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

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