Preparing for Your Next Audit? Here’s What You Need

As food safety regulations tighten and audits become more frequent, food manufacturers must be fully prepared to pass inspections and meet all compliance standards. One key factor in passing audits with ease is ensuring that your metal detectors, X-ray inspection systems, and checkweighers are fully documented and operational.

To help food factories stay audit-ready, we’ve compiled a comprehensive checklist of the essential documentation you’ll need to provide during customer audits:

1. Metal Detector Documentation

• Daily Sensitivity Test Logs: Ensure your metal detectors are calibrated regularly, with daily tests verifying their effectiveness for detecting Fe, SUS, and Non-Fe metals.

• Test Piece Verification: Records showing that metal detectors have been tested with various test pieces.

• Reject System Function Log: Evidence that the reject system is working properly to remove contaminated products from the production line.

• Calibration Certificates: Certificates confirming that your machines are properly calibrated to meet industry standards.

• HACCP Validation: Documentation that your metal detectors are validated as Critical Control Points (CCPs) within your Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan.

2. X-ray Inspection Documentation

• Image Verification Records: Logs that demonstrate the system’s ability to detect contaminants through image analysis.

• Product Learn Documentation: Details showing the products the X-ray system is calibrated to inspect.

• Reject Confirmation Log: Verification that rejected products are consistently logged for traceability.

• Detection Capability Report: A report detailing the effectiveness of the X-ray machine in detecting foreign materials.

• Annual Calibration Certificates: Certification that the X-ray system is calibrated yearly.

3. Checkweigher Documentation

• Accuracy Verification Logs: Records proving that the checkweigher’s accuracy is regularly tested.

• Zero / Span Check Records: Confirmation that the machine’s zero point and span range are checked frequently.

• Reject Records for Over/Underweight Products: Evidence that products that fail weight specifications are rejected.

• Packaging Weight Standards: Details showing that product weight standards are maintained for packaging.

• Maintenance & Calibration Logs: Maintenance records to prove that equipment is regularly serviced and calibrated.

4. General Audit Essentials

• Cleaning SOPs & Records: Documentation of cleaning procedures and frequency.

• Traceability Records: Systems that allow tracking of products from raw materials to the final product.

• Non-conformity Handling: Records of how deviations are detected, documented, and corrected.

• Preventive Maintenance Logs: Documentation showing proactive maintenance to minimize downtime.

• Operator Training Records: Proof that personnel are trained on using equipment and understanding safety standards.

Stay Audit-Ready Every Day

Food safety audits are not just about meeting requirements for one day — they’re about maintaining consistent and documented practices across your entire operation. Regular checks, clear documentation, and validated equipment can save time, resources, and ensure that your products meet the highest standards.

At Shanan Technology, we provide reliable and accurate metal detectors, X-ray inspection systems, and checkweighers that help food manufacturers meet compliance and protect their brands.

Our equipment not only ensures product safety but also simplifies the audit process, making it easier for your team to stay organized, efficient, and ready for inspections at any time.

Get in Touch with Us

Need more information on how to improve your audit preparation?
Contact us today at ruth@shanantechnology.com or 86 13827282272 to learn how Shanan Technology can support your food safety program.