Food Co-Packer Audit Checklist

Comprehensive co-packer audit checklist for evaluating contract manufacturing facilities for food production capabilities and food safety compliance.

  • Industry: Food Manufacturing
  • Frequency: Annual/Pre-contract
  • Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
  • Role: Quality Assurance/Supply Chain
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: GFSI Standards, Brand Quality Standards, FDA FSMA

Certifications and Documentation

Required certifications

  • GFSI certification current (SQF, BRC, FSSC)?
  • HACCP/Food Safety Plan documented?
  • Adequate liability insurance?

Facility Assessment

Physical plant

  • Facility clean and well-maintained?
  • Pest control program effective?
  • Equipment adequate for production?

Food Safety Systems

Safety programs

  • Allergen control program documented?
  • Sanitation program effective?
  • Traceability system adequate?

Quality Systems

Quality controls

  • Statistical process control in place?
  • Product testing program adequate?

Pre-Inspection Information

Initial inspection details and documentation

  • Inspector Name
  • Inspection Date
  • Location / Kitchen Area
  • Inspection Type (Routine/Follow-up/Complaint)
  • Previous inspection date and findings reviewed?

Temperature Control & Monitoring

Verify all temperature-sensitive equipment and food items

  • Refrigerator temperature at or below 41°F (5°C)?
  • Freezer temperature at or below 0°F (-18°C)?
  • Hot holding foods at or above 135°F (57°C)?
  • Thermometers calibrated and functional?
  • Temperature logs current and properly maintained?

Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention

Proper food handling practices and contamination prevention

  • Proper handwashing observed (20 seconds, soap)?
  • Gloves used properly for ready-to-eat foods?
  • Raw and cooked foods properly separated?
  • Color-coded cutting boards used correctly?
  • Allergen cross-contact controls in place?

Food Storage & Labeling

Proper storage, rotation, and labeling of food items

  • FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation followed?
  • All items properly date-labeled?
  • Food stored 6 inches off floor?
  • No expired products in storage?

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Why Use This Food Co-Packer Audit Checklist?

This food co-packer audit checklist helps food manufacturing teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for quality assurance/supply chain professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: annual/pre-contract.

Ensures compliance with GFSI Standards, Brand Quality Standards, FDA FSMA. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Food Co-Packer Audit Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 8 sections: Certifications and Documentation, Facility Assessment, Food Safety Systems, Quality Systems, Pre-Inspection Information, Temperature Control & Monitoring, Food Handling & Cross-Contamination Prevention, Food Storage & Labeling. It is designed for food manufacturing operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annual/pre-contract. Each completion takes approximately 2-4 hours.

Who should use this Food Co-Packer Audit Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Quality Assurance/Supply Chain professionals in the food manufacturing industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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