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What’s the Auditor Looking for During an FSSC 22000 Stage 1 Audit?

Preparing for FSSC 22000 certification? The journey begins with Stage 1 Audit — a critical step that determines whether your organization is ready to move forward to Stage 2.

Unlike the final audit, Stage 1 focuses on documentation, system readiness, and site preparedness. Understanding what auditors look for can save you from delays and costly corrective actions.

🎯 What Is the FSSC 22000 Stage 1 Audit?

  • Also known as the “Readiness Review”

  • Conducted on-site or remotely by a certification body

  • Evaluates if your Food Safety Management System (FSMS) meets the requirements to proceed to Stage 2

  • Does not result in certification yet — it’s a preparation check

  • Typically conducted 4 to 6 weeks before Stage 2

✅ What the Auditor Checks During Stage 1 (Point-Form Breakdown)

1. Understanding of FSSC 22000 Scope

  • Is your scope of certification clearly defined?

  • Does it include:

    • Product categories?

    • Processes and services within your control?

    • Site locations and activities?

2. Documentation Review

  • Availability and completeness of:

    • Food Safety Manual

    • FSMS documented procedures

    • HACCP/PRP/OPRP plans

    • Process flow diagrams

  • Records of:

    • Internal audits

    • Management reviews

    • Supplier evaluations

    • Legal compliance checks

3. Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs)

  • Are PRPs implemented based on ISO/TS 22002-1 (for food manufacturing)?

  • Examples the auditor checks:

    • Sanitation programs

    • Pest control

    • Personnel hygiene

    • Maintenance records

    • Waste handling

4. Risk Assessment & Hazard Analysis

  • Clear hazard identification and risk assessment for each process step

  • Validated and documented HACCP or OPRP plans

  • Evidence of control measures and monitoring procedures

5. Management Commitment and Policy

  • Is there a documented Food Safety Policy?

  • Evidence of:

    • Senior management involvement

    • FSMS team responsibilities

    • Resource allocation

6. Internal Audits and Corrective Actions

  • Completed internal audit plan

  • Audit reports and non-conformance logs

  • Root cause analysis and CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) effectiveness

7. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

  • Up-to-date legal register for food safety laws (local & export)

  • Evidence of compliance monitoring

  • License, permits, or Halal/GMP/MESTI certificates if applicable

8. Site Readiness

  • Physical inspection of:

    • Facility layout

    • Process flow and zoning

    • Cleaning condition of equipment and floors

    • Access control and product separation

  • Evaluation of good manufacturing practices

9. Training and Competency

  • Staff training records for:

    • Food safety

    • HACCP/OPRP implementation

    • Cleaning & sanitation SOPs

  • Evidence of employee awareness

🧠 Extra Tips to Ace Stage 1 Audit

  • Organize documents by clause or requirement

  • Use a FSMS document master list

  • Conduct a mock audit one week before Stage 1

  • Assign a knowledgeable person to escort the auditor

  • Be transparent — the Stage 1 audit is to help you improve

🧩 What Happens After Stage 1?

  • Auditor issues a Stage 1 audit report

  • Identifies:

    • Gaps or weaknesses

    • Missing documents

    • Areas needing improvement

  • You’ll need to close findings before the Stage 2 Certification Audit

  • Timeline to Stage 2 is usually 30–90 days depending on readiness

📌 Final Thoughts

The FSSC 22000 Stage 1 audit is your first opportunity to show readiness and build a positive relationship with the certification body. Being well-prepared not only speeds up certification — it reflects your company’s commitment to food safety at an international level.

💼 Need help preparing for your Stage 1 FSSC 22000 audit?
CAYS Scientific offers hands-on consulting, document preparation, mock audits, and full FSSC 22000 support for SMEs and manufacturers in Malaysia.

Let’s make your first audit a success — and get your business FSSC-certified with confidence.

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