What Is a HACCP Audit?

A HACCP audit is a professional assessment of your food safety management system. Its purpose is to verify that your HACCP procedures are up to date, suitable for your business and effectively implemented in day-to-day operations.

Rather than simply reviewing documentation, a HACCP audit also evaluates staff practices, the condition of the premises, equipment and the way food is received, stored, prepared and served.

Why Should You Carry Out Regular HACCP Audits?

Over time, businesses naturally evolve. New staff members join the team, equipment is replaced, menus change and procedures are updated. These changes can create compliance issues without the business being aware of them.

Regular HACCP audits help identify these risks at an early stage, allowing corrective actions to be implemented before they become more serious problems.

• Verification of legal compliance;
• Identification of opportunities for improvement;
• Reduced risk of non-compliance;
• Greater confidence during inspections;
• Continuous improvement of food safety standards.

What Do We Assess During a HACCP Audit?

Every audit is tailored to the client's business, but typically includes:

• The HACCP plan and supporting documentation;
• Prerequisite programmes and good hygiene practices;
• Mandatory records and documentation;
• Temperature monitoring procedures;
• Food receiving and storage practices;
• Food traceability;
• Cleaning and disinfection procedures;
• Preventive pest control programmes;
• The condition of premises and equipment;
• Staff compliance with established procedures.

Following the audit, you will receive a detailed report outlining our findings together with practical recommendations to improve food safety and compliance.

Who Should Have a HACCP Audit?

This service is recommended for:

• Restaurants;
• Cafés and bars;
• Bakeries and pastry shops;
• Hotels;
• Supermarkets;
• Butcher's shops;
• Fishmongers;
• Catering companies;
• Food production facilities;
• Any business required to operate a HACCP-based food safety system.

HACCP Audits and Preventive Pest Control

Pest control is a fundamental element of HACCP prerequisite programmes. During every audit, we also assess the effectiveness of your existing preventive pest control measures and determine whether they are appropriate for the level of risk associated with your business.

Learn more about our Preventive and Corrective Pest Control service and our HACCP Food Safety service.

Why Choose Prevenção Ativa?

• Audits carried out by experienced food safety professionals;
• Specialists in HACCP and food safety compliance;
• Personalised technical support;
• Clear, practical and easy-to-understand audit reports;
• Tailored recommendations based on your business activities;
• Service available throughout the Algarve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a HACCP audit replace an ASAE inspection?

No. A HACCP audit is an independent technical assessment designed to help your business evaluate its food safety management system, identify areas for improvement and strengthen compliance before official inspections.

Will I receive a report after the audit?

Yes. You will receive a detailed report summarising our observations together with practical recommendations to improve food safety and strengthen compliance.

How often should a HACCP audit be carried out?

The appropriate frequency depends on the type of business, its size and any operational changes. Many businesses choose to carry out regular audits as part of their continuous improvement programme.

Can you also help us correct any non-compliances?

Yes. In addition to conducting the audit, Prevenção Ativa can assist with corrective actions, HACCP system reviews and ongoing technical support to help maintain compliance.

Request a HACCP Audit

If you would like to assess the effectiveness of your HACCP system, identify opportunities for improvement and strengthen food safety within your business, contact the team at Prevenção Ativa.

We provide HACCP audits for restaurants, hotels, food businesses and other food establishments throughout the Algarve.