| What is a gap assessment? | What are the benefits of a gap assessment? | What food safety standard is used in the gap assessment? | How long is a gap assessment? | How much does a gap assessment cost? | What is the scope of the gap assessment? | What happens during a gap assessment? | What happens after the gap assessment is conducted? | What are the qualifications of the gap assessment team? | How often can a gap assessment be conducted at my facility? | Who to contact for a gap assessment? | Testimonials
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What is a Gap Assessment?
A gap assessment is an informal review of your food safety system compared to a known standard such as the Alberta HACCP Advantage (AHA!). We help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your system and areas where your food safety practices are not meeting the requirements of the specific food safety standard. A gap assessment report, documents the distance between where you are now and where you need or want to be. We provide you with feedback on how you are doing and suggestions on where to improve.
What Are the Benefits of a Gap Assessment?
A gap assessment is a valuable tool to help you evaluate your food safety system. The gap assessment team brings an impartial, third party perspective that can help you see your operation through the eyes of an auditor. Throughout the gap assessment process, you can learn more about the requirements of a food safety standard as well as the requirements of a food safety system.
A gap assessment can help you:
- identify the deficiencies in your food safety system
- develop a plan for making improvements to your facility and its operation
- determine if you are ready for a certification and recognition audit
- prepare you for your first audit
What Food Safety Standard is Used in the Gap Assessment?
We routinely use the AHA! Alberta HACCP Advantage, unless another standard is requested.
How Long is a Gap Assessment?
A gap assessment can usually be conducted within one working day depending on the size of your facility, the developmental stage of your food safety system and the team’s availability. On the rare occasion, a two day gap assessment may be needed. The length of the gap assessment is discussed with you in advance. Alternatively, the gap assessment can be divided up as a series of gaps smaller in scope over a period of time.
How Much Does a Gap Assessment Cost?
All gap assessments are provided as a free service by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development.
What is The Scope of The Gap Assessment?
The scope is discussed with you prior to the gap assessment.You may wish to cover the entire standard, or it can focus on certain programs. The gap assessment team can evaluate practices and procedures in your facility as well as a documentation review including procedures and completed records.
What Happens During a Gap Assessment?
A team of 2 food safety specialist assessors accompanied by the facility’s food safety personnel or designate walk through the facility to evaluate your existing food safety system. The team reviews developed programs and assesses the degree of implementation within the facility. The team will also be looking to see if the facility staff are performing their duties according to procedures and practices outlined in your food safety system and according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s).
What Happens After The Gap Assessment is Conducted?
- At the end of the gap assessment we conduct an exit interview with you to highlight achievements and identify areas that require attention.
- We provide you with a final report within 10 business days of the assessment. This report provides you with a road map for improving your food safety system.
- We may also periodically follow up with you to encourage continuous improvement of the food safety system and to offer continued support and coaching.
What Are The Qualifications of The Gap Assessment Team?
All assessors:
- bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from various commodities and processes.
- have taken ASQ (American Society of Quality) Certified HACCP Auditor training.
- have been trained in the gap assessment program.
- have extensive experience and training on HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) and food safety systems.
How Often Can a Gap Assessment be Conducted at my Facility?
Gap assessments can be conducted as often as necessary (in relation to measuring improvements in your food safety program) and as AARD resources permit. It is recommended that further improvements to your food safety system occur prior to requesting another gap assessment.
Who to Contact For a Gap Assessment?
Lethbridge – Kevin Smith 403-892-0213
High River – Janice Futz 403-422-0406
Airdrie – Monika Frank-Ruediger 403-804-7370, Claude Baker 403-813-0126, Mark Miller 403-852-8522
Edmonton – Kelly Sawka 780-994-4513, Darlene Dittrich 780-886-4210, Son Nguyen 780-913-1444
Testimonials
"The Gap Assessment was an invaluable tool to gauge our progress and shortcomings in a constructive and friendly manner. The team was knowledgeable and informative, and focused on continual improvement within our system implementation. Great experience all around!" - Permolex Inc. |