BRCGS Packaging Internal Audit Checklist

Clause-based internal audit checklist for the BRCGS Packaging Materials standard to assess site readiness for certification, identify non-conformances, and track corrective actions.

Audit Details and Scope

• Audit date, site, and auditor recorded
  Record the audit date, audited site, and lead auditor name.
• Audit scope covers applicable BRCGS Packaging Materials clauses
  Select the clauses or system areas included in this audit.
• Previous audit findings reviewed
  Confirm prior internal audit findings and open corrective actions were reviewed before this audit.

Senior Management Commitment and Food Safety Culture

• Quality and product safety policy is documented, current, and communicated
  Verify the policy is approved, current, and communicated to relevant personnel.
• Management review conducted at planned intervals
  Confirm management review records show planned review frequency and follow-up actions.
• Objectives and KPIs monitored with evidence of action when off target
  Assess whether quality objectives are measured, trended, and acted upon when performance falls below target.
• Resources and competent personnel available for the scope of operations
  Verify staffing, training, and supervision are adequate for the audited processes.

Hazard and Risk Management

• Documented hazard and risk assessment covers product safety, legality, and authenticity
  Confirm the risk assessment is current, site-specific, and includes packaging-specific hazards and controls.
• Risk assessment reviewed after changes, incidents, or complaints
  Verify the risk assessment is updated when raw materials, equipment, processes, or customer requirements change.
• Control measures implemented and verified for identified risks
  Rate the effectiveness of controls for contamination, mix-up, foreign body, and label/artwork risks.

Site Standards, Housekeeping, and Infrastructure

• Building fabric, floors, walls, and ceilings are maintained to prevent contamination
  Inspect for damage, flaking surfaces, leaks, and conditions that could contaminate product or packaging materials.
• Housekeeping standards prevent accumulation of waste, dust, and debris
  Verify cleaning frequency, waste removal, and housekeeping controls are effective in production and storage areas.
• Lighting, ventilation, and environmental conditions are suitable for the process
  Assess whether environmental conditions support product safety, inspection, and process control.
• Maintenance and calibration records available for critical equipment
  Confirm preventive maintenance and calibration records are current for equipment affecting product conformity.

Product Control, Materials, and Process Control

• Approved supplier controls in place for raw materials and outsourced services
  Verify supplier approval, monitoring, and change notification controls are documented and followed.
• Incoming materials identified, inspected, and released against specification
  Check that incoming goods are verified against purchase specifications and acceptance criteria.
• Process controls prevent mix-up, contamination, and unauthorized changes
  Assess line clearance, change control, in-process checks, and segregation controls.
• Product specifications and artwork approvals are current and controlled
  Verify specifications, artwork, and customer approvals are current at point of use.

Personnel, Hygiene, and Training

• Training records show personnel are competent for assigned tasks
  Confirm role-based training, refresher training, and competency evidence are available.
• Personal hygiene and protective clothing requirements are followed
  Observe compliance with site hygiene, jewelry, PPE, and clothing rules in relevant areas.
• Visitor and contractor controls are effective
  Assess whether visitors and contractors are inducted, supervised, and controlled to site requirements.

Traceability, Non-Conforming Product, and Corrective Action

• Traceability system can identify raw materials, work in progress, and finished product
  Verify one-step-forward and one-step-back traceability is demonstrated for the audited product range.
• Traceability or mass balance test completed within required time
  Record the time taken to complete the traceability or mass balance exercise.
• Non-conforming product is identified, segregated, and dispositioned
  Check that hold, quarantine, release, rework, and scrap controls are defined and followed.
• Corrective actions are documented, assigned, and closed on time
  Assess whether root cause, action ownership, due dates, and effectiveness checks are recorded.

Complaints, Incidents, and Sign-Off

• Customer complaints are logged, investigated, and trended
  Verify complaint handling records show investigation, root cause, and trend review.
• Incidents, recalls, or withdrawals are managed through a documented procedure
  Confirm the site has a tested procedure for escalation, notification, and product withdrawal or recall.
• Inspector overall conclusion and sign-off
  Inspector confirms the audit findings, non-conformances, and follow-up actions are accurate.