Resources for food auditors

Auditor guidelines

Auditors approved under the Food Act 2006 (the Act) must comply with the following requirements:

• Code of Conduct for approved auditors - describes the principles to be followed by auditors approved under the Act to ensure food safety program assessment and auditing services are delivered with integrity, professionalism, accountability and diligence.
• Management of food safety programs - assists with the interpretation of the Act.
• Food auditor verification system - details the various components of the audit verification system under the Act and provides information for auditors, Queensland Health officers and holders of accredited food safety programs about the various ways auditor activities may be monitored and assessed.

Enforcement

Auditors approved under the Act do not have any enforcement powers and cannot require a food business to make any changes to their food safety program or the food business, whether it is in relation to their processes, documentation or structural fit-out.

Only local governments have the authority under the Act to direct a food business to make any changes to their operations. A local government is not obliged to follow the recommendation or opinion of an auditor, but may consider this in making their decision. They may request further information regarding an audit to assist them in determining an appropriate course of action.

Categorising non-compliance

Refer to section 4.2 of the Management of food safety programs guideline for information about how to categorise a non-compliance.

Use the Notice of critical non-compliance template to record any breaches that pose an imminent and serious risk to the safety of food. You should:

• discuss each non-compliance with the licensee during an audit and record their action or proposed action to remedy the non-compliance, including a timeframe. (Do not provide directions on resolving the non-compliance).
• Consider the frequency of compliance audits and where applicable include an opinion as to the need to change the frequency, including your reasoning. The decision is made by the local government.

The food business licensee is responsible for resolving any identified non-compliances.

Templates

• Notice of written advice template
• Audit report template
• Notice of critical non-compliance
• Notice of auditor’s interest in a food business

Application forms

• Application for approval (new applications)
• Application for renewal of approval
• Application to amend conditions of approval
• Schedule of fees

More information

Read more about:

• Food safety auditors - What is a food safety auditor, what are their responsibilities and what training and qualifications do they need.