Audits
Find the gaps before somebody else does
An audit you fail is expensive. An audit you fail in front of a customer can cost you the account. The difference between passing and failing is usually not effort, it is knowing what an auditor actually looks for and whether your records hold up when someone asks for them.
We audit the way an external auditor would, then tell you plainly what needs fixing and in what order.
What we do
Types of audit we carry out
Internal audit
The audit your system requires you to do, carried out properly rather than filled in afterwards. Covers premises, process, records, people and product.
Pre-audit check
Before a customer audit, an FSSAI inspection or a certification visit. We walk it as the auditor will, flag what would be raised, and give you time to fix it.
Gap assessment
Where are you now against where you need to be. Useful before starting a certification, entering a new customer relationship, or after a change in your operations.
Supplier audit
Auditing a supplier's facility on your behalf, usually to qualify a new one before you commit to buying from them.
Contract manufacturer audit
Auditing the unit that makes your product. Common for brands using third-party manufacturing, both before signing and periodically afterwards.
Follow up audit
Checking that what was raised last time was actually closed.
What we look at
- Premises and layout. Flow, zoning, segregation, drainage, pest control, maintenance.
- Process control. Critical points, monitoring, temperature control, what happens when something goes out of limit.
- Documentation. Whether the records exist, whether they are current, and whether they would stand up to scrutiny.
- People. Training, hygiene practice, and whether the team understands why it matters rather than only what to do.
- Traceability. Whether you could trace a batch backwards and forwards if you had to.
- Storage and despatch. Conditions, stock rotation, segregation of finished goods.
Where testing is needed to close a finding, that goes to an accredited external lab. We will tell you what to test for and review the result.
What you get
- A written report of every finding, with the requirement each one relates to
- Findings ranked by seriousness, so you know what to fix first
- Practical corrective actions, not just a list of problems
- A closing discussion so your team understands what was found and why
- A follow up check that things were actually closed, if you want it
Common questions
How long does an audit take?
A small unit is usually a day. A larger facility takes longer. We will tell you after a short conversation about your operation.
Do you audit against FSSAI, or against a certification standard?
Both. Tell us which standard matters to you and we will audit against it. For many businesses it is FSSAI Schedule 4. For others it is a customer standard or a certification scheme.
Will you tell us how to fix things, or just list what is wrong?
Both. A list of findings without practical corrective actions is not much use to anyone.
Can you audit our contract manufacturer?
Yes. We audit supplier and manufacturer facilities on behalf of brands regularly.
How often should we be audited internally?
It depends on your risk, your size and what your system commits you to. For most businesses it is quarterly or half yearly, with more frequent checks on higher risk areas.
Do you do announced or unannounced audits?
Both. Unannounced gives a truer picture of everyday practice, which some businesses want and others are not ready for yet.
Related services
Where this fits in
Diptasree Chaudhuri
Founder, Inspeckt Food Solutions
Diptasree Chaudhuri founded Inspeckt Food Solutions after nearly a decade across production floors, audits and quality systems in the Indian food industry, including an HSEQ role at HungerBox covering around 50 corporate foodservice clients across Bangalore. She works with food brands on the part of the business that rarely gets talked about: regulations, labelling, licensing, testing and manufacturing quality. Inspeckt today supports more than 15 food businesses, from established brands to founders launching their first product.
More about DiptasreeKnow what an auditor would find
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