MARCH 20238Verification activities including measuring activities leading up to the true conditions of a food facility have been grouped within the concept of facility audits and inspections. Although the terms are used interchangeably, they mean different things. As food safety becomes a non-negotiable parameter in food facilities, definitions around auditing have been stated as "a systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining audit evidence, and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the audit criteria are fulfilled." Essentially, inspection activities seek to uncover risky conditions and hazards that might lead to producing unwholesome food products, where as audits tend to evaluate programs, procedures, and processes to ensure they meet the defined food safety goals and objectives. Audits are typically performed less frequently and by an external party to the business entity, where as inspections are performed more often and typically by a party engaged in the business' operation. With both concepts of audits and inspections, the goal is to not leave food safety to chance but to give food safety the priority it deserves in any food facility. The success of food manufacturing facilities and the brands they support relies on the strength and success of their food safety programs, and this is feasible through successful audit scores. Overall, the framework of audits and inspections activities focuses specifically on BY ADENIYI ODUGBEMI, GLOBAL DIRECTOR - FOOD SAFETY AND FOOD DEFENSE, ADMRAISING FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS THROUGH AUDITS AND INSPECTIONSAdeniyi OdugbemiIN MY OPINION
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