Food safety management system audit checklist template

This audit checklist evaluates your entire food safety management system, including documentation, procedures, and implementation—not just physical conditions. While regular inspections focus on day-to-day compliance with specific practices, this audit examines the underlying system that ensures those practices are consistently followed, properly documented, and continuously improved over time.

Communicate the audit’s purpose as an improvement tool, not a fault-finding mission. Review previous audit findings and ensure corrective actions were implemented. Organize all documentation including policies, procedures, and records. Brief key personnel on their roles during the audit, and encourage honesty about challenges—identifying issues now prevents bigger problems later.

Document each non-conformity with specific evidence and analyze its root cause rather than just addressing symptoms. Develop a corrective action plan with clear responsibilities and realistic timelines. Verify that actions taken actually resolve the issue through follow-up checks. For systemic issues, consider whether broader changes to your food safety management system are needed.

Yes, this checklist serves as an excellent preparation tool for third-party audits. By conducting thorough internal audits first, you’ll identify and address gaps before external auditors arrive. The template covers the fundamental elements examined during certification audits for schemes like GFSI, BRC, or ISO 22000, helping you approach third-party evaluations with confidence rather than apprehension.