Most teams understand that internal audits are required under BRC V9—but the real challenge is doing them consistently, confidently, and in a way that actually improves the system, not just ticks a box.
Over the years working with factories across high-care, ambient, frozen, and beverage production, I’ve seen internal audits go one of two directions: Either they’re structured and ongoing—building confidence long before the external audit… or they’re a last-minute scramble the month before certification.
If you’re here, you’re likely looking for something practical: a clear, usable internal-audit checklist aligned with BRC V9 requirements—not a vague template or theoretical textbook list. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly what’s inside the checklist, how to use it, and how it strengthens audit readiness across your team.
What This Checklist Covers – Full Scope Aligned With BRC V9
This isn’t a generic quality form—it follows the structure and expectations of BRC V9 so nothing gets overlooked.
The downloadable checklist includes:
Food safety and quality management system controls
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and site standards
Allergen handling and product control
HACCP principles and operational controls
Traceability and mass-balance exercises
Training, documentation, calibration, and record-keeping
Leadership and management review evidence
It’s designed to mirror what auditors look for—so your internal audits feel like a rehearsal, not guesswork.
Pro tip: The most effective teams don’t wait until the end of the year. They break the checklist into monthly or weekly chunks so the system stays alive—not seasonal.
How to Use the Checklist Efficiently – Step-by-Step
A checklist works best when there’s a process behind it. Here’s the rhythm that works across most sites:
Assign responsibility. One owner doesn’t mean one auditor—a shared routine builds ownership.
Review the scope and requirements. Make sure the checklist section matches the area you’re auditing that day.
Verify evidence—not assumptions. Look, ask, check, confirm, and document. If it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen.
Record findings clearly. Use simple language and categorize risks.
Assign corrective actions with deadlines. Ownership and timing make the difference—not just identifying gaps.
One site I supported improved their audit results significantly just by running shorter weekly audits instead of doing everything at once.
Common Gaps Found During Internal Audits – And How This Checklist Helps
Internal audits often reveal repeating themes—because they mirror real-life workflow pressure. The most common gaps we see across industries include:
Out-of-date procedures or obsolete printed documents
Allergen control validation missing or inconsistent
Incomplete hygiene records (especially deep cleans)
No evidence of equipment verification even when calibration exists
Training records that don’t match tasks being performed
Traceability tests taking too long or missing links
This checklist helps catch these issues early—when they’re easy to correct rather than stress-inducing during a certification audit.
Pro tip: Add a severity or risk-rating column to prioritize action plans after each audit round.
Who Should Use This Checklist – Roles & Responsibilities
Internal audits aren’t just a QA responsibility—they’re a business responsibility.
Ideal users include:
Internal auditors
QA managers and supervisors
HACCP team members
Line leaders and operations managers
Maintenance and sanitation leads (for targeted sections)
When teams across the site participate, the internal audit becomes a cultural habit—not a compliance chore.
A processor I supported improved dramatically when they stopped assuming QA “owned everything.” Once production supervisors joined the process, findings dropped because issues were caught earlier.
Printable vs Digital Format – Choose What Fits Your Workflow
You’ll get the checklist in three formats because every facility works differently:
PDF printable version for on-floor, pen-and-clipboard audits
Editable spreadsheet for digital record-keeping and team collaboration
Optional document-control-friendly format for sites already using software systems
If you’re still transitioning from paper to digital, having both formats lets you evolve without losing structure.
Pro tip: Use auto-date fields or stamps in digital formats—missing dates remain one of the most common preventable non-conformities.
FAQs – BRC V9 Internal Audit Checklist
How often should internal audits be completed? At minimum annually—but the best sites break them into regular cycles throughout the year.
Can one checklist really cover the whole standard? Yes—when structured by requirement and backed by evidence checks.
Do auditors need formal certification? Not always—but competence must be demonstrated and documented.
Conclusion – Download and Start Strengthening Your Audit Readiness
A strong internal audit system builds confidence long before the certification audit arrives. It shows your team what’s working, what needs support, and where consistency needs strengthening.
If you’re ready to move from reactive audits to predictable compliance, your next step is simple:
Download the checklist, assign roles, and start auditing with purpose—not pressure.
If you’d like, you can also request:
A customized version for your facility
A training session to onboard internal auditors
Or a complete internal audit toolkit bundle
You already have the interest—and now you have the structure.
Melissa Lavaro is a seasoned ISO consultant and an enthusiastic advocate for quality management standards. With a rich experience in conducting audits and providing consultancy services, Melissa specializes in helping organizations implement and adapt to ISO standards. Her passion for quality management is evident in her hands-on approach and deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks. Melissa’s expertise and energetic commitment make her a sought-after consultant, dedicated to elevating organizational compliance and performance through practical, insightful guidance.
