Food Traceability & Recall System Auditing

Service summary

An assessment of the organisation’s ability to identify affected products and manage withdrawal or recall activities. The audit examines connections between inputs, production, distribution records and response responsibilities.

The service provides a documented view of traceability coverage and tested recall readiness. Results relate to the selected scenarios and records; they do not guarantee identical performance during a real incident.

Key objectives

• Evaluate input-to-output traceability
• Assess quantity reconciliation evidence
• Examine recall responsibilities and communication
• Identify response and recordkeeping gaps

Methodology

Selected product scenarios are used to follow traceability records and assess existing withdrawal or recall arrangements without initiating a real recall.

• Agree product scope, scenarios, time measures and communication safeguards.
• Review traceability procedures and existing recall arrangements.
• Select batches and relevant upstream or downstream interfaces.
• Trace materials, production records and distribution information.
• Reconcile quantities and examine exceptions or missing links.
• Review recall decisions, contact readiness and previous exercise outcomes.
• Report scenario results, limitations and response-control findings.

Key outcomes

References: [G04]

• Traceability and recall assessment
• Scenario timing and reconciliation results
• Missing-link findings
• Preparedness evidence for management