FSSAI Third-Party Audits | FSSAI Audit for Businesses

Categories of Food Businesses Subject to Mandatory Audit

FSSAI classifies certain high-risk food businesses that are required to undergo regular third-party audits. These businesses are considered high-risk based on multiple parameters, such as the type of food handled, intended consumer group, volume of business, nature of processing activities, and other risk-related factors.

The food product categories that fall under mandatory food safety audits include:

• Dairy Products and Analogues (excluding those under food category 2.0)
• Meat and Meat Products including Poultry
• Fish and Fish Products, including Mollusks, Crustaceans, and Echinoderms
• Eggs and Egg Products
• Food for Particular Nutritional Uses (like infant nutrition)
• Prepared Foods and Catering Services

These food businesses must ensure timely audits by FSSAI-recognized third-party agencies to continue operations in compliance with food safety norms.

Who Can Opt for FSSAI Third-Party Audit?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced a third-party audit mechanism to ensure enhanced food safety compliance across the country. This audit system involves an independent evaluation of a food business operator’s (FBO’s) processes, facilities, hygiene standards, and food safety practices by FSSAI-recognised auditing agencies. While certain food businesses—especially those involved in high-risk categories such as dairy processing, meat and poultry, or seafood—are required to undergo mandatory audits, the framework is open to voluntary participation as well. Voluntary FSSAI third-party audits are encouraged for all other food business operators who are not part of the mandatory list. These include restaurants, cafes, cloud kitchens, food manufacturers, storage units, food packaging companies, food exporters, and even retail chains. By opting for a voluntary audit, these businesses can demonstrate their commitment to food safety, hygiene, and legal compliance.

Such audits are not just a regulatory tick-box; they serve as a proactive measure to improve internal systems and identify gaps before they become non-compliances or health hazards. It also increases a business’s credibility in the eyes of customers, investors, and regulatory authorities. For example, a restaurant that voluntarily undergoes and passes an FSSAI-approved audit can use the audit rating and certification to gain customer trust and stand out in a competitive market. Moreover, third-party audits can help businesses prepare for future regulations, prevent penalties, and maintain consistent quality standards. Export-oriented units often seek these audits to align with global food safety benchmarks and gain easier market access abroad.

While mandatory audits are limited to specific high-risk segments, the scope of voluntary FSSAI third-party audits is wide and beneficial. Any food business operator—regardless of size or category—can apply for such audits to strengthen their food safety framework and reputation. This proactive approach not only ensures compliance with food safety norms but also adds value to the brand’s image and operational excellence.

Objectives of Food Safety Audit

The core objectives of the FSSAI Third Party Audit are multi-dimensional. The key goals include:

Evaluating the food safety management system across the supply chain

This involves a thorough review of the food safety practices implemented at every stage of the food supply chain—from raw material sourcing, processing, packaging, to distribution. Auditors assess whether the systems in place are adequate to identify, control, and eliminate food safety hazards. The goal is to ensure that risks are minimized consistently across the entire operation.

Identifying non-compliance and recommending corrective actions

During the audit, gaps and deviations from food safety standards are documented. These could include poor hygiene, lack of documentation, or improper storage conditions. The audit team then provides practical recommendations to address these issues. Corrective actions aim to bring the facility in line with FSSAI regulations and best practices.

Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance as per Indian standards

The audit verifies whether the food business complies with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and other relevant guidelines issued by FSSAI. This includes licenses, labelling norms, food additives, and hygiene standards. Compliance reduces the risk of legal penalties and ensures public health protection.

Encouraging voluntary compliance to improve food safety culture

Beyond mandatory requirements, audits promote the idea of proactive food safety management. Businesses are encouraged to adopt best practices voluntarily, such as employee hygiene training and internal audits. This fosters a food safety culture that prioritizes quality and consumer well-being even in the absence of enforcement pressure.

Assisting food businesses in achieving national and international certifications

The audit process also helps businesses align with globally recognized food safety standards such as ISO 22000, HACCP, or BRC. By identifying readiness gaps and offering guidance, auditors make it easier for businesses to meet the criteria for such certifications. This enhances the credibility of the business both locally and globally.

Promoting transparency, traceability, and consumer trust in food products

Food safety audits require documentation of every stage of production and supply. This increases transparency and allows for better traceability in case of food recalls or safety incidents. When consumers see that a brand is regularly audited and complies with food safety norms, it builds long-term trust and loyalty.

Types of Audits in FSSAI Framework

FSSAI recognizes different types of audits that help assess various areas of food safety and compliance:

Compliance Audit

This audit checks whether a food business is complying with government regulations and guidelines issued by FSSAI. It ensures all licenses, labeling norms, hygiene standards, and food safety protocols are followed.

Program Audit

This is focused on the internal food safety programs of the business. It includes reviews of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and preventive control programs.

Management System Audit

This audit evaluates the overall structure of the organization’s management system, including policies, responsibilities, resource allocation, and training related to food safety. It helps ensure a culture of safety at all levels.

Benefits of FSSAI Third Party Audit

The following are the benefits of FSSAI Third Party Audit:

Ensures Food Safety and Quality

FSSAI third-party audits help identify potential hazards in the food production and supply chain. This allows businesses to take corrective actions and maintain high safety standards. Strengthening the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) also aligns businesses with international food safety benchmarks like FSSC.

Global Recognition

Certified businesses gain a competitive edge in international markets. These certifications improve brand credibility and trust, which is especially beneficial for exporters and those seeking partnerships with global companies.

Attracts New Customers

A third-party certification assures consumers of a brand's commitment to food safety. This trust translates into increased customer preference and loyalty, helping businesses expand their market reach.

Legal Compliance

Undergoing these audits demonstrates that a business complies with Indian food safety laws and FSSAI regulations. It minimizes the risk of legal penalties and ensures a lawful and responsible operation.

Improves Management Processes

Audits promote the review and enhancement of internal systems, fostering a culture of accountability and process improvement. This structured approach leads to better operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Higher Revenue Potential

Businesses that are certified often experience growth in sales due to increased consumer trust. The recognition also opens up opportunities in new markets, boosting profitability and scalability.

What is FSSAI Inspection?

FSSAI Inspection refers to the official on-site evaluation carried out by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) through its appointed Food Safety Officers (FSOs) to ensure that food businesses comply with the prescribed safety and hygiene standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. These inspections are an important part of regulatory oversight aimed at maintaining food quality and protecting public health. Unlike third-party audits, which are conducted by independent FSSAI-empanelled agencies, FSSAI inspections are directly handled by government-appointed FSOs. During these inspections, officers use a standardized checklist prepared by FSSAI to evaluate multiple aspects of the food business. This includes verifying the source and quality of raw materials, cleanliness and maintenance of processing areas, hygiene practices followed by staff, food handling procedures, labeling and packaging compliance, storage methods, and waste disposal systems.

The objective is not only to detect non-compliances but also to educate businesses on maintaining food safety standards. In cases where violations are found, the FSO may issue improvement notices, recommend corrective actions, or even initiate penal proceedings, depending on the severity of the lapse. However, with the growing adoption of third-party audits by food businesses, FSSAI aims to reduce the frequency of direct inspections for those establishments that consistently demonstrate compliance. This system encourages self-regulation, promotes ease of doing business, and allows FSOs to focus on higher-risk or non-compliant units. Overall, FSSAI inspections play a vital role in strengthening India’s food safety ecosystem.

Preparing for a Food Safety Audit

Preparation is key to a successful audit outcome. Food businesses must ensure they are audit-ready at all times by implementing internal audits and gap assessments. It is important to:

• Educate and train staff on hygiene and food safety practices.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement, processing, and packaging.
• Conduct mock audits to identify and resolve weaknesses.
• Appoint a dedicated food safety officer or team to oversee compliance.

A well-documented food safety plan, risk assessment, and corrective action report can significantly improve audit performance and results.

FSSAI Third Party Auditing Process with Compliance Calendar LLP

The following are the steps for FSSAI Third Party Audit with Compliance Calendar LLP:

Step 1: Application for Food Safety Certification

The process begins when a food business operator (FBO) applies for Food Safety Certification under the FSSAI Third Party Audit Scheme. The application must include relevant business details, scope of operations, FSSAI license number, and compliance records. This step indicates the FBO's willingness to undergo a voluntary third-party audit to ensure food safety standards are being met.

Step 2: Offer from Compliance Calendar LLP

Once the application is received, Compliance Calendar LLP, an FSSAI-empanelled audit agency, evaluates the information and issues a formal offer. This includes audit scope, methodology, timelines, audit fees, and terms & conditions. The offer also outlines the audit type—basic or advanced—based on the category of the food business.

Step 3: Offer Acceptance from Client and Order Confirmation by Compliance Calendar LLP

The food business reviews and accepts the offer issued by Compliance Calendar LLP. Upon acceptance, Compliance Calendar confirms the order by initiating internal processes, allocating qualified auditors, and scheduling the audit timeline. A confirmation letter or agreement is also signed to officially start the audit engagement.

Step 4: Auditing as per FSSAI Third Party Audit Requirements

In this step, Compliance Calendar LLP conducts a comprehensive audit of the food business, either on-site or remotely, as per FSSAI's notified standards and checklists. The audit evaluates food safety management systems, hygiene, documentation, and legal compliance. Upon successful audit completion, the client receives a detailed audit report and, if compliant, a Food Safety Certificate.

Code of Conduct for All Stakeholders

All parties involved in the third-party audit process must follow a strict code of conduct. This includes:

Impartiality

Auditing agencies must perform evaluations without any personal or external bias. Their assessments should be solely based on objective criteria and factual evidence. Any commercial or financial relationships that might compromise their neutrality must be avoided. Impartiality ensures that audit outcomes are fair, credible, and trustworthy. This also builds stakeholder confidence in the audit system.

Independence

Auditors must maintain complete independence from the food businesses they assess. They should not have any direct or indirect financial interest or personal ties with the auditee. Independence ensures that the audit findings are not influenced or manipulated. It prevents any potential conflict of interest and upholds the integrity of the audit. This helps maintain regulatory and ethical standards.

Confidentiality

All information gathered during the audit—including business processes, documents, and findings—must be kept strictly confidential. Auditors should not share any sensitive data with unauthorized parties unless legally required or permitted by the auditee. Maintaining confidentiality protects the proprietary information of the business. It also encourages transparency and honest cooperation during audits.

Consistency and Transparency

Audits must be conducted using standardized methods and criteria to ensure uniformity across different audits. Consistency reduces subjectivity and allows for fair comparisons. Transparency in communication and procedures helps all parties understand the audit scope, findings, and decisions. This fosters mutual respect, accountability, and openness throughout the audit process.

Quality and Trust

The fundamental purpose of third-party audits is to build a reliable and safe food ecosystem. By upholding quality in audits and ensuring unbiased evaluations, the system earns the trust of food businesses, regulatory authorities, and consumers. Trust leads to stronger compliance, improved food safety standards, and greater public confidence in the food supply chain.