August 2020
· 1 min read
Understanding BRCGS Blended Audit Process
Learn about the audit requirements, process and items that can be reviewed in the BRCGS Blended Audit.
Guidelines
- A blended audit can only take place once a risk assessment has been conducted and a mutual agreement has been signed.
- The one-day audit will be appropriate to the complexities of the site and sufficient to adequately cover the aspects to be audited.
- Remote activities can only account for up to 50% of the audit duration; a minimum of 50% of the audit still needs to be held on-site.
- The on-site audit needs to be conducted within 28 days of the remote activity barring extenuating circumstances.
- Non-conformances identified in the blended audit will be considered a non-conformance in the final report.
- It is NOT possible to complete a blended audit as part of the unannounced audit program.
Blended Audit Process
Step 1: Determining if the site is compatible with information and communication technology (ICT) methods
Step 2: Planning and scheduling the audit
Step 3: Using ICTs to collect audit evidence off-site
Step 4: Conducting the on-site audit
Step 5: Closing out the audit
Remote Activities
The structure of the remote audit will be similar to that used for on-site audits:
- Document and policy review (audit of records, systems, and documentation)
- Interview/discussion with personnel, (e.g. to discuss the document, policy or record being audited)
- Review of findings
On-site Activities
- Audit of production facilities/physical verification of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
- Implementation of food safety management systems (including HACCP activities)
- Interview/discussion with personnel
- Traceability challenge