Frequently asked questions about food safety, packaging and audits
We answer the most common questions we receive from customers, categorized by topic so you can find what you're looking for quickly.
FAQ blocks by topic
General information about QBox and our work
No. No one reputable can guarantee that. What we do is prepare your system to meet all the requirements and not depend on the “goodwill” of the certification auditor.
Yes. If we detect that a company lacks a genuine commitment to complying with regulations or is trying to “simulate” a system, we don’t accept the project. We’ve done this several times already, because we prefer to focus on committed clients where our work has a real impact.
Often, yes. Our team consists of lead auditors and consultants with direct experience in certification for bodies like Bureau Veritas, as well as highly skilled specialists. This combination allows us to evaluate with the same rigor as a certification body, but with the freedom to delve deeply into each process, without time or scope limitations.
Yes, and always with absolute confidentiality. We have confidentiality agreements and internal protocols to ensure that information is not shared.
Yes, if requested. And in that case, we intervene to clarify technical doubts, always without interfering with the independence of the certification auditor.
Maximum technical rigor. We don’t embellish audits or reports to make ourselves look good. If there are 5 nonconformities, you’ll have them, with evidence and clear solutions. Our goal is for your system to pass any audit with flying colors, not just to look good on paper.
We primarily work with the food industry and food contact packaging, but also with sectors that require quality management, safety or similar regulatory requirements.
At QBox, we believe the best way to understand our value is to discuss your specific needs. Tell us about your situation, and we’ll explain how we can help you improve and certify your system with confidence.
Direct, Controversial
No. If there’s no real commitment to implementing a solid system, we won’t work on the project. We believe in our work.
Yes, and we have done it. Our reputation is based on rigor and real results, not on “fussing” systems.
It’s a daily occurrence, because we apply the same level of rigor as a certification body, but with the freedom to go beyond the minimum requirements of the standard.
Yes. A lax report creates a false sense of security. A rigorous one prepares your company for any audit or inspection.
We don’t just “pass the audit.” Our approach is to ensure your system is robust and sustainable over time: we identify risks that the standard doesn’t require you to assess, but which can affect your company’s security, legality, or reputation. This way, even if the audit is successful, the system continues to function and comply on a daily basis, without relying on occasional audits.
We don’t offer guarantees, because no one reputable can. What we do guarantee is a system that is technically prepared to meet the requirements, regardless of the auditor. Ultimate success will also depend on management providing the necessary resources and commitment to implement and maintain the improvements.
Yes. We have protocols and confidentiality agreements that guarantee that information is never shared between clients, even if they are direct competitors.
Yes. We can act as independent external auditors to detect issues that others have missed or downplayed.
Not legitimately. Certification bodies and serious audits detect it. Our job is to get you to true compliance, not to find shortcuts.
Yes, but always with complete internal independence. If we implement a system, the internal audit is carried out by a consultant or auditor from the team who was not involved in the consulting process. This ensures objectivity and credibility in the results, avoiding conflicts of interest.
Consulting and HACCP
It is the preventative system that guarantees food safety, mandatory by law throughout the EU for any company that handles, processes, stores, or distributes food. This includes restaurants and small establishments.
No. No standard would accept it; it is a legal violation (IFS, BRCGS, FSSC, ISO22000 etc.).
How long does it take to implement a HACCP system?
Have HACCP implemented, facilities and equipment in hygienic conditions, staff training and documentation required by the competent authority.
Yes. We review your system, identifying technical, legal, or approach deficiencies, and update it to comply with legislation and pass audits/inspections without surprises.
Yes. HACCP without solid prerequisites is ineffective. We assess and correct cleaning, pest control, maintenance, traceability, etc.
Yes. We validate critical points, limits, and controls, ensuring that what is documented is fulfilled in practice.
Can I unify HACCP for several lines or products?
Yes. We adapt the hazard analysis to migration risks, materials, and specific packaging legislation.
Yes. We can assist with inspections, respond to requests, and provide HACCP documentation to the relevant authorities. Please note that in the event of an unannounced visit, it’s difficult to be present; in these cases, we close the action plan.
Internal and client audits
We conduct internal audits, supplier audits, hygiene and sanitation inspections, and we also assist with certification or customer audits.
Of course. You can request a one-off inspection, scheduled or unannounced, depending on your specific needs.
We work with industries, restaurants, hotels, catering, franchises, retail businesses and any type of establishment in the food sector.
Yes, to simulate real inspections and measure the team’s reaction to unplanned situations. Many are done like this!
Yes, it is part of every audit and standard.
Yes, we do partial audits focused on critical areas when the client needs it.
Stop. We include clear evidence to avoid any ambiguity in the corrections. In addition to focusing on what is required for certification.
We create a custom checklist tailored to each client, incorporating regulatory, legal, and client requirements. Alternatively, we utilize tools derived from the standards themselves.
Yes, we can assist you in clarifying technical and documentary aspects, always respecting the independence of the certification auditor.
Yes. We use videoconferencing tools, online document review, and evidence recording, although at least part of the operational aspect is in person.
Training
From basic training in food handling and good hygiene practices, to advanced courses in HACCP, international regulations (IFS, BRCGS, ISO), Food Fraud and Food Defence.
Yes, we design customized training according to the sector, the products you manufacture and the level of the staff (operators, technicians, middle management, senior management).
Yes, all our courses include official certification or accreditation diploma, valid according to current legislation and useful in internal or external audits.
Yes. We can integrate your procedures and real-world examples to make the training 100% applicable.
Yes. We can organize intensive in-person or online sessions to meet legal or client requirements within short timeframes.
Yes. All certificates include identifying information and the content taught, to ensure traceability of training.
Yes. We offer a hybrid model to optimize time and costs without sacrificing quality.
Yes. We keep the content updated in accordance with changes in legislation and international standards.
Standards and certifications
Yes. We manage the transition between standards (for example, from BRCGS to IFS) ensuring that the new requirements and deadlines are met.
The accredited one is backed by an official body (such as ENAC) and has much greater international, commercial and legal recognition.
Not always, but many customers and distribution chains require it as a requirement.
Yes. We design integrated systems to comply with multiple standards at once without duplicating work or documentation.
Yes. We can include the certification standard, current legislation, and specifications of your key clients in the same audit.