What distinguishes a surveillance audit from re-certification?

• A. A surveillance audit is conducted when the supplier attains a "C" rating
• B. A surveillance audit is performed every three years
• C. Re-certification only applies to organic products
• D. Surveillance audits are optional for suppliers

Answer: (A)

The correct choice highlights that a surveillance audit is a specific type of audit related to the performance rating of a supplier. This type of audit is conducted to ensure that the supplier continues to meet the required standards set forth in the SQF certification. If a supplier has attained a "C" rating, it indicates that there may be areas of non-conformance, and a surveillance audit would be necessary to monitor and evaluate improvements or compliance to maintain their certification status.

In contrast, re-certification generally occurs at the end of a certification cycle, which is typically every three years, where a comprehensive audit is performed to confirm that the supplier meets all SQF requirements from scratch. The re-certification process is not limited to organic products; it applies to all certified entities, and surveillance audits are mandatory rather than optional. This distinction is crucial for maintaining the integrity and continuous improvement of food safety and quality standards.