External and Internal Site Condition
Aligned with FSSC 22000 Requirements
Requirement Overview
FSSC 22000 requires that the facility’s internal and external infrastructure be maintained in a manner that supports hygienic operations, prevents contamination, and protects product safety. Proper site design and upkeep are essential for controlling physical, chemical, microbiological, and pest-related hazards.
The site must be suitable for food production, regularly inspected, and maintained to minimize any risk to food safety. Both external and internal areas must support cleaning, pest prevention, and structural integrity.
Aligned with BRCGS for Storage & Distribution Issue 4 – Clause 4.3.1 & 4.3.3
Requirement Overview
BRCGS for Storage & Distribution requires that products moved via cross-docking are traceable and controlled at all times, even when they are not held in storage for extended periods.
Clause 4.3.1: “The company shall ensure that traceability is maintained at all stages, including during cross-docking operations.”
Clause 4.3.3: “Procedures shall be in place to ensure that all products handled, including those not stored on-site, remain under control and are not subject to contamination or substitution.”
Cross-docking operations must not compromise product traceability, safety, or integrity. Even with minimal handling and temporary presence, each product must be accurately identified, documented, and protected.
Key Compliance Objectives
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✓ Maintain clean, hygienic, and damage-free internal areas
✓ Prevent pest ingress and harborage in external surroundings
✓ Support hygienic zoning and ease of cleaning
✓ Ensure sound building structure and environment control
Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation
1. Maintain the External Site Environment
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Key Areas to Monitor:
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• Surrounding grounds and landscaping
• Waste handling and disposal areas
• Drainage, stormwater, and stagnant water risks
• Perimeter integrity, fencing, and building exteriors
Preventive Measures:
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• Regular cleaning and vegetation trimming
• Controlled waste disposal and timely pickup
• Sealing of potential pest entry points
Evidence to Maintain:
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• External inspection checklists
• Pest management service reports
• Grounds maintenance logs
- • Surrounding grounds and landscaping • Waste handling and disposal areas • Drainage, stormwater, and stagnant water risks • Perimeter integrity, fencing, and building exteriors
- • Regular cleaning and vegetation trimming • Controlled waste disposal and timely pickup • Sealing of potential pest entry points
- • External inspection checklists • Pest management service reports • Grounds maintenance logs
2. Ensure Internal Areas Are Hygienic and Fit for Purpose
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Key Areas to Assess:
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• Floors, walls, ceilings, and drains
• Windows, doors, and structural junctions
• Lighting, ventilation, and moisture control
Control Measures Include:
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• Smooth, damage-free, and cleanable surfaces
• No peeling paint, exposed insulation, or open joints
• Design features that prevent condensation and accumulation
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Maintenance and repair logs
• Building layout and hygienic zoning maps
• Daily or weekly housekeeping inspection records
- • Floors, walls, ceilings, and drains • Windows, doors, and structural junctions • Lighting, ventilation, and moisture control
- • Smooth, damage-free, and cleanable surfaces • No peeling paint, exposed insulation, or open joints • Design features that prevent condensation and accumulation
- • Maintenance and repair logs • Building layout and hygienic zoning maps • Daily or weekly housekeeping inspection records
3. Implement Inspection and Maintenance Programs
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Program Requirements:
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• Routine structural and facility inspections
• Scheduled preventive maintenance activities
• Prompt repair and documentation of facility defects
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Preventive maintenance plans and SOPs
• Work order tracking (open/closed)
• Before-and-after photos or repair logs
- • Routine structural and facility inspections • Scheduled preventive maintenance activities • Prompt repair and documentation of facility defects
- • Preventive maintenance plans and SOPs • Work order tracking (open/closed) • Before-and-after photos or repair logs
4. Control Zoning and Environmental Conditions
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Key Zoning Practices:
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• Define and segregate low-risk, high-risk, and high-care areas
• Control air movement, personnel flow, and access points
• Monitor environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Zoning and personnel movement diagrams
• Environmental condition logs (e.g., airflow, temperature)
• Access control records for restricted areas
- • Define and segregate low-risk, high-risk, and high-care areas • Control air movement, personnel flow, and access points • Monitor environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity
- • Zoning and personnel movement diagrams • Environmental condition logs (e.g., airflow, temperature) • Access control records for restricted areas
Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes
| Audit Finding | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Structural damage or unhygienic surfaces | Repair or replace surfaces to restore cleanability and integrity |
| Pest ingress from external sources | Implement pest-proofing and enhance perimeter monitoring |
| Condensation or mold in processing zones | Improve ventilation and repair insulation or leaks |
| No maintenance tracking or records | Establish SOPs and maintain logs for all inspection and maintenance work |
