HACCP Gap Audits

Prior to getting HACCP certification or certification to a customer standard, a food company may elect to have a HACCP GAP audit performed.  In the majority of situations, food businesses elect to try to achieve HACCP certification in the first instance. Unfortunately, this is where the business fails.  Not understanding the value of a HACCP GAP audit can have a significant effect on the food business. Let’s review the benefits of a HACCP GAP audit.

Auditor Guidance

A Gap audit is the only situation where the food auditor can give some level of guidance. Auditor guidance at this stage can assist you and your business in fully understanding the requirements of HACCP or the customer standard that you are going to be later certified to.

Independent Review

A Gap audit allows an independent eye to look at your HACCP documentation, records and practices.  You can then make applicable changes if needed, before your HACCP certification audit.

CARs

No corrective actions requests (CARs) are raised during a HACCP Gap audit.  If you have performance indicators identified or bonus payments for “no CARs” in your position description, a HACCP GAP audit can save you explaining to management why you haven’t succeeded in your job role.

Familiar Process

If it is your first HACCP audit, a Gap audit will allow you to get comfortable with the process in order to be prepared for your HACCP certification audit.

Identify process gaps

The whole idea of a HACCP GAP audit is to assess where your food business is situated in regards to compliance. The identification of the level or magnetite of GAP can assist you in determining resource allocation, certification timeframes and current / required compliance.

I would always recommend a GAP audit for any new standard that you may wish to obtain HACCP certification for.  In the long run, it can save you and your food business a lot of time and money.

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