What is the first step in conducting a food safety audit?

The first step in conducting a food safety audit is to conduct a thorough inspection of food handling and storage practices. This step is crucial because it allows the auditor to observe firsthand how food safety protocols are implemented in real-time within the facility.

By inspecting these practices, the auditor can identify any immediate hazards, inconsistencies, or areas that do not meet established food safety standards. This direct observation is essential for understanding the operational environment and serves as the foundation upon which the rest of the audit is built.

In contrast, creating a checklist of training procedures, distributing questionnaires to food handlers, or reviewing past audit reports can provide useful context and additional insights, but they should follow the thorough inspection. The inspection is fundamentally important as it lays the groundwork for identifying existing practices and potential risks that need to be addressed, ensuring that the audit effectively improves overall food safety.