Audits
Through independent controls, we support you with auditing within the framework of various standard systems as well as with the verification of internal specifications.
External and internal auditing is required in many certifications. However, it also offers the company the benefit of determining the status quo and identifying potential for improvement. Our experts are ready to carry out audits and on-site checks in the field of food quality and safety, mainly in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, but also worldwide if required.
From regional butchers to day-care and from hotel kitchens to large food manufacturers or supermarket branches - we evaluate independently and in a practice-oriented way.
Our Audit Repertoire
Here you will find an overview of most of the audits we offer:
- Audits according to IFS Global Markets Food/Global Markets Logistic (Quant is an IFS approved assessment provider).
- FESC audits - our own standard for Food Safety, Environment, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
- Internal audits (according to IFS, BRC, as part of the self-checking system, etc.)
- Factory inspections/hygiene checks
- Supplier audits
- Compliance audits
- Integrity audits
- Market and branch audits
- Taking food samples, drinking water samples and swab samples
- Internal audits and supplier audits in the areas of sustainability, environmental protection, social standards and work safety
- IFS Local Check
If you are interested, if you have any questions or if you are interested in other auditing offers, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Questions and Answers on Auditing
Which certifications are the most important/widely used in the food manufacturing sector?
Many certifications generally address food quality and safety. The IFS (International Featured Standard) is one of the most important in Germany and is a basic requirement, especially for supermarket private labels. Roughly equivalent are the BRC (British Retail Consortium)—which is particularly relevant for companies operating internationally (especially in the UK)—and the FSSC 22000. More about these systems and trainings.
QS certification plays a major role in Germany, particularly in the meat processing sector but also for fruits and vegetables, and is often a prerequisite for supplying retailers.
In addition, manufacturers can also obtain certification according to various ISO standards. These include, among others, ISO 22000 (International Standard for Food Safety Management Systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), and ISO 9001 (General Quality Management System).
Other certifications are primarily intended to highlight specific aspects of the products. For example, organic certification under the EU Organic Regulation or by associations such as Bioland, Naturland, or Demeter, or VLOG certification for foods produced without genetic engineering (VLOG link). Halal, vegan, vegetarian, and protected designations of origin for regional products are also certified.
What types of audits are there?
Audits can be classified according to various criteria:
- Type of auditor: An internal audit (or “self-assessment,” 1st-party audit) is conducted by an employee of the company itself or by a service provider (e.g., Quant QS). The goal is to monitor the company’s own processes and identify weaknesses. Many certification programs require regular internal audits (e.g., annually). On the other hand, there are audits conducted by external bodies (e.g., certification bodies, customers), which are usually aimed at obtaining certification or approval as a supplier.
- Focus of the audit: Initial audits refer to a company’s first audit; follow-up audits, routine audits and recertification audits are conducted to maintain certification. Investigative audits are conducted when irregularities are suspected, and spot audits examine a specific part of the process more intensively, while other parts are omitted.
- Conducting the audit: Audits can be announced or unannounced. They can be conducted in person on-site, via video call, or as a document review only.
What is a supplier audit?
A supplier audit (2nd-party audit) is an audit conducted in accordance with a specific customer’s requirements. In most cases, the audit is based on a specific checklist provided by the customer that addresses the points relevant to that customer. The customer conducts the audit itself or has it performed by a commissioned auditor or organization, such as Quant QS. The goal is for the supplier to be approved or to remain approved by a specific customer.
What is a certification audit?
A certification audit (third-party audit) is an audit organized by an independent certification body. It is conducted by appropriately trained and accredited auditors (e.g., IFS Food, Scope 1 for meat and meat products). The results of the audit are documented in a report and any nonconformities are addressed in an action plan (which must be implemented by the company seeking certification). Normally, the certification body reviews the documents following the audit (four-eyes principle). The certificate is issued after this review, provided that a sufficient number of audit criteria have been met and corrective actions have been defined and, where applicable, already implemented. With the help of the time-limited certificate, the certified company can demonstrate its capabilities to customers and other stakeholders.