Food Supplier Audit Checklist

Comprehensive food supplier audit for evaluating supplier food safety programs, facility conditions, and documentation practices.

  • Industry: Food Manufacturing
  • Frequency: Annual/As needed
  • Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
  • Role: Quality Assurance/Purchasing
  • Total Items: 31
  • Compliance: FDA FSMA FSVP, GFSI Standards, SQF/BRC/FSSC 22000

Documentation Review

Program documentation

  • HACCP/Food Safety Plan available?
  • Current certifications verified?
  • Recall program documented?
  • Allergen control program documented?

Facility Assessment

Physical conditions

  • Facility clean and well-maintained?
  • Pest control program effective?
  • Equipment clean and sanitary?

Operations

Manufacturing practices

  • GMP compliance observed?
  • Temperature controls adequate?
  • Traceability system in place?

Personnel

Employee practices

  • Employee training documented?
  • Proper hygiene practices observed?

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 Supplier Audit Checklist?

This food supplier audit checklist helps food manufacturing teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for quality assurance/purchasing professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: annual/as needed.

Ensures compliance with FDA FSMA FSVP, GFSI Standards, SQF/BRC/FSSC 22000. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Food Supplier Audit Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 8 sections: Documentation Review, Facility Assessment, Operations, Personnel, 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/as needed. Each completion takes approximately 2-4 hours.

Who should use this Food Supplier Audit Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Quality Assurance/Purchasing 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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