Food safety audits and the role of external auditors

Food safety standards address food manufacturing at many stages: from the sourcing of raw materials and ingredients, to production, and through packing and distribution. As part of the globalization of the production process, food producers source inputs from multiple suppliers around the world, many of which have different requirements than the U.S., which adds a layer of complexity in following safe food protocols.

The increasing number of high-profile food-safety-related outbreaks underscores the importance of examining food safety and the quality of food products entering the market. To that end, food safety audits play an integral role in maintaining high standards, helping to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and protect public health.

Why do food safety audits matter?

• Protecting public health: First and foremost, companies manufacturing or handling food must protect public health by stopping contaminated food from entering the marketplace. Food safety audits help to prevent foodborne illnesses by identifying and mitigating risk so that any issues can be addressed in a timely and effective manner.
• Regulatory compliance: Whether a company falls under the purview of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture or another government agency, food safety regulations are not only stringent, but constantly evolving. Regular audits help companies remain compliant with local, national and international standards, thereby avoiding penalties.
• Evaluating operations in real time: Seeing an operation and quality management system function firsthand, rather than simply reviewing historical safety records and statistics, provides insight into potential food safety issues. This enables a company to proactively implement preventive strategies to avoid future problems.
• Enhancing consumer confidence: Transparency around food safety audits not only demonstrates a commitment to quality and safety, it also enhances consumer trust and loyalty.  
• Minimizing or preventing recalls: Food recalls are costly and damage a brand’s reputation. Regular audits can identify potential issues before they escalate, reducing the likelihood of recalls.

Why are external auditors important?

While internal audits are invaluable, external auditors are often removed from a company’s operations and can offer an unbiased perspective free of internal influences. External auditors can also provide benefits such as the following:

• Their specialized knowledge of and experience with food safety standards and regulations can enable them to identify risks that internal teams may overlook.
• An external audit usually carries more weight with regulators, third-party certification bodies and customers, as it shows accountability, strengthening the company’s credibility.
• Since external auditors work with various companies with different operations (e.g., facility design, a food safety management system, storage, sanitation, hygiene, etc.), they can provide insights into industry best practices and benchmark a company’s performance against peers, helping to highlight opportunities for improvement.
• External auditors can train internal teams and help them stay current on the latest food safety trends and practices.

The takeaway

Food safety audits are essential for maintaining high standards in the food industry. They protect public health, facilitate regulatory compliance and enhance consumer confidence. Leveraging the knowledge and experience of external auditors adds an extra layer of assurance, providing objective assessments, industry-specific insights and increased credibility. This ultimately helps companies safeguard their products, their reputation and the wellbeing of their consumers.