Perform PrimusGFS – Preventative Controls Assessment using eAuditor
PrimusGFS Checklist – Preventative Controls refers to the proactive food safety measures required within the PrimusGFS certification framework to prevent contamination and other hazards before they occur. These controls are based on the principles outlined in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and are integral to maintaining compliance in food production, handling, and processing facilities.
Performing a PrimusGFS – Preventive Controls Assessment using eAuditor enables proactive management of food safety risks by identifying hazards and verifying the effectiveness of control measures across food production, handling, and processing operations.
Performing PrimusGFS – Preventive Controls Assessment using eAuditor ensures a structured evaluation of hazard control strategies, monitoring practices, and preventive systems to maintain compliance with FSMA and GFSI standards.
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Prepare and Customize a Preventive Controls Checklist in eAuditor
Begin by creating or selecting a checklist that aligns with PrimusGFS and FSMA preventive control requirements. Include the following sections:
- Hazard Analysis
- List all potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards.
- Identify points in the process where these hazards may arise.
- Preventive Control Identification
- Process controls (e.g., pasteurization, pH control).
- Allergen controls (e.g., dedicated lines, label verification).
- Sanitation controls (e.g., cleaning schedules, sanitizer use).
- Supply-chain controls (e.g., approved vendor lists, receiving protocols).
- Monitoring Protocols
- Fields to document who monitors each control, how frequently, and using what tools or methods.
- Corrective Actions
- Prompts for identifying deviations and specifying corrective steps (e.g., hold product, clean equipment, retrain staff).
- Verification Procedures
- Internal audits, environmental monitoring, lab testing, and data review.
- Recordkeeping Requirements
- Checkpoints for ensuring records are complete, timely, and accessible for audits.
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Conduct the Assessment Using eAuditor
- Use mobile devices to perform on-site evaluations, even in low-connectivity environments.
- Inspect:
- Preventive measures at each process step.
- Compliance with established limits and procedures.
- Effectiveness of monitoring and response protocols.
- Attach evidence (e.g., photos, calibration logs, supplier documents).
- Utilize conditional logic to tailor questions dynamically based on responses.
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Assign and Track Corrective Actions
- Flag non-conformities directly within the checklist.
- Assign actions to responsible personnel with due dates and priority levels.
- Monitor completion status in the eAuditor’s centralized dashboard.
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Generate Reports and Review Analytics
- Automatically compile reports upon completion, including:
- Control verification status
- Deviations found and actions taken
- Supporting media and timestamps
- Use eAuditor Analytics to:
- Identify trends (e.g., frequent allergen mislabeling)
- Compare performance across shifts or locations
- Support continuous improvement efforts
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Schedule and Maintain Ongoing Compliance
- Use eAuditor’s scheduling feature to set recurring preventive control checks.
- Update templates as new risks emerge or processes change.
- Train staff using completed inspections as examples for real-world context.
Summary:
Using eAuditor for PrimusGFS – Preventive Controls Assessments streamlines hazard prevention and control across food operations. It ensures real-time compliance monitoring, effective corrective actions, and detailed documentation, crucial for audits and continuous food safety improvement.