Audit-Prep Checklists

Concrete checklists to work through before an audit.

1. First SQF / GFSI Audit PrepA concrete run-through to work before your first SQF certification audit — tick each item only when you can put your hand on the record that proves it.
2. HACCP Plan Self-CheckA run-through of the five preliminary tasks and seven principles a HACCP plan needs — tick each item only when you can put your hand on the record that proves it.
3. FSMA Preventive Controls ReadinessA run-through of the Food Safety Plan a preventive-controls inspection expects under 21 CFR 117 — tick each item only when you can put your hand on the record that proves it.
4. FSMA 204 ReadinessA run-through of what the Food Traceability Rule asks you to have ready — on the list, events mapped, lot codes assigned, records retrievable in 24 hours — tick each item only when you can put your hand on the record that proves it.
5. Recall and Mock-Recall ReadinessA run-through to work before an audit or your annual recall test — recall plan current, contacts verified, both-direction trace tested, effectiveness measured — tick each item only when you can put your hand on the record that proves it.
6. Label Compliance CheckA run-through of the federal rules a packaged-food label has to pass — the mandatory elements, nutrient rounding, the Big 9 allergens, and claims you can stand behind — tick each item only when your label actually clears it.
7. Receiving and Supplier-Program CheckA pre-audit run-through of your supplier program and receiving records — approved-supplier list, supplier verification and COAs, complete receiving logs, and a hold procedure — checked against FDA's supply-chain rule.
8. Retail-Buyer ReadinessA pre-meeting run-through of the vendor packet a retail buyer or distributor asks for before they stock you — liability insurance, food-safety certification, proven traceability, spec sheets, GTINs, and EDI.