Fully Remote Audits

The FSSC 22000 fully remote option is an accredited, non-GFSI recognized, voluntary option that can be utilized only when the premises of the certified organization cannot be accessed as a result of a serious event, supported by a risk assessment. Although the fully remote audit option is not recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), it has broad support from the food industry and complies with GFSI benchmarking requirements, except for the audit delivery process.

A mutual agreement between AIB International and the certified organization is required prior to conducting the fully remote audit.

Partially Remote Audits

The FSSC Foundation published an annex that allows the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to complete FSSC 22000 audits. The ICT audit approach consists of a two-step process, a remote audit that focuses on document review followed by an on-site audit to verify implementation of the FSSC 22000 scheme requirements.

The requirements set out in IAF MD4 on the use of ICT for auditing/assessment purposes are mandatory. It is important to note that this is an alternative but voluntary option.