Audit Anxiety? Here’s How to Turn Inspections into Opportunities

Let’s be honest—no one wakes up excited about an audit. The word alone can send shivers down your spine, recalling tax season nightmares, regulatory red tape, or that dreaded call from corporate. But in the pet food industry, audits should be less about stress and more about success. 

While they might not be as fun as a puppy playdate, audits help ensure that every scoop of kibble and every can of pâté meets top-tier safety and quality standards. They keep tails wagging—both in the corporate boardroom and in the homes of pet parents everywhere.  

So, instead of fearing the clipboard-wielding inspectors, let’s take a closer look at why auditors are the unsung heroes of the pet food industry. 

Keeping Pet Food at the Top with Audits 

Think of auditors as the watchdogs of pet food production—always on duty, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance. Here’s how they make a difference: 

• Keeping Pet Bellies (and Floors) Safe – Audits confirm that critical safety measures—like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)—are in place and working. No one wants a recall disaster, least of all pet parents dealing with an upset stomach (or worse) at 2:00 a.m. 

• Dodging Regulatory Rumble Strips – A surprise visit from a federal inspector is like an unexpected visit from the in-laws—only fun if you’re prepared. Routine audits help prevent compliance slip-ups before they turn into legal headaches. 

• Sniffing Out Process Inefficiencies – Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh pair of eyes to spot areas for improvement, whether it’s ingredient sourcing, formulation, or production. This means higher quality, lower costs, and fewer wasted resources. 

• Boosting Employee Training & Accountability – Nothing keeps food safety standards high like regular audits. They ensure staff follows best practices in handling, processing, and sanitation, all while reinforcing a strong food safety culture. 

• Gaining the Trust of Pet Parents & Retailers – Transparency matters. When audits verify that your company follows rigorous safety protocols, consumers and retailers feel confident that what’s inside the bag is exactly what’s promised on the label. 

• Raising the Bar for Continuous Improvement – The best brands don’t just pass audits; they use them to get even better. Staying ahead of safety and quality trends can help maintain a competitive edge in an industry where reputation is everything. 

Not All Audits Are Created Equal 

Audits come in different shapes and sizes—some are expected, while some are about as welcome as a dog tracking mud through the house. Here are a few types that pet food manufacturers encounter: 

• Unannounced Audits – These keep companies on their toes, ensuring compliance isn’t just a “day before the audit” effort. Think of it as a pop quiz with real-world consequences. 

• Process-Specific Audits – These focus only on specific aspects, like ingredient sourcing or sanitation, rather than the entire operation. 

• Comprehensive Audits – Big-picture evaluations, like those under the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), take a dive deep into food safety, quality, and operational integrity, sometimes over multiple days. 

Audit Survival Guide: Pro Tips for Success 

Having been on both sides of the audit process, I’ve learned a thing or two about making them run smoothly. Here are some key strategies:

1. Auditors aren’t consultants—don’t expect advice. Their job is to evaluate, not offer solutions. If you need help fixing something, bring in a consultant before the audit. 
2. Run a pre-audit 2 to 3 months in advance. This gives you time to catch and correct issues before the real deal. 
3. Always be audit ready. Keep documents and records organized, so you’re not scrambling when an auditor asks for them. 
4. Follow visitor protocols. Auditors notice if you enforce policies like signing in, wearing proper gear, and following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). 
5. Keep answers clear and concise. Avoid unnecessary details—too much information can raise more questions than it answers. 
6. Stay professional and composed. Even if an issue arises, focus on solutions rather than panicking. 
7. Make the facility tour seamless. Stick to designated paths and procedures, ensuring everything is always up to standard—not just when auditors are watching. 

When selecting an auditing body, expertise matters. A pet food facility shouldn’t be assessed by someone whose background is in computer chips rather than potato chips (or in this case, liver chips). Working with experienced auditors ensures a more valuable and relevant evaluation. 

Turning Audits into Wins 

Audits may not be the most thrilling part of the job, but they’re invaluable for maintaining high standards. Instead of dreading them, companies can use audits as a roadmap to: 

• Strengthen food safety protocols and employee training 

• Identify operational inefficiencies before they become costly problems 

• Build stronger trust with consumers, retailers, and regulatory agencies 

• Enhance product consistency and overall brand reputation 

A well-executed audit isn’t just a test to pass—it’s an opportunity to elevate your company’s standards and ensure every pet food product you produce is safe, high-quality, and worthy of the pets who depend on it. 

If you want more audit strategies, or need help preparing for an upcoming audit, reach out to the BSM Assurance team. We’re here to help you keep tails wagging and shelves stocked with top-tier pet food!  

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About the Author

August Konie has been a Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Professional for over 30 years. He was worked in many sectors of the food industry including fisheries, beverages, poultry, pork and pet food, under both FDA and USDA regulatory oversight. As an active committee member in various trade organization for food and pet food organizations, he was successful of implementing new regulatory guidance. He has worked with various teams across Asian, Europe, North and South American on various food safety, quality and import/export concerns. He currently serves as the Principal of BSM Assurance overseeing FSQAR activities at BSM Partners.