Alyssa McMahan, Audit Specialist with FSNS recently outlined the requirements and procedures for remote audits in a recent release. McMahan stressed the need for a durable and functional internet connection to review HACCP data and food safety plans. This is critical to a successfully conduct a remote audit.

 In many rural areas internet connectivity is less than reliable and accordingly to be feasible, a remote audit must be tested and shown to be compatible with a remote process.  By using prepared electronic HACCP records, document review through a remote audit is possible.  FSNS auditors perform a remote audit followed by an in-person review of a facility following acceptable precautions to prevent introduction or contracting COVID-19.