Streamline retailer requirements in your audit program
Built to complement your GFSI needs
100%
of communications managed by FoodChain ID
100%
of customers and auditors are food industry
How It Works
Add Retail Audits to Your Certification Program
Step 1
Confirm the retailer audit needed
Confirm the program, site and timing so teams prepare for the right retailer requirements.
Step 2
Align with GFSI program where possible
Align addendums with your GFSI plan to reduce duplicate effort and extra site burden.
Step 3
Choose a Certification Body (CB) with scope to match your needs
FoodChain ID can perform multiple Costco audits and is an approved McDonald’s SQMS CB.
Step 4
Complete the retailer audit
Conduct the audit with an approved, food-focused provider with clear communication throughout.
Step 5
Stay ahead of the next audit cycle
Keep retail audits aligned with your broader program by working with our proactive team.
How We Help
Benefits of Retail Audits with FoodChain ID
Purpose-built for food & beverage companies
Processes and expertise centered around food operations
No more generic service that misses realities of the food industry
Dedicated back-office support
Keeps audits and certificates moving with less follow-up.
No more chasing schedules, emails or certification status
Expertise at every audit
Auditors have an average of 30 years of food experience.
Clear expectations and a consistent audit experience
Centralized audit coordination
Keep sites, auditors and timing aligned.
Eliminate chasing paperwork.
Extend Your Capabilities
Keep Audit Readiness Top of Mind
Pair retail audits with the programs that keep sites consistent, with evidence ready and corrective actions on track across your food safety system.
FAQ
No. These audits are add-on services that complement a GFSI program. Retailer requirements often sit on top of GFSI expectations, so many suppliers need both. Organizations commonly combine retailer audits with recognized schemes such as BRCGS certification to meet customer and market requirements.
Any site producing or supplying consumable products for Costco is required to undergo a Costco Audit. This includes sites producing animal-derived products (e.g. eggs and milk), fresh produce, food packaging materials and operations involved in the storage and distribution of products sold by Costco. Suppliers of food contact materials may also need to maintain robust food packaging compliance programs.
The McDonald’s SQMS (Supplier Quality Management System) program applies to companies who supply food products into the McDonald’s fast food chain. The Standard itself covers specific requirements from McDonald’s to cover aspects of its Supply Chain which are not requirements for GFSI audits. McDonald’s will inform their suppliers when an audit is required. Many suppliers also maintain certifications such as FSSC 22000 to support broader food safety objectives.
Once the requested audit has been scheduled and conducted, FoodChain ID Certification will manage the audit reporting process in the relevant Costco database. Corrective action reports (CARs) are required by the site to correct audit non-conformities. CARs must be uploaded to the appropriate database within the required timeframe. For produce suppliers, audit results and CARs are uploaded to Azzule. For all other suppliers, audit results and CARs are uploaded to EFA (formerly TraQtion).
A retail audit evaluates whether suppliers meet retailer-specific requirements alongside broader food safety standards. It is important because it helps ensure products meet safety, quality and compliance expectations set by retailers and regulatory bodies. Retail audits are often part of wider food safety certification and compliance programs.
A retail audit focuses on meeting specific retailer requirements, such as those from Costco or McDonald’s, while a food safety audit evaluates compliance with general food safety standards. Many suppliers need both to fully meet market and customer expectations. For example, organizations may maintain certifications such as Safe Quality Food (SQF) while also completing retailer-specific audits.