Non-conformance — Food Safety Glossary

A failure to meet a food safety requirement, standard or procedure that a business is expected to follow.

Frequently asked questions

What is a non-conformance in food safety?

It is a failure to meet a required standard, limit, procedure or legal requirement, such as a temperature breach or a missed cleaning task.

How are non-conformances found?

Through monitoring, verification, internal audits, and external inspections or food safety audits.

Is a non-conformance the same as a corrective action?

No. The non-conformance is the problem or failure. The corrective action is what the business does to deal with it and prevent it recurring.

What should happen when a non-conformance is found?

The immediate issue is addressed, the non-conformance is recorded, and the underlying cause is investigated so it can be permanently fixed.

Are non-conformances graded?

Often yes. Auditors and inspectors commonly grade findings by seriousness, with critical issues requiring immediate action and minor ones fixed within a set time.

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