Who This Service Is For
Remote verification may be suitable for some eligible food businesses operating under National Programme requirements. This may include eligible NP1, NP2 or NP3 businesses in rural or regional locations, businesses with suitable internet and video technology, businesses with a good compliance history, and businesses that do not export food.
Remote Verification Eligibility
A business may be considered for remote verification if it operates under a National Programme, has a good compliance history, does not export food, has suitable technology available onsite, has a reliable internet connection, and the verifier would otherwise need to travel a long distance to visit the site. Not all food businesses qualify.
What Technology Is Needed?
- Smartphone, tablet or laptop with camera
- Voice communication
- Reliable internet connection
- Video call app such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp or similar
- Ability to show the verifier around the site using live video
- Ability to send records and documents electronically
- Staff available to answer questions during the verification
Benefits of Remote Verification
- Reducing travel costs
- Reducing travel time
- Supporting businesses in rural or regional locations
- Allowing records to be reviewed electronically
- Making verification more practical where onsite travel is difficult
Limitations of Remote Verification
Remote verification may not be suitable where the business does not meet eligibility criteria, has poor compliance history, exports food, cannot provide reliable video access, or the food safety risk requires onsite assessment. If remote verification is not suitable, an onsite verification may be required.
Our Process
Initial Enquiry
We discuss your business, National Programme level, location, compliance history and whether remote verification may be suitable.
Eligibility Assessment
We assess whether your business may qualify for remote verification, considering registration type, food activities, compliance history, export status, location and technology.
Information Pack and Document Request
If remote verification appears suitable, we request relevant records including registration certificate, scope of operations, food safety procedures, monitoring records and previous verification report.
Technology Check
Before the verification day, we may test the video call system to confirm the internet connection works, camera and sound are clear, and documents can be shared electronically.
Remote Verification Assessment
The verifier leads the business through the remote verification process, including an opening meeting, review of records, staff questions, live video walk-through and review of corrective actions.
Findings and Corrective Actions
After the assessment, the verifier explains the findings. If corrective actions are required, the business will be advised what needs to be addressed and the timeframe.
Verification Report
A written verification report is issued summarising the verification outcome, evidence reviewed, corrective actions required, agreed timeframes and next verification date or frequency.
Corrective Action Close-Out
If corrective actions are raised, the business must complete them and provide evidence by the agreed date, such as updated procedures, completed records or staff training evidence.
Want to Know Whether Your Business May Qualify for Remote Verification?
Contact us today for free initial guidance. We can help you understand whether remote verification may be suitable and what records or technology you need to prepare.