An approved specialist who independently audits a food business against its food safety program or an applicable standard.
An approved specialist who independently audits a food business against its food safety program or an applicable standard. A food safety auditor is a suitably qualified and approved person who conducts independent audits of a food business's food safety arrangements. Audits check whether a documented food safety program, or the requirements of an applicable standard, are being followed and are effective at controlling hazards. Auditors are commonly required for higher-risk sectors, such as food service to vulnerable persons and certain primary production and processing activities. In Australia, food safety auditors are generally approved or accredited under state and territory arrangements, and the categories of business that must be audited, and how often, are set by those jurisdictions and the relevant standards. An audit is distinct from a routine inspection by an authorised officer: it is a structured, evidence-based assessment usually arranged by the business, though regulators rely on audit outcomes as part of oversight. During an audit, the auditor reviews the food safety program, checks records such as temperature and cleaning logs, observes practices on site, and verifies that critical controls and corrective actions are working. They then report findings, often classifying issues by seriousness and setting timeframes for the business to correct any non-conformances. Businesses that require auditing schedule audits at the frequency their jurisdiction sets, keep their documentation and records ready, and act on the auditor's findings. The audit report becomes part of the evidence a business can use to demonstrate due diligence and that its food safety program is being verified. An aged-care kitchen that must operate a food safety program under Standard 3.3.1 books its scheduled audit. The approved food safety auditor reviews the program, checks cooling and reheating records, watches staff plate meals for residents, and confirms allergen controls. She notes one minor issue with thermometer calibration records, sets a timeframe to fix it, and confirms the program is otherwise being followed effectively.
Frequently asked questions
What does a food safety auditor do?
They independently assess whether a business's food safety program, or an applicable standard, is being followed and is effective, reviewing records, observing practices and reporting non-conformances.
How is an audit different from an inspection?
An audit is a structured, evidence-based assessment usually arranged by the business, often against a food safety program. An inspection is carried out by an authorised officer enforcing the Food Act.
Which businesses must be audited?
Higher-risk sectors, such as food service to vulnerable persons and certain primary production and processing activities, commonly require auditing. The exact categories and frequency are set by each jurisdiction.
Does a food safety auditor need to be approved?
Yes. Food safety auditors are generally approved or accredited under state and territory arrangements to conduct audits in the relevant category of food business.
What happens if an audit finds problems?
The auditor classifies the issues by seriousness and sets timeframes for corrective action. Serious or unresolved findings can trigger closer regulatory oversight or more frequent auditing.
