Emphasis on internal audit programs is increasing in the food and food packaging industries. This is particularly the case for companies seeking certification under one of the Global Food Safety Initiative Benchmarked Audit Schemes, such as BRC, FSSC 22000, and SQF. A common non-conformance during those audits is that the company has mistaken self-inspections for internal audits.

Our instructors will ensure that participants understand the significant differences between self-inspections and internal audits. Our course uses the ISO 19011 standard as the basis for teaching quality systems audit protocol.

Members of internal audit teams responsible for conducting audits and members of management charged with supporting an internal audit program will find the skills they gain during the course to be invaluable. When identifying persons to attend, keep in mind that internal auditors must be independent of the area they are auditing; for this reason, it is advised that persons from multiple departments participate.

This course is an excellent complement to the Principles of Inspecting Food Plants seminar since food safety success relies on both of these interrelated activities. For this reason, we offer a discounted rate to anyone enrolling in the course package.

Who should attend

Members of a company’s internal audit team and members of management who must support the internal audit function.

Learning objectives

1. Recognize audit terminology and communicate it to other members of the internal audit team and, where appropriate, to auditees.
2. Establish an audit protocol.
3. Differentiate between GMP Inspection and Internal Audit activities.
4. Decipher standards terminology to apply during the internal audit.
5. Identify non-conformances during an internal audit.
6. Manage the Internal Audit Program in coordination with other Management Systems, such as Corrective Action and Management Review.
7. Create internal audit records, schedules, and procedures.
8. Follow audit trails that are uncovered during an internal audit.
9. Create effective corrective actions for non-conformances.
10. Distinguish between verification and validation and apply both to the internal audit and corrective action process for continuous improvement.
11. Establish a regular routine for successful implementation of the complete Internal Audit Program.