CCI is approved to conduct the Primary Standard, Primary Farm Assurance, Standard Harmonized, and OPMA. 

Currently, GFSI level audits (e.g., PrimusGFS and SQF) are preferred and widely accepted within the food industry. Big box stores (e.g., Walmart) require GFSI audits from their clients. Often times the decision comes from a buyer or is customer driven and many may accept non-GFSI audits (e.g., Primus Standard).

With any auditing scheme, it is recommended to review the standard requirements to establish if your current systems aligns. All auditing schemes have checklists and guidelines to assist with audit preparation. Many organizations have a food safety coordinator or require assistance of an expert to help prepare for an audit. Having upper management support in food safety is a must. 

For GFSI level audits, current normative documents (e.g., standards, guidelines, checklists, etc.) may be found on the schemes website.  For PrimusGFS documents, visit PrimusGFS Version 3.2 | PrimusGFS. For SQF codes/documents, visit www.sqfi.com/the-sqf-code/choose-your-code/library-of-codes. For non-GFSI documents, please contact CCI.

Yes, many audit scheme documents are available in other languages and can be found on the above mentioned websites. 

Yes, CCI offers on-site Pre-assessments which consist of assessing the organization’s readiness toward an on-site certification audit. The Pre-assessment is not graded and does not recommend courses of action, techniques or processes which can be construed as assisting the client in overcoming an obstacle. Pre-assessment assessors may suggest ideas but in no way should the assessment or suggestions construe a solution to achieving a standard. Pre-assessments are a good idea for those new to the GFSI level audit.

CCI is more than happy to assist with scheduling your audit and will walk you through the steps required per audit scheme. Contact Kari Neubauer at  Kari@ceresci.com or call (715) 723-5143

CCI keeps its fees comparable to other Certification Bodies and are a function of many things. Each individual scheme has its own pricing based on the robustness of the audit. Please contact CCI for an estimate.

CCI follows the guidance and requirements per each individual scheme on how long an audit shall last. It is our goal to never exceed the required time, but certain circumstances (e.g., how prepared you are, size of operation) may prolong the audit. 

No, as every site is different and may require specific ways to remedy the problem. However, the auditor is able to explain the standard which should assist in understanding what is required.

It is best to speak with the auditor at the time of your concern and express your opinion. If you feel it is not adequately addressed, after the audit has been completed, you may contact CCI’s Scheme Manager to discuss your concerns. CCI also has an appeal process and other resources to assist you with problem resolution. Never be afraid to ask a question!

Once your audit is scheduled, the auditor will provide you with an Audit Day Plan. The auditor will begin with an opening meeting to go over this plan and answer any questions. Following the opening meeting, typically start with the documentation review, followed by the operation walk through or field visit. Lastly, if applicable, the review of your HACCP program. The auditor will require some time to write up the non-conformance summary and will present them to you during the closing meeting. A working lunch is preferred, but not required.