Differences and Requirements Between Preliminary Audit and Internal Audit

The food sector is subject to high standards and strict auditing processes because it is an area that directly affects consumer health. Two of the cornerstones of these processes are preliminary auditing and internal auditing. These two types of auditing are complementary but serve different purposes. So, what are the differences between these types of auditing and why are they necessary?

A preliminary audit is a preliminary preparation process to assess whether a business is ready for an external audit (for example, certification, customer auditing or official auditing). This process allows the current status of the business to be reviewed and critical deficiencies to be eliminated. Preliminary auditing is usually carried out by experts from outside the business or internal consultants who are familiar with certification processes.

Objectives of Preliminary Auditing:

1. Determination of Deficiencies: Early detection of nonconformities in systems and processes.

2. External Audit Success: Preventing failure in official processes such as certification audits.

3. Cost and Time Savings: Preventing disruptions that may occur during auditing.

Internal auditing is a control mechanism that is regularly carried out within the business. This process aims to evaluate the functionality of food safety management systems and address any nonconformities in the system within the scope of continuous improvement. Internal audits are usually conducted by trained and impartial individuals within the company or by external consultants.

Objectives of Internal Audits:

1. Food Safety Continuity: To maintain and improve the functionality of systems.

2. Legal Compliance: To ensure compliance with local and international regulations (e.g. Turkish Food Codex, ISO 22000, BRC, IFS).

3. Employee Awareness: To increase employee compliance with processes.

Why Are Both Audits Necessary?

1. Ensuring Food Safety: The most important priority in the food sector is to protect consumer health. Audits prevent potential risks.

2. Compliance with Legal and Customer Requirements: It is mandatory to comply with local legislation and international standards.

3. Protection of Reputation: A security breach in the food sector can cause loss of consumer trust.

4. Continuous Improvement: While internal audits ensure the daily functioning of the system, preliminary audits test the results of these improvements.

5. Preventing Financial Losses: Early detection of errors prevents crises that may cause serious costs.

Preliminary audits and internal audits are critical processes that complement each other on the path to success in the food sector. While a business continuously checks and improves the system with internal audits, it tests the effects of these improvements with preliminary audits. Regular and disciplined implementation of these two types of audits ensures not only food safety, but also the reputation and financial sustainability of the business.

For businesses that want to make a difference in the food sector, implementing these two types of audits in an integrated manner is an indispensable key to success.