Some of the most common audit findings don’t stem from what’s on your surfaces — but what’s missing from your paperwork.
In recent audit cycles, gaps in cleaning documentation have become a recurring non-conformity. Not because companies aren’t cleaning but because the evidence is fragmented, inconsistent, or not linked to specific risks.
Here’s what audit data from private food safety schemes (BRCGS, IFS) and recent inspection reports shows:
What Auditors Often Uncover
— Missing Justifications for Cleaning Frequencies
Why is equipment A cleaned daily while equipment B is weekly? Many companies struggle to document this logic in a risk-based manner.
— Unlinked Verification Results
ATP swab data is available but not connected to cleaning records. This disconnect raises questions about follow-up and corrective actions.
— No Documentation for Temporary Changes
If a cleaning schedule was skipped or modified due to a breakdown or staffing issue, was the change justified, recorded, and signed off?
Audit-Based Reflections on Organisational Readiness
Structured audits don’t just look for a checklist — they assess whether cleaning practices are genuinely effective, traceable, and risk-based.
✅ Review of Cleaning Schedules — Are they clearly linked to product type, zone classification, and risk level?
✅ Verification Method Documentation — Is it clear which verification method (e.g., visual, ATP, microbiological) is used for which surface and why?
✅ Evidence of Deviations and Follow-Up — Are schedule changes or missed cleanings documented with rationale and validated follow-up?
✅ Training Records — Do staff understand not just what to clean — but why and how often?
Certima’s Mission
As an impartial certification body, Certima assesses compliance with international food safety measures. While Certima does not provide operational guidance, audits serve as a valuable tool for businesses looking to evaluate their fraud prevention strategies and supply chain integrity.
Have cleaning-related findings ever surprised your team during an audit? We’d be interested to hear how you track, justify, and improve your cleaning records.