INTRODUCTION

In the food industry, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer of a finished food product to ensure the safety and quality of all components of that food. Through the auditing of food additive and GRAS substance producers, a finished food manufacturer is able to determine whether adequate controls are in place to ensure its producers are capable of providing product components of suitable safety and quality. The IFAC Quality Systems, Food Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices Audit Guide for Food Additives and GRAS Substances (IFAC Audit Guide) is a tool to assist in evaluating the manufacturing practices and quality systems of food additive and GRAS substance manufacturers. It is also a helpful reference to assist food additive and GRAS substance manufacturers in meeting appropriate cGMP requirements to assure consistent product safety and quality.