Woolworths is updating their processes on a regular basis.
The information here only applies to the following WSE audit types: WSE Food Manufacturing Standard, Industry Standards (Egg Grading Floors and Meat – Retail Ready Packing Operations, Feedlot cattle Australia, Service providers), Woolworths Liquor, Woolworths Produce Standard, HARPS, WSE Consumer Goods Program and Woolworths Ethical.
If your WSE audit is scheduled between now and 30 June 2020, the following applies to your site.
If there are no restrictions in place to prevent a BSI auditor from visiting, your audit will take place on-site as planned.
If there are restrictions in place that prevent an onsite audit:
- A remote audit may be possible and if approved by Woolworths, BSI will arrange this with your organization.
- If a remote audit is not possible, a Woolworth’s Quality Specialist (WQS) will complete a risk assessment according to the appropriate option below (a, b, c or d)
a) Annual audit frequency, GFSI base (either accepted or not accepted by Woolworths)
The relevant WQS will risk assess your site’s previous audit history as well as it’s complaints and recall/withdrawal trends. Sites with successful reviews will have a six-month extension applied. If your review is unsuccessful a WQS will contact you to outline audit requirements, which may require a remote audit to be conducted.
b) Biannual audit frequency, GFSI base (either accepted or not accepted by Woolworths)
The relevant WQS will risk assess your site’s previous audit history as well as it’s complaints and recall/withdrawal trends. Sites with successful reviews will have a three or six-month extension applied. The length of your extension will be determined by the quality of your performance. If your review is unsuccessful a WQS will contact you to outline audit requirements, which may require a remote audit to be conducted.
c) Woolworths Supplier Excellence base (standalone) and Harmonised Australian Retailer Produce Scheme (HARPS)
The relevant WQS will risk assess your site’s previous audit history as well as it’s complaints and recall/withdrawal trends. Depending on the results of the review, your will either have to undergo an on-site or remote audit or your certificate will be extended for a three or six-month period.
d) Woolworths FoodCo. Asia WSE
If your organization is a FoodCo. Asia (FCA) site, FCA is managing each supplier on a case-by-case basis, granting extension approval accordingly.
From 1 July 2020, if steps one and two (listed above) are not possible or you have an extension in place under a GFSI-certified scheme, you can apply for special consideration for an extension to your audit date. To qualify for this extension, you must provide your Woolworth’s Quality Specialist with the following:
- Your site’s COVID-19 safe plan
- A site risk assessment
- A listing of other standards your site(s) are certified to and the expiry date of those certifications
- The date of expiry granted to your GFSI certification if you’re applying for the WSE extension based on this option