Hi blissdairycow,

Welcome to the IFSQN forums.
Compliance here is important, Section 3.4 Internal audits requirements are regarded as ‘FUNDAMENTAL’ and crucial to the establishment and operation of an effective food quality and safety operation. Clause 3.4.1 has been one of the BRCGS Food Standard Top 10 Non-Conformances in the past - requirements that sites have failed to meet in their certification audit.
So your audit schedule needs to include 4 separate dates spread throughout the year, that is the bear minimum and you also neeed to consider if you are complying with the requirement for the frequency to be established in relation to the risks associated with the activity and previous audit performance. Also consider if you really can cover all of your food safety and quality systems and the requirements of the standard in just 4 audits. BRCGS Requirements and Guidance posted below.
BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety (Issue 9) Section 3.4 Clause 3.4.1:
There shall be a scheduled programme of internal audits.
At a minimum, the programme shall include at least four different audit dates spread throughout the year. The frequency at which each activity is audited shall be established in relation to the risks associated with the activity and previous audit performance. All activities that form a part of the site’s food safety and quality systems, including those relevant to food safety, authenticity, legality and quality, shall be covered at least once each year.
etc…..
BRCGS Guidance for 3.4.1 states:
All the internal audits should not be conducted on a single day; nor should every internal audit attempt to cover all aspects of the food safety and quality management system or the Standard. A once-a-year check against all the requirements of the Standard may be of value as a gap analysis when preparing for an audit or confirming the contents of the food safety and quality management systems, but is insufficient to cover the full requirements of an internal audit programme as it will not provide the depth of assessment or level of confidence required.
Here is a link to specific BRCGS - Food Safety Forums where I’m sure you can find other relevant information, for example BRC Quarterly Audit coverage
Kind regards,
Tony