Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more about ASC Consultants and the services we offer? Here are some common questions our clients ask when they first contact us.
OUR CORE SERVICES
- What food safety consulting services does ASC Consultants offer in South Africa?
- Which food safety standards do you implement and support?
- How does ASC Consultants help companies achieve FSSC 22000 certification?
- Do you provide HACCP plans and validation for manufacturers and hospitality businesses?
- How long does an ISO 22000, BRCGS, or FSSC 22000 implementation take?
Audits & Compliance
- Can ASC Consultants conduct internal audits for ISO 22000, BRCGS, IFS, and FSSC 22000?
- Do you offer supplier audits and second-party audits across South Africa?
- Can you help us prepare quickly for customer, retailer, or third-party audits?
- How do you ensure long-term compliance after certification?
- Do you help with legal compliance for food safety in South Africa?
Training (r638 & OTHER)
- Do you provide on-site training for food safety teams?
- What is Regulations R638 training for Persons-in-Charge in South Africa?
- Who must complete R638 training, and what are the legal benefits?
- What content is covered in ASC Consultants’ R638 training, and how is it delivered?
- How does R638 training integrate with HACCP, ISO 22000, and FSSC 22000 for FSMS compliance?
- Why choose ASC Consultants for R638 training?
- Can ASC Consultants manage our internal audit programme year-round?
Hygiene Audits & Certification
- What is a food hygiene audit, and how does ASC Consultants conduct it?
- Why is a certified hygiene audit important for my brand and customers?
- Can I verify that a supplier has passed a hygiene audit with ASC Consultants?
- Do you offer food safety risk assessments and root cause analysis for foodborne illness investigations?
- How does ASC Consultants support compliance with South African regulations and GFSI-aligned standards?
Industries & Experience
LOCATIONS & SERVICE AREAS
Accreditations & Clients
Engagement, Pricing & Getting Started
Risk Management & Incident Response
- Do you offer food safety risk assessments and root cause analysis for foodborne illness investigations?
- Can ASC Consultants help us reduce nonconformities before certification audits?
- How do you support compliance with South African regulations and GFSI-aligned standards?
- How does ASC Consultants manage CAPA and corrective actions post-audit?
RAPID SUPPORT
- How quickly can you mobilise for urgent support in Gauteng, Cape Town, or Gqeberha?
- Do you provide remote consulting and audits?
- Can ASC Consultants help improve food safety culture and awareness?
- Can you support tender requirements and customer specifications?
- Do you offer food hygiene audit certificate verification?
- What results can food businesses expect from working with ASC Consultants?
Core Services
What food safety consulting services does ASC Consultants offer in South Africa?
ASC Consultants provides full-spectrum food safety consulting nationwide — including HACCP studies, ISO 22000, BRCGS, IFS, and FSSC 22000 implementation, internal audits, supplier/second-party audits, compliance gap assessments, documentation & SOP development, and accredited staff training. Food Safety Consulting Services
Which food safety standards does ASC Consultants implement and support?
We support and implement HACCP, ISO 22000, BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000, and integrated management systems combining ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, as well as Ethical Audits (SIZA, SEDEX, GRASP), and GLOBALG.A.P. We strengthen end-to-end food safety and compliance. FSMS and Food Science Consulting Services
How does ASC Consultants help companies achieve FSSC 22000 certification?
We guide the entire certification journey, encompassing gap analysis, risk-based HACCP design, PRP setup, documentation, staff training, internal audits, corrective actions, and audit readiness tailored to your specific sector. Contact us here.
Does ASC Consultants provide HACCP plans and validation for manufacturers and hospitality businesses?
Yes. We design and validate HACCP plans, define CCP monitoring, verification and corrective actions, and train your team for sustainable control. HACCP Consulting & Validation. Contact us here.
How long does an ISO 22000, BRCGS, or FSSC 22000 implementation take?
Timelines depend on scope and maturity. Typical SME projects take 10–16 weeks, while multi-site or complex operations may take several months. We share a detailed project plan with milestones and deliverables. Our Implementation Process
Audits, Compliance & Assurance
Can ASC Consultants conduct internal audits for ISO 22000, BRCGS, IFS, and FSSC 22000?
Absolutely. Our independent internal audits assess compliance with ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRCGS, IFS, legal and PRP requirements, issuing clear nonconformity reports and corrective action guidance. Internal Auditing Services
Does ASC Consultans offer supplier audits and second-party audits across South Africa?
Yes. We conduct supplier audits nationwide to validate food safety, quality, and legal compliance. Helping you manage supply chain risk and meet customer expectations. Auditing Services
Can ASC Consultants assist us in preparing quickly for customer, retailer, or third-party audits?
Yes. We offer accelerated audit readiness, including document reviews, mock audits, CAPA development, evidence packs, and coaching, to help you meet tight deadlines. Auditing Services
How does ASC Consultants ensure long-term compliance after certification?
Our maintenance programs include periodic audits, KPI reviews, risk updates, management reviews, change control, and ongoing training to sustain compliance. Contact us here.
Does ASC Consultants help with legal compliance for food safety in South Africa?
We deliver practical industry expertise and measurable outcomes, faster certifications, fewer nonconformities, improved audit scores, and sustainable systems through experienced consultants in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Gqeberha. Triple accreditation by SAATCA, HPCSA, and FoodBev SETA validates our credibility and trustworthiness. Contact us here.
Training (R638 & Other)
Does ASC Consultants provide on-site training for food safety teams?
Yes. We deliver on-site and virtual training for HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, GMP, PRPs, and internal auditing across all provinces. Food Safety Training Programmes
What is Regulations R638 training for Persons-in-Charge in South Africa?
R638 training equips Persons-in-Charge with the legal and practical knowledge necessary to manage hygiene, food safety, cleaning, pest control, and staff oversight in accordance with local law. R638 Training Course
Who must complete R638 training, and what are the legal benefits?
Designated Persons-in-Charge (restaurant managers, supervisors, deli owners, etc.) must complete R638 to comply with regulations, support due diligence, and avoid noncompliance. Our accredited training provides recognised certification. R638 Course Benefits
What content is covered in ASC Consultants’ R638 training, and how is it delivered?
We cover R638 legal requirements, personal hygiene, GMP, cleaning & sanitation, allergen control, pest management, storage, traceability, and incident response. Delivery is live online, self-paced, or on-site, with assessments and certificate issuance. R638 Curriculum & Delivery
How does R638 training integrate with HACCP, ISO 22000, and FSSC 22000 for FSMS compliance?
Our R638 curriculum aligns with HACCP, ISO 22000, and FSSC 22000, demonstrating how regulatory obligations are integrated with hazard controls, PRPs, record-keeping, and internal audits. Contact us here.
Why choose ASC Consultants for R638 training?
We hold triple accreditation (SAATCA, HPCSA, FoodBev SETA), ensuring credible, recognised training. Our courses include practical scenarios, audit alignment, and effective implementation tools. Contact us here.
Can ASC Consultants manage our internal audit programme year-round?
Yes. We can fully manage your internal audit schedule, perform recurring audits, track CAPAs, and support readiness for surveillance and recertification. Contact us here.
Hygiene Audits & Certification Programmes
What is a food hygiene audit, and how does ASC Consultants conduct it?
A food hygiene audit assesses GMP, hygiene, sanitation, pest control, staff practices, and legal compliance. ASC Consultants issues detailed reports, corrective actions, and graded certificates (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) verifiable via our Client Database. Hygiene Audit Services
Why is a certified hygiene audit important for my brand and customers?
A certified hygiene audit demonstrates adherence to strict hygiene standards, reducing food safety risks and building trust with customers and regulators. Importance of Hygiene Audits
Can I verify that a supplier has passed a hygiene audit with ASC Consultants?
Yes. Use our Certified Food Hygiene Audit Client Database to check a supplier’s certificate status, grade, and validity period.
Does ASC Consultants offer food safety risk assessments and root cause analysis for investigations into foodborne illnesses?
Yes. We perform structured risk assessments through hazard mapping, likelihood/severity evaluation, and control recommendations. For incidents, we conduct root cause analysis, traceability, sampling, and implement corrective actions. Contact us here.
How does ASC Consultants support compliance with South African regulations and GFSI-aligned standards?
We align audits, training, and systems with local regulations (including R638) and GFSI standards like ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and BRCGS. We help implement FSMS, perform internal and supplier audits, and train staff to maintain audit readiness. Contact us here.
Industry Sectors & Experience
Which industries in the food supply chain does ASC Consultants support?
We serve primary production, food and beverage manufacturing, processing, packaging, cold storage, warehousing, logistics, retail, hospitality and catering. Customising controls to each sector’s risk profile. Contact us here.
Which food & beverage sectors does ASC Consultants have experience in?
We support clients across Johannesburg, Sandton, Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria, the East Rand, and the West Rand with on-site consulting, training, and audits. Our expertise includes dairy, meat & poultry, bakery & confectionery, beverages, fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods, cold chain logistics, warehousing, retail, and hospitality. Contact us here.
Can ASC Consultants help integrate food safety with quality and occupational health & safety?
Yes. We design integrated systems combining ISO 22000 with ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 45001 (OHS) to streamline documentation, reduce duplication, and ease audits. Contact us here.
Geographic Coverage & Locations
Does ASC Consultants serve businesses across South Africa?
Yes. We support clients nationwide, with offices in Cape Town (Western Cape), Johannesburg (Gauteng), and Gqeberha (Eastern Cape), as well as providing remote and on-site services across all provinces. Contact us here.
Does ASC Consultants serve Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the greater Gauteng area?
Absolutely. We deliver consulting, training, and audits across Johannesburg, Sandton, Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria, the East Rand, and the West Rand. Contact us here.
Does ASC Consultants serve Cape Town and the Western Cape?
Yes. Our Western Cape team services Cape Town CBD, Northern & Southern Suburbs, Bellville, Milnerton, Epping, Stellenbosch, Paarl, and surrounding areas. Contact us here.
Does ASC Consultants serve Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape?
Yes. Our Eastern Cape office in Gqeberha consults with food manufacturers, logistics, and hospitality clients across Gqeberha, Uitenhage/Kariega, Despatch, East London, and the surrounding region. Contact us here.
How quickly can ASC Consultants mobilise for urgent support in Gauteng, Cape Town, or Gqeberha?
We can mobilise on short notice for internal audits, document sprints, CAPA support, and emergency audit preparation, focusing first on critical control areas. Contact us here.
Accreditations, Clients & Credentials
Is ASC Consultants accredited?
Yes. We hold triple accreditation from SAATCA, HPCSA, and FoodBev SETA, ensuring credible, recognised training and consultancy services.
Who has ASC Consultants worked with?
Our client portfolio includes McCain (as official auditors), KFC Africa (as trainers), AB InBev (SAB), Cerebos, SPUR Corporation, and numerous national and international food businesses.
How many clients have used ASC Consultants’ documentation toolkits?
More than 1500 clients have used our audit-ready document template toolkits for FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, BRCGS, HACCP, GLOBALG.A.P. and general food safety. Feedback has been consistently excellent. Documentation Toolkits
What makes ASC Consultants different from other food safety consulting firms?
We combine practical industry experience, faster certification turnaround, fewer nonconformities, improved audit scores, and sustainable systems. Backed by our local presence in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Gqeberha and triple accreditations. Contact us here.
Engagement, Pricing & Getting Started
How does the engagement process work?
We begin with a discovery call and gap assessment, then define scope and milestones, develop documentation and training, perform internal audits, and support final certification, followed by ongoing maintenance. Contact us here.
What is ASC Consultants’ pricing model for food safety consulting?
We provide transparent, scope-based pricing. After an initial assessment, we provide a fixed-fee or retainer proposal that outlines clear deliverables, timelines, and support options. Suitable for both SMEs and large enterprises. Get a quote here.
How do I get started with ASC Consultants?
You can contact us via our contact form to book a discovery call. We’ll align goals, timelines, and deliverables, then send you a project proposal. Book a free consultation here.
Why choose ASC Consultants for food safety consulting in South Africa?
We deliver national reach with local presence, practical documentation, proven certification success, robust training, and triple accreditation, ensuring your compliance and competitiveness. Contact us here.
Risk Management & Incident Response
Does ASC Consultants offer food safety risk assessments and root cause analysis for investigations into foodborne illnesses?
Yes. Our consultants structure hazard mapping, evaluate probabilities and impacts, recommend controls, and, in the event of incidents, conduct root cause analysis, traceability, sampling, and corrective actions. Contact us here.
Can ASC Consultants help us reduce nonconformities before certification audits?
Absolutely. We conduct pre-assessments, mock audits, identify high-risk gaps, and implement targeted corrective actions to reduce findings and enhance audit readiness. Contact us here.
How does ASC Consultants support compliance with South African regulations and GFSI-aligned standards?
We ensure your systems and audits align with R638 and global standards like ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and BRCGS, converting regulatory obligations into operational controls. Contact us here.
How does ASC Consultants manage CAPA and corrective actions post-audit?
We help you track, implement, and monitor CAPAs (Corrective and Preventive Actions) in alignment with internal audit findings, and validate their effectiveness to prevent recurrence. Contact us here.
Rapid & Emergency Support Services
How quickly can ASC Consultants mobilise for urgent support in Gauteng, Cape Town, or Gqeberha?
We can mobilise at short notice for internal audits, document review sprints, CAPA support, or audit readiness tasks. Prioritising the most critical controls first. Contact us here.
Does ASC Consultans provide remote consulting and auditing services?
Yes. We offer remote document reviews, interviews, virtual training, and virtual audits, with on-site visits only when necessary to verify controls and validate evidence. Make a booking here.
Can ASC Consultants help improve food safety culture and awareness?
Yes. We deliver workshops, leadership sessions, frontline awareness training, behaviour change programs, and culture assessments to embed food safety mindsets. Contact us here.
Can ASC Consultants support tender requirements and customer specifications?
Yes. We align your management system with tender criteria and customer standards, provide evidence packs, and coach staff to meet supplier audits and due diligence checks. Contact us here.
What results can food businesses expect from working with ASC Consultants?
Clients gain stronger process control, fewer incidents and recalls, better audit results, robust supplier assurance, reduced waste, and improved market reputation and trust. Get in touch here.
How does ASC Consultants’ R638 training integrate with HACCP, ISO 22000, and FSSC 22000 for full FSMS compliance?
Our Regulations R638 training is mapped to key FSMS elements, showing learners how regulatory duties align with HACCP principles, ISO 22000 requirements, and FSSC 22000 expectations. We demonstrate how to translate R638 obligations into hazard analysis, PRPs, CCP monitoring, verification, record-keeping, and internal auditing, enabling sites to stay audit-ready and compliant with South African regulations and global standards.