An audit is a systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the audit criteria are fulfilled. Audit criteria are contained in policies, procedures and requirements adopted by an organization and may include applicable laws and regulations, policies, procedures, standards, management system requirements, contractual requirements or industry/business sector codes of conduct.
Audit criteria are used as a reference against which conformity is determined.
Audit evidence comprises of records, statements of fact or other information relevant to the audit criteria which are verifiable. Audit evidence may be qualitative or quantitative.
PSA conducts a review of the service facility’s documentation covering its quality management system,
its processes, the competence of the manager(s) and personnel engaged in the processes and the suitability of the equipment and instrumentation used.
b) Once satisfied that the documentation conforms to the service and scheme requirements, the PSA assessor(s) conduct an on-site assessment at each location to be covered by the service certificate. During the on-site assessment,
the PSA assessor:
— audits the operation of the quality management system;
— assesses the competence of the personnel;
— audits the repair process, including equipment and instrumentation used;
— witnesses testing of equipment.
c) The PSA assessor drafts a service facility audit report (FAR). Where non-compliances have been identified, these are referred to the service facility for resolution.
d) Once non-compliances have been resolved, the FAR is updated and submitted for independent review within the PSA.
Functions and activities of conformity assessment in food industry certification schemes the Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000) offers a complete certification Scheme for the auditing and certification of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It also offers certification for combined FSMS and Quality Management Systems (FSSC 22000-Quality).
FSSC 22000 supports the whole food supply chain
Added to these requirements is PSA’s control of the environmental management system and risk control and social responsibility.