This includes your HACCP plan, cleaning schedules, training logs, and supplier verification documents. Using digital tools can make managing these records more efficient, reducing errors and making retrieval faster during the audit.
Internal audits are a great way to catch any gaps before an official audit. Simulate real audit scenarios and focus on areas like critical control points (CCPs), traceability, and corrective actions. Address any issues you find right away, and keep clear records of the corrections you make. This not only improves your processes but also shows auditors that you are proactive about food safety.
Everyone on your team plays a role in audit success. Regular training ensures that staff understand the standards and their responsibilities in maintaining compliance. Ensure your team knows how to confidently respond to auditors' questions and demonstrate their understanding of the measures they implement to meet control requirements.
A strong traceability system is critical for meeting GFSI standards. You need processes that can track raw materials and finished products throughout the supply chain. Clear and reliable supplier verification programs also show that you are committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients and materials.
Market Opportunities: GFSI certification makes it easier to work with top retailers and access global markets.
Building Trust: Certification proves your commitment to food safety and quality, which strengthens your brand’s reputation.
Improving Operations: The audit process encourages ongoing improvements that benefit your entire operation.
At Datahex, we offer quality and food safety software that make it easier for food manufacturers to meet GFSI standards. From managing documentation to tracking compliance, our solutions help you stay prepared and confident throughout the audit process. Contact us today to find out how our digital solutions can help you succeed in SQF and BRC audits, improve your food safety systems, and build stronger relationships with customers and stakeholders.