Using a Third Pary Auditor

  • Print this page
  • Download as PDF
  • Share this page

TPA program information for businesses

The Food Authority’s Regulatory Food Safety Auditor System, (the system) allows eligible food businesses to apply to use approved third party auditors (TPAs) for their food safety audits. The system is designed to make the audit process more flexible and efficient for businesses.  

A facility must apply to the Food Authority to engage a TPA.

To be considered, facilities must:

  • operate in an eligible industry (see below)
  • have a suitable audit and compliance history
  • have received an A or B rating at their most recent audits
  • have no outstanding enforcement action.

The minimum requirements for licensed facilities to be approved are detailed in the Guide to Implementing a Regulatory Food Safety Auditor System (PDF, 164 KB).

Which businesses can apply?

Businesses licensed under the following permissions may apply to move to the system:

  • facilities licensed to provide food to vulnerable persons
  • cold food storage
  • dairy primary production
  • plant products
  • seafood processing
  • seafood processing – RTE products
  • seafood processing – RTE including wet storage
  • aquaculture with processing, excluding shellfish – RTE products

Facilities with multiple licence permissions should contact the Food Authority for  

What are food safety audits?

An audit is a process where an authorised auditor visits a facility to assess food safety compliance. During the audit, the auditor inspects the facility, observes food handling practices, and reviews food safety documentation (including the food safety program and monitoring).

Regular audits are a crucial, as they help to:  

  • protect public health and safety  
  • ensure the food you prepare, serve or sell is safe for human consumption
  • verify your compliance with the NSW Food Regulation 2025.

Audits can be conducted by either:  

  • an authorised officer from the NSW Food Authority
  • a regulatory food safety auditor (third party auditor) if your facility is approved under this system.  

Why choose a third party auditor?

  • Convenience: schedule audits at a time that fits your business needs.  
  • Consistency: build a relationship with the same auditor, ensuring they understand your systems and processes.  
  • Efficiency: with a familiar auditor, audits may take less time, minimise need to repeat information.
  • Cost savings: fixed price or negotiated audit fees.

Auditor powers and limitations

TPAs can rate an audit as ‘unacceptable’ but do not have the same enforcement powers as a Food Authority employed authorised officer. All audit results, including unacceptable ratings, are shared with the Food Authority for follow-up as required. TPAs are only permitted to audit food businesses within their approved scope.

To find out more about the duties of food safety auditors, visit Third party auditor requirements.

How to apply

Complete and submit the facility application form TPA006 (PDF, 42 KB). The Food Authority will assess the application and notify of the outcome in writing.  

How to find a TPA auditor

A list of approved TPAs is available on the TPA auditor register.

More information