Frequently asked questions
CCI is accredited by ANAB, ANSI National Accreditation Board as a certifying body under ISO/IEC 17065 for PrimusGFS and SQF. CCI also does non-accredited inspection audits for many other schemes and programs that can help your organization have what it takes to be successful. CCI is proud that 99% of our clients return every year and recommend our services to other growers.
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).
Current normative documents (e.g., standards, guidelines, checklists, etc.) may be found on the schemes website or available upon request.
Harmonized Standard:
www.unitedfresh.org/resources/food-safety-resources/harmonized-standard/
PrimusGFS documents:
Primus Standard :
www.azzule.com/primusstandardaudits/
A toolkit is available through Primus Labs to assist with document development at http://intranet.primuslabs.com/Toolkit/User/Default.aspx
OPGMA:
SQF:
https://www.sqfi.com/resource-center/sqf-code-edition-9-downloads/
Yes, many audit scheme documents are available in other languages and can be found on the abovementioned websites.
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.
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.
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’s fees are lower than or 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. 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, the auditor cannot give advice on how to fix a deficiency. 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 and will 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.