10 replies to this topic

[queenb]

We are scheduled for an Unannounced Audit for SQF Packaging in 2021. I am told our boundary dates fall from beginning of October to beginning of December 2021. Today I received an email from our certification body with the dates for a two day Audit! This being our first unannounced I am confused as to why we were given a date. Doesn't an auditor just show up one day within your boundary dates to "surprise" audit the facility or were we really given a legitimate date as per the email?

 

[Scampi]

That happened to us as well, we were supposed to be unannounced and received notification of our audit dates.

 

I'm not sure if perhaps its the Canadian division that has opted to do this, but I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth either

[queenb]

Scampi

 

Just don't want to be "blind-sided" by it not turning out to be the correct date. I guess for us it's two days after the start of the boundary date so we still have time to wait on pins and needles if it's false. Good luck on your upcoming Audit.

[Scampi]

I hear you completely.   We actually reached out to the CB to confirm

 

If you reach out, then you'll know for sure either way (and btw, they are not likely to reschedule it)  there are only so many certified auditors to go around, and it's my understanding a lot are not travelling due to covid 

 

 

Thank you   ----t minus 20 working days  

[queenb]

As suggested, I will reach out to CB tomorrow and update on here for others. On my way out to the dentist's chair which is almost as pleasant as an Auditor visit. Ha ha, only joking!

[FSQA]

Reach out to your CB.

 

We were scheduled for an unannounced audit this year as well, however, it was converted to an announced audit due to COVID-19 concerns.

[queenb]

UPDATE: Contacted the CB and was informed (I did not know this yet!) that the first year (Registration year) does not count toward 3 year unannounced cycle. So our unannounced Audit will take place in 2022. How can you tell we are newbies to the SQF certification process.

 

Thanks for all your answers members. Stay safe.

[MDaleDDF]

We had an auditor send us some paperwork for an unannounced, and she accidentally filled the date in, so we got lucky one year too!   It happens, so who knows, maybe in 2022 you'll get lucky!

Good luck on your audit!

[Hoosiersmoker]

We were a couple of weeks into our unannounced window and got a call from an SQF scheduler asking the best places to stay in the area during the days of... effectively telling us exactly when the auditor would be there. Why can't they Google it like everyone else!

[WCOULOMBE]

We were told this was due to COVID to ensure companies would be open for auditors to come to facilities as so many audits were postponed in the last year.

[Hoosiersmoker]

I guess as long as they call it an Unannounced audit it counts!