If your company operates in the feed industry, a GMP+ (Good Manufacturing Practice+) audit is crucial to ensure compliance with international feed safety standards. Proper preparation not only helps you pass the audit but also strengthens your quality management system.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to prepare for a GMP+ audit, ensuring your business stays compliant and avoids costly non-conformities.
What is a GMP+ Audit?
GMP+ (Good Manufacturing Practice+) is a globally recognized certification scheme for feed safety. It ensures that feed manufacturers, transporters, and traders follow strict hygiene, safety, and quality control measures.
An audit verifies compliance with GMP+ FC (Feed Certification) or GMP+ FSA (Feed Safety Assurance) standards, depending on your role in the supply chain.
Steps to Prepare for a GMP+ Audit
1. Understand the GMP+ Requirements
Before the audit, review the latest GMP+ standards applicable to your business. Key documents include:
- GMP+ BA (Basic Requirements)
- GMP+ FC (Feed Certification) or GMP+ FSA (Feed Safety Assurance)
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles
Ensure your team is familiar with these guidelines.
2. Conduct an Internal Audit
Perform a self-assessment to identify gaps in compliance. Check:
- Documentation (policies, procedures, records)
- Hygiene and sanitation practices
- Supplier approvals and raw material controls
- Traceability systems (batch records, recalls)
- Training records for employees
3. Review & Update Documentation
Auditors will examine your documentation, including:
- Quality Manual
- HACCP Plan
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Training Records
- Non-Conformity & Corrective Action Reports (CAPA)
Ensure all documents are up-to-date, signed, and properly archived.
4. Train Your Team
All employees should understand GMP+ requirements and their roles in maintaining compliance. Provide training on:
- Hygiene and safety protocols
- HACCP principles
- Handling non-conformities
5. Ensure Proper Facility Maintenance
The audit includes a physical inspection of your facility. Verify:
- Cleanliness and pest control measures
- Equipment calibration and maintenance logs
- Proper storage conditions (temperature, humidity)
- Segregation of allergens and hazardous materials
6. Verify Supplier Compliance
Your suppliers must also meet GMP+ standards. Maintain:
- Approved supplier lists
- Certificates of Analysis (CoA) for raw materials
- Risk assessments for each supplier
7. Prepare for the Audit Day
On the day of the audit:
- Assign a responsible person to guide the auditor
- Have all documents ready for review
- Be transparent about any past non-conformities and corrective actions
Common GMP+ Audit Non-Conformities
Avoid these frequent issues:
❌ Incomplete or outdated documentation
❌ Poor hygiene practices
❌ Lack of employee training records
❌ Inadequate pest control measures
❌ Failure in traceability systems
Final Tips for a Successful GMP+ Audit
✔ Start preparing early – Don’t wait until the last minute.
✔ Engage all departments – Quality, production, and logistics must collaborate.
✔ Use checklists – Follow GMP+ audit checklists to ensure nothing is missed.
✔ Learn from past audits – Address previous findings to improve compliance.
Conclusion
A GMP+ audit is not just about passing an inspection—it’s about ensuring feed safety and quality throughout your supply chain. By following these steps, you can minimize risks, improve efficiency, and maintain certification without stress.
Need help preparing for your GMP+ audit? Contact our experts for consulting and training support to ensure a smooth audit process!
📢 Want more feed safety tips? Subscribe to our newsletter for industry updates!