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Perform FSSC 22000 Version 5 Audit using eAuditor

FSSC 22000 Version 5 Audit refers to the formal evaluation of a food safety management system (FSMS) against the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 Version 5 standard, which is part of the GFSI-recognized schemes (Global Food Safety Initiative). This audit determines whether a food business complies with globally recognized food safety requirements and is eligible for FSSC 22000 certification or continued certification under the current version.

Performing an FSSC 22000 Version 5 Audit using eAuditor ensures a comprehensive, efficient, and real-time evaluation of your Food Safety Management System (FSMS) in alignment with globally recognized standards. eAuditor transforms traditional auditing into a digital, traceable, and proactive process that supports regulatory compliance, certification readiness, and continuous improvement across the entire food safety workflow.

1. Purpose of Performing an FSSC 22000 Version 5 Audit in eAuditor

Using eAuditor for this audit helps your organization:

• Conduct a systematic, evidence-based review of food safety practices
• Evaluate alignment with ISO 22000:2018, sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002-1), and FSSC additional requirements
• Identify and resolve non-conformities before official certification audits
• Maintain real-time records, assign corrective actions, and demonstrate continuous improvement
• Enhance audit readiness through repeatable, consistent inspections

2. Structure of the FSSC 22000 Audit Checklist in eAuditor

The checklist should be structured into three core sections:

2.1 ISO 22000:2018 Core FSMS Requirements

Includes clauses such as:

• Context of the organization
• Leadership and planning
• Risk-based thinking and control of processes
• Performance evaluation and continual improvement

2.2 ISO/TS 22002-x (PRP Requirements)

Sector-specific, e.g.:

• ISO/TS 22002-1 for food manufacturing
• ISO/TS 22002-4 for packaging manufacturing
  Key areas:
• Infrastructure, cleaning, pest control, maintenance, utilities, and personnel hygiene

2.3 FSSC Additional Requirements

Includes:

• Food fraud prevention
• Food defense (bioterrorism prevention)
• Allergen management
• Logo use and traceability
• Environmental monitoring

3. Key Sections and How to Audit Them in eAuditor

3.1. Context and Risk-Based Thinking

Checklist Focus:

• Has the organization defined its scope and stakeholders?
• Are food safety risks and opportunities assessed?

In eAuditor:

• Use long-answer fields to document SWOT or risk analysis
• Attach the risk assessment matrix or reports

3.2. Management Commitment & Leadership

Checklist Focus:

• Are food safety objectives documented and communicated?
• Has a food safety policy been implemented?

In eAuditor:

• Attach policy documents or screenshots from internal platforms
• Interview senior staff and upload voice notes or summaries

3.3. HACCP-Based Hazard Control

Checklist Focus:

• Are CCPs identified and monitored?
• Are critical limits validated?

In eAuditor:

• Require temperature/pH entries at CCPs
• Flag non-conformances automatically if limits are breached
• Upload calibration or validation reports

3.4. PRP Implementation

Checklist Focus:

• Are cleaning and sanitation practices documented and verified?
• Are pest control, waste management, and building maintenance procedures effective?

In eAuditor:

• Use photo capture to document cleanliness and conditions
• Input pest log data or attach external contractor reports
• Score effectiveness and assign any follow-up tasks

3.5. Food Defense and Food Fraud

Checklist Focus:

• Is there a food fraud vulnerability assessment in place?
• Are food defense measures (e.g., locks, CCTV, staff vetting) implemented?

In eAuditor:

• Upload assessment reports and maps
• Take security-related photos (entry points, locks, etc.)
• Assign tasks for any gaps in controls

3.6. Allergen and Labeling Controls

Checklist Focus:

• Are allergen-containing products segregated?
• Are labels accurate and verified against product specs?

In eAuditor:

• Photograph storage areas and labeling stations
• Input allergen checklist results
• Trigger actions for mislabeling or co-mingling

3.7. Verification, Internal Audits, and Continual Improvement

Checklist Focus:

• Are internal audits and verification procedures scheduled and completed?
• Are corrective actions from previous audits closed?

In eAuditor:

• Link to previous audit reports
• Add completion dates, photos, or files to confirm closure
• Use analytics to track recurring non-conformities

4. Conducting the Audit in eAuditor – Step-by-Step

1. Load the FSSC 22000 Version 5 checklist from your eAuditor library
2. Conduct the audit by walking through the facility and interviewing staff
3. Record findings with Yes/No, score-based, or narrative fields
4. Attach photos, supporting files, or calibration logs
5. Flag non-conformances, assign tasks, and set due dates and responsibilities
6. Sign off the audit digitally and submit the completed report
7. Automatically generate a professional PDF report or export to Excel for review

5. Post-Audit Reporting and Analytics

Once submitted, eAuditor provides:

• Custom-branded reports with breakdowns of compliant and non-compliant areas
• Real-time dashboards to monitor audit frequency, trends, overdue actions
• Performance tracking by site or auditor, ideal for multi-site enterprises
• Export-ready data for submission to certification bodies or clients

6. Benefits of Using eAuditor for FSSC 22000 Version 5 Audits

• Saves time by digitizing and automating audit workflows
• Reduces risk of missed items with pre-configured, logic-driven checklists
• Ensures real-time action tracking and accountability
• Facilitates cross-site standardization
• Prepares businesses for successful certification
• Enhances transparency, traceability, and confidence in food safety systems

7. Summary

Performing an FSSC 22000 Version 5 Audit using eAuditor provides a modern, efficient, and actionable way to evaluate food safety systems against one of the world’s most rigorous standards. By centralizing data, enabling instant corrective action, and producing audit-ready documentation, eAuditor empowers food businesses to stay compliant, prevent hazards, and build a resilient, trusted food safety culture.

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