What is an Audit Deferred status?
An Audit Deferred status is applied when a business has experienced crop loss or similar adverse circumstances such as natural disasters, extreme weather events, drought and water restrictions – which means you are not seeking Freshcare Certification at this time, as you have ceased production and distribution of produce.
How do I defer my audit?
You will need to contact your Certification Body prior to your audit date and explain the reason for requesting a deferred audit. The request needs to be a written request with the reason why you are deferring your audit.
The Certification Body will then inform Freshcare who will move your status to Audit Deferred once the current certificate expires.
How long can a business defer their audit?
Businesses can stay in Audit Deferred status until they re-commence production. This could be 2 years in some cases and is dependent on the crop (e.g. orchard).
What to do when operations resume:
- Notify your Certification Body to organise an audit date
- Ensure that you have conducted all the necessary testing requirements
- Ensure your records are up-to-date
- Ensure training meets the Freshcare requirements
Does the audit cycle and expiry date get reset from when the audit is conducted or does it follow the previous cycle?
The audit cycle remains, however if your business is ready earlier then the re-certification audit month gets re-set.
When the audit is conducted is this a recertification audit or initial audit?
The audit is a recertification audit.
