What Does A Food Safety Inspection Entail?

Written by Michelle Tsamba - AssureCloud Team
20 Sep 2021

A food safety inspection is an important prerequisite to getting your food business up and running. These inspections apply to all businesses across the food industry, no matter if you’re a small restaurant or a huge company in the supply chain. 

But what is a food safety inspection all about? If you’re unaware of, or unclear on, this step in the food safety process, then continue reading. 

What is a food safety inspection?

Let’s start at the beginning. A food safety inspection, otherwise known as a food safety audit, is an inspection of your organisation to verify legal compliance. 

Why do you need a food safety inspection? 

The main reason you need this inspection is because it is required by law. The Public Health Act (Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 63 of 1977), along with various additional food regulations make the food safety provisions clear. These laws are in place to ensure that the public remains safe from unnecessary spread of food-borne diseases and illnesses. 

By allowing a food safety audit to be carried out will show that you and your organisation is committed to food safety, this will increase public confidence and trust in your brand.

What factors are considered in the inspection? 

You may be wondering what exactly will be evaluated during the inspection. The short answer is quite broad – everything related to food safety. The elements of your business that need to be evaluated is determined by the type of food business you have. However, below is a list of some of the hygiene factors auditors will look for: 

  • Clean and safe vehicles used to transport food 
  • Premises must be sanitary, free of pests, and must have acceptable hand-washing facilities
  • Food containers must be sealed 
  • Food must be stored in appropriate temperatures and must not be in contact with the ground 
  • All food handlers must wear protective clothing 
  • The person in charge, and food handlers, must have extensive training 

3 Steps in a food safety inspection 

So, what are the steps, from start to finish, of a food safety inspection? 

Step 1: Contact reputable food safety auditing company 

As a responsible business owner, you will need to set up an inspection. AssureCloud offers inspection services across food safety and occupational health and safety. We also help companies to develop and implement management systems, to ensure that you are compliant and follow best practices. 

Step 2: The inspection 

This one is relatively simple. The auditor will come to your premises and have a look at all the relevant elements by verifying compliance to legal requirements and industry best practices.

Step 3: Conclusion

Once the inspection has been completed a report will be issued and the auditor will give you feedback and highlight areas of opportunity and risks if necessary. 

Final Thoughts 

Allowing food safety auditors to evaluate your business may seem daunting. However, it is, in fact, a very simple process and a very necessary one at that. Contact AssureCloud for more information.

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