Top 7 Mistakes Food Businesses Make Before a Certification Audit – And How to Avoid Them
Preparing for a food safety certification audit like ISO 22000 or HACCP can be a turning point for any food business. However, many organizations overlook key details that lead to non-conformities or even failure. Let’s explore the top 7 mistakes and how to avoid them. **Ignoring Internal Audits** Skipping internal audits or rushing through them is a major red flag. These audits are your last chance to catch issues before the certifying body does. **Incomplete Documentation** Missing, outdated, or inconsistent documents are one of the most cited non-conformities. Keep SOPs, policies, and records aligned with current practices. **Poor Staff Training** Employees should understand food safety basics, your company’s procedures, and how their roles impact compliance. Lack of awareness can result in critical findings. **Overlooking Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)** Sanitation, pest…