Edition 514 Title: Organic Food Certification Auditing: The Unchanged Mindset and the Ethics of Compliance

Auditing organic food certification is meant to be a process of rigorous evaluation, transparency, and trust. However, across years of practice, some Food Business Operators (FBOs) continue to exhibit an outdated mindset. The habits of arranging costly hotels, offering gifts, providing food from expensive restaurants, and even the notorious 'cash in envelope' practice—these are lingering signals that some still view audits as a formality that can be influenced rather than a genuine measure of compliance. The industry has evolved, regulations have strengthened, but has the mindset kept pace?

Codex Crafted Auditors vs. The Old Guard Practices

Some auditors take pride in being 'purely Codex crafted'—unwavering in their ethical standpoints, fully aligned with international food safety principles, and resistant to any attempt at persuasion. These professionals have built their reputations on integrity, refusing even the smallest gestures that could be seen as influencing the outcome of an audit. Yet, within certification bodies and food businesses alike, there are those who still attempt to 'outsmart' the system.

During audits, Senior Certification managers with tie-ups to FBO or Directors of FBO sometimes try to manipulate the process, asserting their seniority, dictating the terms of engagement, or subtly suggesting ways to avoid non-compliance this also makes good Food auditors lose integrity in the system. The strategy to FBO on handling it openly ? Keep responses limited, show only the requested documents, minimize interaction, and—if issues are raised—simply mitigate them post-audit. The idea that 'anything raised can be diluted or bridged for compliance' is an approach that undermines the very essence of organic certification.

The Reality of Audit Mind Games

The audit process is meant to uncover the reality of an operation—not just its best face on audit day. However, in certain food businesses, the approach remains tactical rather than ethical. The closing meeting, designed for constructive feedback and resolution, is often seen as a negotiation table rather than a point of compliance correction.

Some FBOs employ a mindset of containment: 'Just act normally during an audit.' But is normalcy an act, or should it be a consistent practice? If compliance is only showcased for the duration of an audit and diluted once the auditor leaves, then the foundation of organic integrity is at risk. Organic certification is not just about passing an audit—it is about sustaining genuine compliance.

Time for a Mindset Shift

If the industry is to evolve, both auditors and businesses must shift their perspectives. Auditors must remain resilient against external influences, and certification bodies must prioritize ethics over convenience. Meanwhile, food businesses must recognize that organic certification is not just a badge but a responsibility.

At Organil Services, we understand that true organic certification is built on trust, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Domestically and globally, we work with stakeholders to uphold stringent standards, ensure ethical auditing practices, and bridge gaps in compliance with education and awareness programs. Our mission is to foster a world where organic certification is not just a checkbox but a promise of authenticity and sustainability.

The unchanged mindset must change. Organic certification cannot be a game of loopholes or a process of strategic accommodation. It must reflect authentic practices that consumers can trust. If anything, the industry must ask itself: Is compliance an annual performance, or is it a commitment to organic integrity every day of the year?

What do you think? Have you encountered such challenges in the industry? Join the conversation and help us shape a more transparent and ethical organic certification landscape.