Internal audits are a required element of the SQF Code and a critical tool for strengthening food safety and quality management systems. In this digital seminar, Brian Neal, Technical Manager at Eurofins Food Assurance, and Elizabeth Tierno, Technical Specialist of Compliance at SQFI, walk through how to design, conduct, and continuously improve an effective SQF internal audit program. The session focuses on practical implementation, helping sites move beyond compliance to proactive risk identification and system improvement.
Key Topics Covered
What Is an Internal Audit Under SQF?
An internal audit is defined as a systematic, independent, and documented process used to evaluate a site’s food safety and quality management system against SQF Code requirements. Unlike routine inspections, internal audits assess the entire system—including policies, procedures, programs, and records—to verify effectiveness and identify gaps.
Why Internal Audits Are Critical for SQF Excellence
Internal audits are a mandatory requirement under SQF Code clause 2.5.4 and play a vital role in preventing food safety failures. When implemented effectively, they help sites identify weaknesses early, improve internal knowledge and accountability, and build confidence with customers, certification bodies, and other stakeholders.
Preparing for an Effective Internal Audit
Proper preparation sets the foundation for a successful audit. This includes documenting an internal audit procedure, defining audit scope and objectives, and establishing an annual audit schedule. Sites are encouraged to use audit tools that cover the entire SQF system, such as the SQF checklist, internal templates, or digital audit software, to ensure consistent and thorough evaluations.
Who Should Conduct the Internal Audit
The seminar emphasizes the importance of auditor independence and competency. Internal audit teams should be cross-functional whenever possible, and auditors must not audit their own work. All auditors must be trained, with training records maintained. For smaller facilities, third-party consultants or auditors from sister sites can help maintain objectivity.
How to Conduct the Internal Audit
Auditors should use a structured tool that ensures the entire SQF system is reviewed annually. The presenters introduce the “Road to RIO” approach—Records, Interviews, and Observations—to gather objective evidence. Following audit trails and asking probing questions helps uncover systemic issues rather than surface-level compliance gaps.
What Happens After the Audit
Post-audit activities are just as important as the audit itself. Sites must review findings, identify root causes for non-conformances, and develop and implement corrective actions. Follow-up is essential to verify effectiveness, and all steps—from findings through closure—must be fully documented to support SQF compliance.
Closing
Internal audits are not a one-time task, but a core driver of continuous improvement. By proactively identifying gaps and maintaining audit readiness year-round, sites can strengthen their food safety systems, reduce audit risk, and approach third-party audits with confidence. When done well, internal audits become one of the most valuable tools in achieving and sustaining SQF excellence.
Additional Resources:
For more information on internal auditing for SQF compliance, please see these resources:
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