Audits, compliance and TPAs

Audits

Audits are conducted for businesses with a licence from the NSW Food Authority. An audit assesses a business's food safety program and compliance with the program, as well as any other requirements of the relevant Food Safety Scheme set out in the Food Regulation.

The Regulatory Food Safety Auditor System (third party audit system) allows the Food Authority to approve persons other than Food Authority employees to conduct regulatory food safety audits of licensed businesses in NSW that meet audit performance benchmarks.

Inspections

Inspections typically assess compliance with the general provisions of the Food Standards Code, particularly the Food Safety Requirements (chapter 3). These include maintaining hygiene, temperature control, structural requirements and having adequate facilities.

Inspections might be conducted in any sort of food business. They are sometimes conducted during investigations of food complaints and food safety incidents in response to market surveys or a regular inspection program.

The specific audit and inspection requirements for various food industries are detailed under the appropriate industry and retail sector pages.

Compliance

The Food Authority is committed to a high level of compliance with the Food Act 2003 and Regulations. Enforcement of the Food Act 2003 helps achieve the effective management of food safety risks and the prevention of misleading conduct in connection with the sale of food.

Alternative compliance methods may be approved by the Food Authority if they can be demonstrated to achieve the same level of food safety as established control measures.