Gap Assessment Audit
A Gap Assessment Audit helps food businesses compare their current processes with required regulatory standards. It highlights gaps, strengthens compliance, and boosts operational efficiency. For companies operating under strict frameworks such as FSSAI, FSMA, or USFDA, conducting a structured gap audit ensures readiness for inspections and supports continuous improvement.
What Is a Gap Assessment Audit?
A gap audit is a systematic review of your facility, procedures, documentation, and quality systems against defined regulatory benchmarks. It shows how closely your operations align with mandatory compliance standards and industry best practices. This evaluation helps businesses transition from their current state to full regulatory alignment while improving consistency, safety, and performance.
Why Is a USFDA Gap Audit Important?
A USFDA-focused gap audit evaluates your compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), FSMA Preventive Controls, quality controls, and product safety requirements. Identifying issues early reduces inspection risks and strengthens your position during FDA audits. It also helps you implement preventive actions that protect public health and maintain global market access.
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Benefits of Gap Audits
- Reveals operational and documentation weaknesses
- Enhances compliance with USFDA, FSMA, and food safety standards
- Minimises enforcement risks and penalties
- Builds customer and stakeholder confidence
- Improves audit readiness and long-term system integrity standards and maintains consumer safety.
How We Support Your Gap Audit
- We perform a comprehensive evaluation of your processes and GMP controls.
- Benchmark your system against the USFDA and global food safety standards.
- Prepare a corrective action plan with clear priorities and timelines.
- Support implementation, training, and re-evaluation to ensure closure of gaps.
- Help your team become audit-ready for regulatory inspections.
What areas does a Gap Assessment Audit cover?
It reviews facility hygiene, process controls, documentation, training, recall systems, GMPs, and regulatory compliance requirements.
How often should a food business conduct a gap audit?
Most companies conduct gap audits annually or before third-party and regulatory inspections.
Is a USFDA gap audit required for exporters?
Yes. Any facility exporting to the U.S. must comply with FSMA and GMP requirements, making gap audits essential.
How does a gap audit help before an FDA inspection?
It uncovers non-compliances in advance, allowing corrective actions that reduce the risk of warnings or enforcement actions.
Who conducts the gap audit?
Qualified food safety consultants or trained internal auditors with regulatory expertise perform the assessment.
Do gap audits include documentation review?
Yes. Review of SOPs, records, logs, monitoring data, and food safety plans is a core part of the audit.
What happens after the audit?
You receive a detailed report and a corrective action plan to close gaps and reach full compliance.