Hello everyone,
Hope you are all doing well. I am currently preparing for the annual FSSC 22000 audit (new QA manager, joined august 2023) and came across the requirements for internal auditor. As I am new to ISO/ FSSC (I have experience with SQF / BRC), I kindly ask for your help, in understanding the below requirements.
Under Part 2 - Requirements for organizations to be audited
2.5.15 - Requirements for organizations with multi-site certification (Food chain category A, E, FI, & G)
2.5.15.2 - Internal Audit Requirements
c) Internal auditors shall meet at least the following requirements, and this shall be assessed by the CB annually as part of the audit:
Training: i) For FSSC 22000 internal audits, the lead auditor shall have successfully completed a FSMS, QMS, OR FSSC 22000 Lead auditor course of 40 hours.
I would like to know, as the quality manager auditing various areas of the organization, should I take part in a FSSC lead auditor 5-day course to satisfy this requirement? or would my experience suffice? (5 years' experience in food quality, HACCP certified, certified SQF practitioner, MS in food science).
I am confused, as the previous quality manager was not certified as an internal auditor and there were no non-conformances raised against this.
thanks in advance for your help.