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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

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