What is the first step in conducting a food safety audit?

The first step in conducting a food safety audit is assessing compliance with food safety regulations and standards. This step is crucial because it establishes a baseline for evaluating the overall safety practices in a food establishment. By examining regulations and standards, auditors can identify the specific requirements that must be met to ensure food safety, such as proper handling, storage, and preparation of food.

This foundational step allows the auditor to determine how closely the establishment adheres to mandated guidelines, which helps in pinpointing areas that may require improvement or adjustment. It sets the stage for subsequent steps, such as inspecting kitchen cleanliness, reviewing employee training records, and analyzing customer feedback. By starting with compliance, auditors can apply a structured approach to the audit, ensuring that all aspects of food safety are adequately addressed in later phases.