Is a Quality Audit required for a Storage and Distribution facility that handles already packaged goods?

Is Quality Audit required for a Storage and Distribution facility that handles already packaged goods and does not conduct any form of re-work operation?

I used to work for a wholesaler whose main activity was storage and distribution of food items.

It is important to conduct Food Safety audit but focus must be shifted to aspects different from a manufacturing sector.

Based on my experience, below are the vital factors to consider during an audit:

1) Pest management focusing on rodents, beetles/weevils as these are considered pests of storage and can spread very quickly to most food items, if left unattended.

2) Management of 'First Expiry First Out' to ensure products with adequate shelf life are stored.

3) Cleanliness of the items on the shelves as the items on the top shelves get extremely dusty and attracts pests.

4) Quarantining expired, damaged,leaking,spoiled food items away from the moving stock

An audit is definitely required for storage and distribution firm, considering that it is still an important part of the food chain, but the frequency of audits conducted can be reduced based on your company policies and whatever suits you.

Our free webinar tomorrow may help you to see what standards are expected from a Storage and Distribution facility.

https://www.ifsqn.co...ar-schedule.php

Regards,

Simon

Yes, absolutely.

We have a couple of food storage/DC type locations as clients and they are SQF certified - none of which touch any food.

It is expected in the market and supply chain to have robust food safety systems in place and the same to be audited.