Assessing the Effectiveness of Non‑Conformity Grading and Schedule A Controls in Gluten‑Free Audits

[Sam]

Issue 4, launched on 5 February 2024 with audits starting 5 August 2024, introduces graded non‑conformities (though the program remains pass/fail), updated Schedule A controls, and new packaging and outside-processing clauses—including the AOECS “Crossed Grain” symbol for European gluten‑free claim alignment.

How have you approached evaluating the graded non‑conformities model during gluten‑free audits? Does it enhance clarity for clients or introduce confusion compared to pass/fail only systems?

 

[Chisala Ng'andwe]

Hi Sam. I think the graded non-conformities brought in greater clarity and harmonised the Gluten Free standard to the standard which it would be typically 'bolted on to'.
I always found it odd that in Issue 3 reference was made to the severity of nonconformities but this was not defined in the protocol. It was essentially left to the auditor and/or CB to decide on the severity grading for the nonconformity. Additionally in Issue 3 reference was made to the number of nonconformities raised during the audit having an impact on the certificate issuing decision, but yet again this was not clearly defined and left to the CB to decide the nonconformity threshold for a pass/ fail.
Issue 4 protocol alignment with the rest of the BRCGS suite of standards I think definitely brought in greater clarity, both from the perspective of understanding the severity of non conformances, and having a clear pass/fail threshold.