Preparing for a Food Safety Audit – do you have what it takes?

By Colleen Haskins, OMAFRA

….the short answer is “yes, you do”.  Knowing what it takes however, may be a bit more challenging.  Whether you are considering implementing an on-farm food safety program, or know you will be participating in a 3^rd party audit, there are some key things you should do to help navigate and assist you with this process.

1. Know your food safety program
   • Obtain the corresponding manual and checklist
2. Ensure all areas of the program are complete
   • Write your procedures and records
3. Prepare and organize required information
   • Properly train workers and keep organized records
4. Have product traceability
   • Practice a Mock Recall and keep documentation
5. Annually review your food safety program and practices
   • Review, update and sign off on your program documentation

If the above items are still leaving you with questions on how you start to implement a food safety program or prepare for an audit, contact us  1-877-424-1300 or visit our website at www.ontario.ca/goodagpractices for more information and food safety resources.  Food safety question?  Ask us.