August 2020
· 1 min read
Understanding SQF Partial Remote Audit
Learn about the audit requirements, process and items that can be reviewed in the SQF Partial Remote Audit.
SQF Remote Audit Requirements
- A partial remote audit can only take place once a risk assesment has been conducted and a mutual agreement has been signed.
- Remote activities can be conducted for all SQF Codes, including the SQF Fundamentals Program, except for unannounced audits.
- All Food Safety Categories (FSCs) are eligible.
- 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 30 days of the remote activity barring extenuating circumstances.
- Non-conformances identified in the Partial Audit will be considered a non-conformance in the final report and calculated as such.
- Areas identified as in compliance during the remote activities do not need to be repeated during on the on-site audit
Partial 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 ICT to collect audit evidence offsite
Step 4: Conducting the on-site audit
Step 5: Closing out the audit
Examples of Remote Activities
- Review of exercise, food safety plan, policies, procedures, work instructions, registers
- Production records
- Mock recalls
- Traceability challenge
- Interviews with key personnel