Insights from “Food Certifications in 15” with Joel Verke and Alex Hanley
Moving Beyond the Checklist Mentality
As food safety standards continue to evolve, so must the way organizations approach auditing. In a recent episode of Food Certifications in 15, hosted by Joel Verke, industry expert Alex Hanley explains why vertical audits are becoming an essential component of modern food safety programs.
With schemes like SQF now incorporating vertical audits into Version 10, this approach is no longer optional for many certified facilities. But what exactly is a vertical audit, and why does it matter?
What Is a Vertical Audit?
A vertical audit is a method that examines a single production run or date across all food safety programs. Rather than reviewing procedures in isolation, it follows the “trail” of records through multiple systems, such as sanitation, maintenance, supplier approval, and HACCP.
Think of it as taking a thin slice through every layer of your food safety system. Instead of asking, “Do we have this procedure?”, a vertical audit asks, “Did everything actually work together on this specific day?”
Strengthening Audit Rigor Through Systems Thinking
Traditional checklist-style audits often focus on whether procedures exist. While this satisfies basic requirements, it doesn’t always confirm whether those procedures are effective.
As Hanley explains, true audit rigor comes from evaluating a food safety management system as an interconnected whole. A strong system should link:
- Hazard analysis (HACCP)
- Preventive controls (e.g., sanitation, pest control, supplier programs)
- Monitoring and verification activities
- Internal audit processes
When these elements operate in silos, risk increases. Vertical audits help uncover whether these components are aligned or simply documented.
Why Checklisting Falls Short
Checklist-based auditing has long been the norm across industries. However, it can create a false sense of security.
A checklist might confirm:
- Procedures exist
- Forms are completed
- Records are present
But it doesn’t confirm:
- If those records reflect reality
- If processes are consistently followed
- If controls are truly effective
In short, checklisting verifies presence, not performance.
Vertical audits, by contrast, challenge the system. They reveal gaps between what an organization says it does and what happens on the floor.
Supporting the “Ready Every Day” Mindset
One of the most valuable outcomes of vertical auditing is its role in promoting audit readiness year-round, not just during certification season.
Facilities often fall into the trap of preparing for audits through last-minute cleanups or documentation reviews. However, certification bodies, including SQF and BRCGS, expect systems to be effective every day.
Vertical audits help organizations:
- Align documented procedures with actual practices
- Identify inconsistencies in real time
- Reinforce accountability across departments
The result is a system that is not only compliant but operationally effective.
How PJRFSI Supports Stronger Audit Outcomes
At Perry Johnson Registrars Food Safety, Inc. (PJRFSI), we recognize that effective auditing goes beyond compliance. Our certification approach emphasizes:
- System-based auditing techniques that evaluate real-world implementation
- Experienced auditors who understand operational challenges
- Value-added insights that help improve your programs
As vertical audits become more prevalent, partnering with a certification body that understands their intent and application is critical.
Looking Ahead
Vertical audits represent a shift toward more meaningful, system-driven evaluations of food safety programs. In Part 2, we’ll explore the practical benefits of implementing vertical audits, including how they improve internal audits, strengthen documentation, and build stronger teams.
To watch the full recording, head over to our YouTube channel.
