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  • 1.  BRCGS v9 audit at a seafood processing facility

    Posted 12-31-2025 03:18 PM

    During a recent BRCGS v9 audit at a seafood processing facility handling scallops and lobster, we uncovered the usual range of findings around processes and compliance. But what really caught my attention-and honestly surprised me-was the attitude of some staff during interviews. Audits are meant to be opportunities: a chance to showcase best practices, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen the system. Yet, instead of seeing them that way, some approached the audit with defensiveness and caution, treating it like a threat rather than a constructive exercise.

    It's fascinating how mindset can completely shape the audit experience. Compliance isn't just about meeting standards; it's about culture, openness, and collaboration. When audits are feared, the chance for genuine improvement disappears, and the organization misses a key moment to learn and grow. A BRCGS audit should be a moment to reflect, celebrate good practices, and raise the bar-not a source of anxiety.

    The lesson is clear: fostering a positive audit culture-where people understand the purpose, feel involved, and see audits as allies-is just as important as any procedure or checklist. People are at the heart of food safety and quality systems, and their mindset can make or break the effectiveness of an audit.

    How does your organization turn audits into opportunities rather than obstacles? I'm curious to hear real strategies from the community.



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    Francisco J. Tapia Guerrero
    ftapia@qualitascertification.com
    www.linkedin.com/in/franktapiaguerrero
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  • 2.  RE: BRCGS v9 audit at a seafood processing facility

    Posted 01-02-2026 10:41 AM

    Francisco Tapia, Excellent reflection. The defensiveness often stems from a lack of psychological safety - staff fear that a finding equals a failure. To turn audits into opportunities, I've seen great success in involving floor staff in the resolution of findings, rather than just the reporting.

    When they see their feedback leads to better tools or streamlined workflows, the auditor becomes a partner in making their jobs easier. BRCGS v9 is rigorous, but as you said, it's the people who make the system breathe.



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    ROGER ARAUJO DE FREITAS
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  • 3.  RE: BRCGS v9 audit at a seafood processing facility

    Posted 02-09-2026 06:38 PM

    I hear you Francisco Tapia

    When I first started in a QA role in the early 90's, I remember feeling nervous, even defensive, when auditors arrived on site. At the time, it felt like the audit process was about finding faults rather than recognising the systems that were working well. There was very little positive reinforcement, which naturally put people on edge.

    That experience has shaped how I approach auditing today.

    When I work with clients, I make it clear from the start that an audit is about reviewing systems and processes and not people. It's not a witch hunt. A good audit should highlight what's working well, while also identifying practical opportunities for improvement.

    When organisations see audits as part of continuous improvement rather than compliance policing, conversations become more open, staff engage more confidently, and the audit becomes far more valuable.



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    Daniel McConville
    Principal Consultant
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