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.