Better, more effective meat plant audit reports

The FSA is changing the way audits of meat plants are recorded. A new system, which will improve con…

The FSA is changing the way audits of meat plants are recorded. A new system, which will improve consistency and ensure the reports are simpler to understand, will come into effect on 29 October 2012.

The key changes include the following:

The look of the report has been refreshed and better reflects the relevant areas of legislation that are applicable to the audits.

Different parts of the operation will now fall under just one audit, in co-located establishments.

Auditors can now link audit criteria to specific regulations. This will provide auditors and food businesses with easy reference to legislation when issues are identified.

Questions have been weighted in some sections, based on significance to food safety.

Businesses with complex processes or a high throughput but with robust controls and systems in place will be able to reduce their audit frequency to every eight months.

Joined-up working

The new audit reports have been piloted and created in consultation with the meat industry. They are designed to provide meat plant operators with a report which explains scores awarded and corrective action required more clearly.

The FSA routinely publishes meat plant audit reports on its website. The new-look versions will start to appear in late November.

A second more strategic stage of work is underway to review audit arrangements in the longer term. Any changes will be subject to consideration by the FSA Board and a full public consultation.