USDA Audit for Facilities that Handle, Distribute, and/or Process Food
The Plant Systems Audit (PSA) program provides an unbiased, third party audit of a facility’s food safety and quality systems. The frequency and scope of the audits can be tailored to meet an applicant’s needs. AMS audits are conducted during actual production. This voluntary, user fee auditing service is available upon request and can allow a firm to gain objective information about a supplier. A company may also request these services to gain an objective assessment of their own operations.
Program News
- Audit Fee Increase Effective October 1, 2024
- The Plant Systems Audit Program is undergoing changes to reflect requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) as well as current industry best-practices. Updated scopes/standards will be posted here as they become available.
Program Scope
The scope of the PSA audit will include GMP requirements with the addition of other scopes as appropriate to the operation. These include:
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Preventive Controls
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
- Cold Chain Controls
- Low Moisture Foods
- Sanitary Transport
- Additional Buyer Requirements
- Food Defense
Program Participants
Additional Resources
- FDA Preventive Controls Rule
- Current Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations
- Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA)
- FSPCA Intentional Adulteration
Contact Information
For additional information, please contact:
- Telephone: (202) 720-5021
- Fax: (866) 230-9168
- Email: SCAudits@usda.gov