What training does a food safety auditor need?

Food safety auditors can contribute hugely to the effectiveness of a food safety management system (FSMS). Auditors must have the ability to (1) generate audit findings (that includes both conformities and non-conformities), (2) make reasoned judgements in all audit situations and (3) assess the effectiveness and appropriateness of the implemented corrective action.

Leadership of an organisation relies on results of internal and external audits to indicate improvement needs within the FSMS. Leadership would want to ensure that they spend money wisely to enhance food safety and to benefit the business. Auditors perform a key role in collecting information on the status of the FSMS being audited, therefore it is important that auditors are adequately trained. Not only should they have an in-depth understanding of the food safety standard that is used as audit criteria, but also of the correct auditor practices described in international auditing standards.

In South Africa, we have a formal certification process for auditors that aims at enhancing auditor credibility and competence. SAATCA (Southern African Auditor Training and Certification Authority) provides FSMS (ISO 22000) auditor certification in addition to certification in other disciplines (e.g., ISO 9001 and ISO 14001).

To start with, an FSMS auditor must have a suitable academic qualification and experience in the relevant food chain sector as listed in ISO/TS 22003. Auditor certification schemes such as SAATCA require a degree/diploma relevant to the scheme (e.g. FSMS). In addition to the academic qualification, an auditor would need four years of work experience of which two years of experience would have to be relevant to the scheme criteria, e.g., ISO 22000 for FSMS auditors. Hence, work experience involving the implementation or maintenance of an FSMS would be an ideal starting point. In the absence of an academic qualification, an auditor needs additional years of work experience.

So, what training is needed for bothinternal and external auditors wishing toregister with SAATCA?

• Start with the basics. Auditors need to have a very good understanding of how to apply PRP requirements within the food chain category that is going to be audited. A cleaning program designed for the dairy industry is different to a cleaning program for a winery for very good reasons. The auditor should be able to assess the risk of food borne illness and adverse health effects to the consumer. Formal PRP training of at least three-days will be a necessity.

• A thorough understanding of Codex

Alimentarius HACCP principles isessential. An auditor must not confuse concepts such as monitoring, verification or validation. An excellent understanding of terminology used in FSMSs is essential. Formal training of at least three-days will explain the theory of HACCP principles, but this formal training is not the be all and end-all. When attending a HACCP course, the auditor should already have done the homework and have a good understanding of the pertinent food safety hazards relevant to the food chain category in which the audits are going to be conducted and of the suitable control measures and how they are applied.

• Formal in-depth training based on the requirements of ISO 22000 with a minimum duration of three days is a further requirement. This training could form part of FSSC 22000 training, provided that the content covers a minimum of three days on the ISO 22000 standard alone. This training course must be done in addition to the Codex Alimentarius based training listed above.

• An internal auditor training course will introduce the auditor to audit methodologies.

• Additional microbiology training will add value for auditors of food products/ processes that supports the growth and allows for the survival of pathogens.

• Training based on food safety legislation relevant to the sector of the food chain in which the audits will be conducted is also listed as part of the SAATCA training criteria.

• The aspiring auditor will have to successfully complete a five-day SAATCA registered ISO 22000 lead auditor training course, based on ISO 19011, ISO/ IEC 17021 and ISO/TS 22003.

Criteria for training, education, experience and auditor skills are published on the SAATCA website (www.saatca.co.za) and is a useful guide when preparing for an auditing career.

Finally, a passion for food safety is something that cannot be taught, it must be the wind in the auditor’s sails. •

Annelie Coetzee Consulting - www.anneliecoetzee.com