Perform BRC Audit Product Control (Clause 5) using eAuditor
BRC Audit Product Control (Clause 5) is a section of the BRC Global Standards that focuses on the controls and processes required to ensure that food products consistently meet safety, quality, and legal requirements. Clause 5 covers all aspects of product control, including raw material verification, product formulation, process control, packaging, labelling, storage, and transportation. It ensures that products are manufactured under controlled conditions, preventing contamination and ensuring traceability. Compliance with Clause 5 is essential for maintaining product integrity and meeting customer and regulatory expectations.
Performing a BRC Audit Product Control (Clause 5) using eAuditor ensures a detailed and structured evaluation of product control processes within a food facility. This audit verifies that all steps—from raw material handling to finished product storage—are managed under strict controls to guarantee food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Using eAuditor facilitates real-time data collection, photographic evidence, and efficient reporting, supporting certification readiness and continuous process improvement.
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Purpose of BRC Audit Product Control (Clause 5) in eAuditor
The audit aims to:
- Verify that product control processes meet BRC Clause 5 requirements
- Ensure raw materials, ingredients, and finished products are handled safely
- Confirm product formulations and specifications are accurate and controlled
- Assess packaging, labelling, and storage practices
- Evaluate traceability and prevention of cross-contamination
- Document audit findings and assign corrective actions digitally
- Support continuous improvement and certification compliance
Digitizing the audit improves accuracy and efficiency.
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Preparing for the Audit Using eAuditor
Preparation involves:
- Selecting or customizing a Clause 5 checklist in eAuditor based on product control needs
- Reviewing product specifications, formulation records, and previous audit reports
- Scheduling the audit to allow access to production and storage areas
- Training auditors on BRC Clause 5 standards and eAuditor operation
- Gathering relevant documentation like labelling records, batch data, and storage logs
- Briefing the audit team on audit scope, objectives, and procedures
Proper preparation ensures a thorough audit.
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Step-by-Step BRC Audit Clause 5 Process in eAuditor
3.1 Raw Material and Ingredient Control
- Inspect raw material sourcing and verification processes
- Verify supplier compliance and acceptance criteria
- Check storage conditions and segregation to prevent contamination
- Document any deviations or risks
Proper raw material control safeguards product quality.
3.2 Product Formulation and Specifications
- Review accuracy and approval of product formulations
- Confirm adherence to specifications during production
- Assess controls to prevent unauthorized changes
- Record findings and evidence
Controlled formulations ensure consistent product quality.
3.3 Process Control and Monitoring
- Evaluate production process controls and critical control points
- Verify monitoring and recording of key parameters
- Assess handling practices to prevent cross-contamination
- Document non-conformances and corrective actions
Effective process control maintains product safety.
3.4 Packaging and Labelling
- Inspect packaging materials and storage conditions
- Verify labelling accuracy, including allergen and regulatory information
- Check controls to prevent mislabelling or mix-ups
- Capture photographic evidence
Accurate packaging and labelling ensure product compliance.
3.5 Storage and Distribution
- Assess storage facility conditions, including temperature and hygiene
- Verify product segregation to avoid contamination
- Review transportation procedures to maintain product integrity
- Note any issues affecting product safety or quality
Proper storage and distribution preserve product quality.
3.6 Traceability and Recall Procedures
- Test traceability systems for raw materials and finished goods
- Review recall plans and recent recall records
- Verify that documentation supports rapid and effective recall
- Document audit results
Strong traceability supports food safety responsiveness.
3.7 Final Review and Reporting
- Summarize audit findings, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement
- Assign corrective actions with clear responsibilities and deadlines
- Obtain digital signatures from auditors and management
- Generate comprehensive audit reports with photos and comments
- Share reports with relevant teams for follow-up
This step ensures accountability and drives improvements.
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Post-Audit Process and Follow-Up
eAuditor enhances post-audit management by:
- Automatically generating detailed audit reports with evidence
- Distributing reports promptly to stakeholders
- Tracking corrective actions and verifying timely completion
- Securely storing audit records for compliance purposes
- Analyzing audit data to identify trends and improve product controls
Digital tools promote transparency and effective management.
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Customization Options in eAuditor
eAuditor enables tailored audits for product control:
- Create checklists specific to your products and processes
- Use conditional logic to focus on high-risk areas
- Include photo prompts and detailed comment fields
- Set automated alerts for critical findings and overdue actions
- Integrate with quality and production systems
- Support multilingual capabilities for global audits
Customization improves audit relevance and efficiency.
Summary
Conducting a BRC Audit for Product Control (Clause 5) using eAuditor ensures that all product-related processes—from raw materials to distribution—are tightly controlled to maintain safety and quality. The digital platform simplifies inspection, evidence collection, and reporting, supporting compliance and continuous improvement. Customizable checklists and real-time corrective action tracking make audits more effective and transparent, essential for BRC certification readiness and product integrity.