FSSC 22000 Audit: Is a Non-Operating Packhouse Acceptable During an Unannounced Visit?
We have a an unannounced audit for our boysenberry production. There are 2 packhouses under the same FSMS, due to a cold snap and the fruit maturing later, one packhouse will most likely be not operating when the auditor arrives. The season only lasts 3 weeks and it's over the Christmas period so if they come back to visit mid-Jan neither packhouse will be operating.
They will however be able to see one operating, and the other will be ready to go, all records available i.e. pest records, pre-season cleaning, the packhouse will be in a state of readiness for production apart from training records for some staff members as they wouldn't have started yet.
Will this be acceptable?
That's a little too sticky wicket - suggest you contact your CB.
Agree with the above. Share the likely operating period and why that's shifted this year. Then at least you've been as up front as you can be.
The CB was informed many weeks ago this maybe the case and to consider this we arranging their visit but due to the CB company not operating for 2 weeks during this period as it's NZ Christmas Holidays they can only come when there is a chance there will be only one packhouse running.
Then go back to them and explain the issue due to both the limited packing run and their holidays to make sure they are really clear. They cannot then accuse you of being anything other than up front.
The CB was informed many weeks ago this maybe the case and to consider this we arranging their visit but due to the CB company not operating for 2 weeks during this period as it's NZ Christmas Holidays they can only come when there is a chance there will be only one packhouse running.
Hi Doubleu,
If they take 2 weeks the Christmas Holidays off and refuse to carry out unannounced audits during that period then that is their problem, not yours.
Reconfirm the dates you will be operational at both sites with the certification body and leave it with them.
You could consider making a complaint if they don't turn up whilst the two sites are operational, the FSSC 22000 Scheme requires you to complain to the certification body first.
Kind regards,
Tony