Change to existing auditing arrangements for NSW licensees effective immediately

In response to a rise in cases of COVID-19, the NSW government has issued travel and work restrictions in some areas. These are in addition to the existing audit arrangements that came into place last year. As a result of these new regulations, in regions that are locked down where auditors who can no longer travel or face restricted movement, remote audits may be conducted. 

These changes are effective immediately and work with the COVID-19 compliance guidelines issued last year in July 2020. The new rules were established to combat the pandemic, promote coronavirus awareness, and help businesses and customers stay safe. 

Additionally, it has been strongly recommended that all food businesses complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan and register businesses as ‘COVID safe’. These measures have been compulsory for Food Processors, Abattoirs and manufacturers for a year now, and auditors have been checking COVID-19 Safety Plans as part of their routine inspections.

A remote audit will take place in affected areas where licensed facilities can’t operate, or auditors can no longer visit. The audit is a safety inspection that will take place outside of the food-handling area while maintaining social distancing and observing hygiene barriers. Or, in affected areas, it will take place entirely remotely from the premises.

What is required for a remote audit?

In order to conduct a remote audit, the auditor and registered food premises need to ensure arrangements are in place in advance. It is the auditor’s responsibility to plan the remote audit and confirm the licensee understands what is required. This includes informing them of the nature and level of evidence needed, the time it will take, the personnel involved, and what information technology equipment is necessary. It should be understood that a remote audit may take longer and be more demanding than a regular in-person audit.

Auditors will gather and verify evidence through a combination of observation, interviews, and a review of documentation. Observation can be done through live-streaming or photographs and video. Interviews will be conducted via video calls or telephone, depending on what is available. Documents can be shared using cloud-based systems if there is a lot of information and can be supplied ahead of time.

When the remote audit is completed, a report will be sent detailing the methods employed and the effectiveness in achieving objectives.

All food businesses and licensees are strongly recommended to ensure continuing compliance with existing food safety programs. This is an ongoing and evolving situation, and it is vital stakeholders follow up-to-date information and NSW guidelines available from government websites.

Source:

https://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/news/general-circulars/general-circular-change-existing-auditing-arrangements-all-nsw-food-authority-licensees-due-covid-19

Article written by: Food Safety Select