Before obtaining HACCP certification or certification to a customer standard, a food business might choose to have a HACCP GAP audit performed. Unfortunately, in the majority of circumstances, food organizations want to attempt to obtain HACCP certification in the very first instance. Because of this action, the company usually fails to achieve the goal of certification.
Not knowing the importance of a HACCP GAP audit can have a considerable impact on the food company. Let’s look at the positive aspects of a HACCP GAP audit. 
1. Auditor Guidance to help with HACCP certification
This type of food audit could be the only circumstance where the auditor can provide some degree of guidance. Assistance by the food auditor at this time can help you and your company in completely understanding the demands of the customer certification standard or HACCP principles which you are requiring certification for.
2. Familiar Process
If it is actually your very first HACCP audit, a gap audit will enable you to get comfortable with the auditing method so that you can end up being ready for the audit and HACCP certification process.
3. Independent Evaluation
A Gap audit enables an independent eye to review your current HACCP documentation, records and practices. You are able to then make relevant alterations if necessary, ahead of your HACCP certification audit.
4. Corrective Action Requests not raised in gap audit
No corrective actions requests (Cars) are raised throughout a HACCP Gap audit. For those who have efficiency indicators identified or bonus payments for “no CARs” within your position description, a HACCP GAP audit will save you trying to explain to management the reason why you haven’t succeeded in your job position. Please be aware that CARs are raised in HACCP certification audits.
5. Determine process gaps
The entire concept of any HACCP GAP audit is always to assess exactly where your food organization is positioned in relation to compliance. The detection of the level or size of GAP can guide you in identifying resource allocation, certification timeframes and existing / necessary compliance.
I would personally always advise a GAP audit for any new compliance standard which you might wish to receive HACCP certification for. Long term, it could save the quality assurance team and the food organization a great deal of time, effort and money.
I would like to receive your newletter
No worries – just pop you details into the subscribe box at the top left of this page. Many thanks!