Internal Audits & Inspections

Internal auditing in the food industry is a systematic examination of a company’s Quality Management System (QMS) and related processes, procedures, and controls. It is conducted by internal auditors who are independent of the areas being audited.

Internal audits are necessary to assess compliance with food safety standards, regulations, and industry best practices. They also highlight areas for improvement and ensure the effectiveness of the QMS.

Why are internal audits important?

Compliance Assurance

Internal audits help ensure that your food safety practices and procedures comply with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and certifications such as:

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices)
GFSI recognized standards
ISO 9001/ISO 22000.

Risk Management

By systematically examining processes and controls, internal audits help identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in the food operational processes. This allows the implementation of corrective actions and preventive measures to mitigate risks and prevent food safety incidents.

Continuous Improvement

Internal audits provide valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the QMS and its processes. They help identify areas for improvement, inefficiencies, and opportunities for optimization, leading to continuous improvement in food safety performance and overall operational efficiency.

Quality Assurance

Ensuring the safety and quality of food products is paramount in the food industry. Internal audits help verify that quality control measures are in place and effective in maintaining product integrity and meeting customer expectations.

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Supplier Audits

Internal audits may extend to evaluating the performance and compliance of suppliers and vendors to ensure that they meet food safety requirements and standards. This helps maintain the integrity of the supply chain and minimize the risk of sourcing contaminated or adulterated ingredients or materials.

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Management Oversight & Accountability

Internal audits provide management with assurance that food safety risks are being managed effectively. They allow checking that appropriate controls are in place. They also promote accountability among employees and management for maintaining food safety standards and compliance.

Food Safety Culture

Preparation for External Audits & Certifications

Internal audits help prepare companies for external audits conducted by regulatory agencies, certification bodies, customers, and other stakeholders. By proactively identifying and addressing deficiencies, companies can improve their readiness and success in external audits and certifications.

Conducting internal audits play a crucial role in ensuring food safety and quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. It will help you uphold your commitment to producing safe, high-quality food products while also safeguarding public health and consumer trust.

During inspections, various aspects of food production, handling, storage, and distribution are assessed. This includes hygiene practices, sanitation procedures, facility maintenance, temperature controls, pest control measures, labeling accuracy, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

How can we Help?

Internal auditing involves an independent and systematic examination to evaluate the level of compliance with defined standards and recognized best practices, aiming to identify areas for improvement.

Mérieux NutriSciences offers a variety of auditing services to evaluate your business’s compliance to current industry regulations and customer demands. Serving as your partner in business enhancement, we collaborate closely with you. Our team comprises specialized auditors who focus on sector-specific auditing, leveraging their knowledge to conduct audits and deliver ongoing improvement solutions for your food safety system.