PTA Inspection - Not to Scare, But to Prepare
PTA (Agricultural and Food Board) inspection is not a disaster scenario if you're properly prepared. It's an opportunity to show that your business takes food safety seriously.
What is the Purpose of a PTA Inspection?
PTA checks whether:
- Your business complies with food law requirements
- Self-control plan exists and works
- Staff is trained
- Premises and equipment are adequate
- Documentation is in order
Step-by-Step Preparation
1 Month Before
Document review:
- Self-control plan up to date?
- Training certificates available?
- Supplier documents in order?
- Temperature logs filled?
Premises review:
- All equipment working?
- Cleaning is regular?
- Labels clear?
1 Week Before
Thorough walkthrough:
- Check every corner
- Fix all deficiencies
- Test processes
- Confirm plans with staff
Document organization:
- Put everything in order
- Create register
- Don't hide anything
On Inspection Day
Behavior:
- Be polite and cooperative
- Answer honestly
- If you don't know, say so
- Don't try to hide anything
Show:
- Your documentation system
- How processes work
- That you're proactive
- That you take safety seriously
Checklist
Premises and Equipment
- All surfaces clean
- Equipment working
- Temperatures correct
- Trash bins closed
- Ventilation working
- Lighting adequate
Documentation
- Self-control plan available
- Temperature logs filled
- Cleaning schedule marked
- Staff training documented
- Supplier documents available
- Complaints register available
Staff
- Know their roles
- Work clothes clean
- Washing hands
- Stay home when sick
- Food handling certificates valid
Common Mistakes
- Panic - Stay calm
- Apologizing - Show what you've done
- Arguments - Listen to feedback
- Promises - Only what you can deliver
If Deficiencies Are Found
Don't worry! Minor deficiencies are normal. What's important:
- Understand the problem
- Create action plan
- Implement changes
- Document the process
Follow-up Inspection
If follow-up inspection is scheduled:
- Take it seriously
- Implement all required changes
- Document everything
- Be ready to show progress
OTOH Helps
We offer:
- Inspection preparation
- Documentation review
- Staff training
- Consulting during inspection
- Follow-up inspection preparation
Get in touch and let's start your preparation today!