6 replies to this topic

[Brendo]

HI all, I am wondering if anyone has had to have a full remote audit due to Covid-19 and therefore not received GFSI recognition. How have your organisation handled this? How have your customers received this? What does having BRC AA rating but no GFSI actually mean for trading? Thank you for any and all help. -Brendo

[Marloes]

Hi Brendo,

 

I have so far only done a remote audit for a non-GFSI standard.
How standards handle remote audits depends on the standard itself. I did also read that GFSI deems remote audits not compliant with GFSI guidelines. And thus does not recognizes them.

From what I read some audits certificates can be extended for six months. This might be possible for you if a on site audit is not possible. 
For some standards, IFS for example, not being able to audit on site will lead to an expension of the certificate. 

 

Most retailers I know of have some leniency when it comes to GFSI audits during COVID times.
If you are scared this your audit may not take place and your certificate will expire. It would be wise to contact your clients and explain the situation beforehand. My guess is that they will be understanding and allow you to pick up your certificate when possible.

[Brendo]

Thank you Marloes,

 

Unfortunately we have already had the 6 month extension and are therefore now having to be audited prior to certificate expiry.

 

This is correct GFSI is not coming to the table with the standards and recognizing remote audits, our certification body is also being  vague

and not providing the assistance required.

 

If BRC is still being able to be remotely audited and accredited what is the purpose of GFSI?

 

Kind regards,

Brendo

[beautiophile]

Thank you Marloes,

 

Unfortunately we have already had the 6 month extension and are therefore now having to be audited prior to certificate expiry.

 

This is correct GFSI is not coming to the table with the standards and recognizing remote audits, our certification body is also being  vague

and not providing the assistance required.

 

If BRC is still being able to be remotely audited and accredited what is the purpose of GFSI?

 

Kind regards,

Brendo

Our customers are food processing companies. A GFSI-accepted BRC certificate has helped us to get good results on their supplier risk assessments. I think as long as we keep BRC certifications, the customers won't change their perspectives regardless GFSI. And that's more important to us.

[olenazh]

We had the FSSC22000 remote audit in March 2020 - but then CB got to us in July stating that GFSI didn't recognize remote audits any more. So, we had on-site one in November. 

[Scampi]

Also note: the 6 month extension also means you'll end up with 2 audits in a 12 month period

[jmurthy]

Hi Brendo - we have worked with many brands through out this process to develop a suite of audit options in order to ensure ongoing supply chain assurance. See https://www.brcgs.co...-audit-options/ which sets out a selection of brands that are willing to accept remote audits where physical ones are not possible. I hope this helps. 

Jon