Root cause analysis help for SQF audit corrective actions

Hello!

We recently had our first unannounced SQF audit and I am now completing the corrective actions.  Every year I struggle with the root cause for what led to the non-conformance.  I understand that just because it wasn't an issue on prior audits that it doesn't mean it's not a current issue.  An auditor only has so much time to identify the non-conformances.

My current dilemma is can I state on my root cause for two of our areas needing attention that it was an oversite?

One non-conformance was that we had glass light bulbs in our shipping and receiving lights used to inspect our trucks and another was we were missing two of our contract companies on our list.

Root cause normally requires going further than saying something was an oversight.

It might be worth getting some training.  The UK Food Standards agency has some which is free:  Food Standards Agency - Root Cause Analysis

I can't remember how good it is if I'm honest! 

But one of the simplest RCA tools is 5 whys.  Just keep asking why.  Why did the oversights happen?  Keep going and keep going until you get to something that really feels actionable.  Because other sites don't have issues like the ones you did.  It might be indicative of wider team members not being aware of their foods safety responsibilities (as an example).  If that's the case, why... perhaps lack of training or lack of it being part of roles and expectations.   Again, why etc etc.

Similar to what GMO said, the why is the root cause (as I am sure you are aware of). Look for larger reasons other than oversight i.e. a non-existing program, a lack of an official review of the contract companies list on a quarterly/semi-annually basis, a training with maintenance or those in charge of purchasing light bulbs, etc..

Using oversight would be lovely for all of our corrective actions! It just does not actually identify what caused the oversight; all non-conformances are oversights  :smile: