Is a pre-assessment audit different than a Gap Assessment?
A pre-assessment is a full audit of a food safety system against the requirements of a specific standard. A pre-assessment audit is usually conducted by auditors or competent professionals that have extensive knowledge and experience in the implementation of the standard that the site is being audited against. The report generated after the pre-assessment will contain all the non-conformances found during the document review and site inspection. The site would be responsible to implement a corrective action plan to close these non-conformities before the certification audit. The auditor would not be able to provide any consultative guidance to correct any non-conformances.
A gap assessment is similar to a pre-assessment audit in the fact that there is a review of a food safety system against the requirements of a specific standard A gap assessment is also conducted by consultants or professionals that have extensive knowledge and experience in the implementation of the standard. The assessment can be applied equally to all requirements of the standard or can concentrate on certain areas should the client request it.
The main difference between the two assessments is that the professional conducting the gap assessment can provide recommendations regarding the implementation of applicable corrective actions to close the gaps or non-conformities found during the process. These recommendations are made based on their experience on the implementation of the standard and the type of process being assessed. The report generated during the gap assessment contains the non-conformities and recommended corrective actions.
Is it necessary for an SCS consultant to visit my facility to perform a Gap Assessment?
Consultants performing gap assessments review documentation and verify implementation of the food safety system. The assessment of effective implementation of any food safety system and the processes/buildings that are used to produce food products requires inspection of the facility and interview of key stakeholders and employees to verify that the roles and responsibilities outlined in the documents (i.e., Programs, SOPs, etc.) are conducted as written. Therefore, a site visit is recommended. However, SCS Consulting has developed a remote site inspection that can we use when traveling is difficult (i.e., pandemic). This process allows us to serve the needs without being on the site.
How many food safety services/certifications can SCS help us with?
Our experts can help your site to assess compliance to regulatory requirements (i.e., Preventive Controls, Produce Safety Rule, HACCP, etc.) and GFSI Programs.
Will SCS give us a recommendation of what certifications or audits will best suit our needs and budget?
SCS Consulting can help you navigate requirements for different standards and make recommendations based on the best fit for your organization.
What are the main food safety programs we can discuss with an SCS consultant?
- Good Manufacturing Practices
- Good Distribution Practices
- Good Agricultural Practices
- Preventing Controls for Human Foods
- Preventing Controls for Animal Foods
- HACCP
- GFSI Standards
Can SCS act as my regulatory and labeling outsourced compliance manager?
Our team of experts can assist you in managing regulatory and label compliance.
What aspects of facility design and construction can SCS assist with?
SCS Consulting Services experts can assist in the evaluation of buildings and equipment sanitary design. We evaluate the building’s construction layout, materials, and workflow. We also evaluate equipment’s materials and construction. Our experts will provide a report that contains recommendations when enhancements are needed to ensure compliance with sanitary design requirements contained in regulations and food safety systems. We can also provide a letter of compliance when the assessment determines that the building or equipment complies with regulatory and food safety system requirements.
How will working with the SCS consulting team benefit our company in the global marketplace?
The SCS Consulting Services team of experts has over 30 years of experience in different sectors of the food supply chain. Our team of experts are professionals that have worked developing and implementing programs that ensure compliance to regulatory and customer requirements along the entire food supply chain.
Our team of experts provides technical knowledge and works with our clients to facilitate the development, implementation, and improvement of programs to ensure the operation is compliant with the high standards of food safety that the industry faces frequently.
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