Setting the Stage for a Successful Audit

At QSE Academy, we’ve helped hundreds of food businesses worldwide earn their FSSC 22000 certification. And one thing’s clear: the Stage 1 Audit often catches teams off guard.

They’ve built their Food Safety Management System (FSMS), documented everything, and expect an easy ride—only to find the auditor asking for proof they never thought to show.

This article walks you through exactly how to prepare for your Stage 1 Audit under FSSC 22000 V6. You’ll learn what auditors actually look for, how to organize your documentation, which mistakes to avoid, and what to do once the audit is over.

By the end, you’ll know how to walk into Stage 1 ready, confident, and in control.

Understanding the Purpose of the FSSC 22000 V6 Stage 1 Audit

Here’s what many teams miss: Stage 1 isn’t about passing or failing. It’s about proving you’re ready for Stage 2.

The auditor reviews your documentation, checks your system’s design, and ensures your Food Safety Management System aligns with FSSC 22000 V6 and ISO 22000:2018. They’re basically asking, “Is this organization ready for the real audit?”

Think of it as your rehearsal before opening night.

Pro Tip:

Treat Stage 1 like a diagnostic check, not a box-ticking exercise. If gaps surface here, you still have time to fix them before Stage 2.

Common Mistake:

Many teams assume Stage 1 is just a paperwork review. But auditors often visit your site, talk to your staff, and even check how your PRPs are implemented. Ignoring that can delay your certification.

Organizing Documentation and Records for Stage 1 Audit Readiness

If Stage 1 had a theme, it would be “Show me the evidence.”
Auditors expect to see complete, controlled, and consistent documentation across your FSMS.

Start with a simple checklist:

• Food Safety Manual aligned with FSSC 22000 V6
• HACCP Plan and flow diagrams
• Risk and hazard analyses
• PRP procedures (based on the ISO/TS 22002 series)
• Calibration, maintenance, and training records

Keep everything version-controlled and traceable. A document-control matrix that maps each clause to its corresponding procedure helps tremendously.

Pro Tip:

Create a “Stage 1 Binder”—digital or physical—that gathers all essential records in one place. During audits, speed and organization say a lot about your maturity level.

Common Mistake:

Missing calibration or training records. They seem small, but auditors flag them fast. A missing thermometer calibration record once cost one of our clients an entire reschedule.

Internal Audits and Management Review: Your Stage 1 Foundation

If you haven’t completed at least one internal audit and management review, you’re not ready for Stage 1.

Auditors want to see that you’ve already checked your system’s performance and leadership has reviewed results, decisions, and improvements.

Think of it this way—if you wouldn’t drive without testing your brakes, don’t go into Stage 1 without verifying your FSMS.

Here’s what you need ready:

• Internal audit reports covering all FSSC 22000 V6 clauses
• Records of corrective actions and their follow-up status
• Minutes and decisions from your management review

In my experience, one client used their internal audit results as proof of continuous improvement. The auditor was impressed enough to shorten their Stage 2 duration.

Common Mistake:

Completing internal audits but never closing nonconformities. It tells auditors you found problems but didn’t act on them—and that’s a red flag.

Site Readiness and PRP Implementation Check

Stage 1 auditors don’t just stay in the meeting room. They’ll likely walk your facility to confirm that Pre-Requisite Programs (PRPs) are in place and functioning.

This includes hygiene, maintenance, pest control, waste management, and infrastructure. Everything must align with ISO/TS 22002-1 or the relevant PRP standard for your sector.

Checklist for PRP Verification:

• Clear zoning and flow to avoid cross-contamination
• Clean, well-maintained areas and equipment
• Documented sanitation schedules and pest control logs
• Supplier approval and traceability processes

Pro Tip:

Take dated photos as PRP evidence. They’re great for internal verification and show auditors you’re actively maintaining your system.

Common Mistake:

Focusing too much on paperwork while the site itself tells another story. Auditors trust what they see more than what they read.

Common Stage 1 Audit Findings and How to Prevent Them

Over the years, we’ve seen the same issues pop up repeatedly:

• Unclear scope statement or missing product categories
• HACCP plans without validation evidence
• Supplier evaluation not documented
• PRP monitoring logs incomplete or unsigned

How to Prevent These Issues:

Run a mock Stage 1 audit one week before the real one. Use a gap-analysis checklist aligned with FSSC 22000 V6 clauses. It helps you catch weak spots early and enter the audit with confidence.

A food-packaging company we supported cut their findings by 80% just by rehearsing their audit using QSE Academy’s checklist template. Preparation pays off.

What Happens After Stage 1: Next Steps Toward Stage 2 Audit

Once Stage 1 is complete, you’ll receive an audit report summarizing findings and opportunities for improvement. This document is gold—it’s your personalized roadmap to Stage 2 success.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Review every comment carefully.
2. Close identified gaps and verify effectiveness.
3. Submit evidence if required.
4. Schedule Stage 2 only once you can demonstrate objective proof of closure.

Pro Tip:

Treat the auditor’s feedback like free consulting. They’re showing you exactly what to fix before certification.

In our experience, clients who take Stage 1 feedback seriously breeze through Stage 2.

FAQs — Preparing for FSSC 22000 V6 Stage 1 Audit

Q1. How long does a Stage 1 Audit take?
Usually one to two days, depending on your site’s size and complexity.

Q2. Do I need to have all PRPs implemented before Stage 1?
Yes. Auditors expect to see PRPs functioning with records to prove compliance.

Q3. What if the auditor finds major gaps?
You’ll receive a nonconformity report and must address those findings before moving forward to Stage 2.

Conclusion — Your Next Step to Certification Confidence

Stage 1 Audit success isn’t luck—it’s preparation.
Have your documentation ready, internal audits complete, PRPs active, and management engaged. Do that, and Stage 1 becomes a smooth validation step instead of a stressful test.

At QSE Academy, we’ve guided countless organizations through this exact process using our FSSC 22000 V6 Stage 1 Audit Checklist and expert consulting.

If you’re ready to get your team Stage 1-ready, download our checklist or book a free consultation.
You’ll walk into your audit knowing exactly what to expect—and more importantly, ready to impress your auditor.