Know more about Veggies From Mexico: Internal Audit
Member companies from the Veggies From Mexico community must undergo a series of ongoing revisions called Internal Audits. These audits consist of the following:
Weekly, specific compliance criteria based on the key points of the commercial schemes most widely used in farming (For example: Primus GFS, GlobalGAP, SRRC, and SMETA) are evaluated.
Good practices are reviewed in all production units, packaging, and, if applicable, shelters (including areas such as warehouses, daycare centers, and other areas involved in certifications).
Every week, one of these areas is chosen for audit until all areas of the company are audited. Then, a new audit cycle begins throughout the production season.
During these reviews, subjects such as food safety and social responsibility are evaluated, as well as related subtopics such as quality management systems, traceability, environmental protection, and more.
.
.
Before starting operations, each company must send Eleven Rivers Growers its general information, along with other documents, to plan the audit cycle.
Our internal auditors send a weekly reminder 48 hours in advance to the visit, so that the company is ready and, in the event the visit cannot take place due to force majeure causes, the visit can be rescheduled for the same week.
On the day of the audit, the auditor must hold an opening meeting to discuss the details of the visit, such as the area and the criteria to be audited where, once again, changes can be made if necessary due to force majeure.
The auditor obtains evidence by reviewing documents, observing areas, staff practices, and interviewing the staff, all under the scope of the audit. The company must allow the auditor to always collect this evidence. If nonconformities are detected, the auditor must report them immediately.
By the end of the audit, the auditor holds a closing meeting to present the nonconformities detected so that the company is aware, as it is their last opportunity to provide evidence in the event the company disagrees with the findings.
Nonconformities are documented in the audit report, which also includes the final grade and conclusion of the audit (Approved or Not Approved). The minimum grade to be approved is 85%, provided that no nonconformities considered as critical (Type D) were identified.
.
.
The audit report must be signed by both parties, a copy is given to the company, and the original document is kept as evidence by Eleven Rivers Growers.
The audit concludes when the auditor uploads the audit report to the Eleven Rivers Growers digital information platform, where the audited company can view the results of their current audit and their record.
The purpose of conducting these audits on an ongoing basis is to ensure that companies are maintaining their level of compliance throughout the season, thereby reducing risks that could affect the marketing of fresh farming products. Consequently, these companies stay updated and create a culture of compliance.
For more information:
📧Conzuelo Lindoro Luquez operacion@elevenrivers.org
📞 +52 (667)712-9350
