CSQ CERTIFICATION
The CSQ Certification Program and applicable standards were built around ISO/IEC 17067
cGDP Storage & Distribution Audit & Certification Services
Kiwa ASI's cGDP Storage & Distribution Audit is a HACCP-based audit that underlines the criteria expected for modern food warehousing and distribution facilities to meet the basic food safety and food defense requirements of retailers, applicable regulatory agencies, and the general public. The audit criteria are founded on 21 CFR Part 117 and incorporate principles from cGMP and cGSP when assessing broader supply chain and logistical activities.
- HACCP-Based
- 21 CFR Part 117 Founded
- Annual Certification
What Is a cGDP Storage & Distribution Audit?
A cGDP (current Good Distribution Practices) audit is a HACCP-based, third-party assessment that evaluates the competence of your facility's food safety management system, compliance with documented procedures, and the effectiveness of your controls to mitigate food safety and food defense risks. The audit criteria are founded on 21 CFR Part 117 — Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food — and exceed these requirements by integrating globally recognized industry best practices for storage and distribution operations.
HACCP-Based Third-Party Assessment
An independent evaluation of your distribution facility's food safety systems, verifying that hazard controls are in place and functioning effectively throughout storage, handling, and distribution operations.
Founded on 21 CFR Part 117
The audit criteria are built on the regulatory framework of 21 CFR Part 117 and exceed it by integrating globally recognized benchmarks for current Good Distribution Practices (cGDPs), supporting global consistency.
Incorporates cGMP & cGSP Principles
Though primarily framed around cGDP standards, the audit incorporates principles from current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and current Good Storage Practices (cGSP) when assessing broader supply chain activities.
Three-Module Structure
A comprehensive assessment across three modules: Food Safety Management System, Current Good Distribution Practices (15 operational areas), and HACCP Plan — including a live mock recall exercise completed in under two hours.
WHO IT'S FOR
Who Needs a cGDP Storage & Distribution Audit?
The cGDP audit applies to any facility that handles, manages, stores, or distributes food or food contact products. These requirements are known as current Good Distribution Practices (cGDP) for operators handling, managing, storing, and distributing any food or food contact products.
Food Warehouses & Distribution Centers
Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers
Food Distributors & Wholesalers
Cold Storage & Refrigerated Facilities
Transportation & Freight Companies
Co-Packers & Fulfillment Centers
Regulatory Note: All facilities inside the United States, or facilities outside the U.S. that export to the United States, shall also meet all applicable FDA and USDA regulatory requirements. The cGDP Audit Criteria shall not be adopted in lieu of regulatory requirements.
ADVANTAGES
What Are the Advantages of cGDP Certification?
cGDP certification provides measurable value for storage and distribution operations, from unlocking new business opportunities to reducing operational risk across your supply chain.
Retail & Buyer Access
Major retailers and foodservice companies require their distribution partners to demonstrate food safety through recognized third-party audits. cGDP certification qualifies your facility as an approved supplier, opening doors to new business and contract opportunities.
Regulatory Alignment
The cGDP audit criteria are founded on 21 CFR Part 117 and integrate globally recognized industry best practices. Certification demonstrates your facility's proactive approach to meeting federal food safety requirements and international distribution benchmarks.
Reduced Food Safety Risk
The HACCP-based audit framework identifies and evaluates hazards specific to storage and distribution — including temperature abuse, cross-contamination, foreign matter, pest intrusion, allergen mishandling, and improper storage — so your team can implement targeted controls.
Supply Chain Confidence
cGDP certification provides documented, third-party verification that products leaving your facility maintain safety and integrity. This gives buyers, manufacturers, and retailers confidence in your storage and distribution operations.
Continuous Improvement
Annual certification cycles drive ongoing evaluation and improvement of your distribution practices. Each audit identifies opportunities to strengthen your food safety management system, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.
Comprehensive Coverage
A single cGDP assessment covers your facility's food safety management system, 15 operational areas of Good Distribution Practices, HACCP plan, food defense, traceability, allergen management, and a live mock recall exercise — providing complete assurance in one audit.
What Does a cGDP Audit Cover?
An on-site assessment reviewing your food safety system, documentation, facilities, and practices against the applicable standard requirements.
MODULE 1
Food Safety Management System
Management commitment to food safety and food safety culture, complaint management and root cause analysis, document control and record-keeping, training programs with a documented training matrix, business licensing, and certification integrity. This module evaluates the foundational elements of your storage and distribution facility's food safety infrastructure.
MODULE 2
Current Good Distribution Practices (cGDP)
The largest module of the audit, covering 15 critical operational areas specific to storage and distribution: process flow and segregation controls, allergen management, environmental monitoring, foreign matter controls, non-conforming goods, internal audits, vendor approval, good hygiene practices, cleaning and sanitation, chemical controls, pest control, water and air quality, waste management, facility and equipment design, and maintenance and calibration.
MODULE 3
HACCP Plan
Assessment of your Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points system as applied to storage and distribution — including a multidisciplinary HACCP team, product descriptions, intended use, flow diagrams covering receipt through distribution, hazard analysis of biological, chemical, and physical hazards, CCPs and preventative controls, critical limits, monitoring, corrective actions, validation, verification, and FSMA Food Safety Plan requirements where applicable.
FOOD DEFENSE
Food Defense & Threat Assessment
Food defense plan documentation, threat assessments, a designated Food Defense Qualified Individual (FDQI), visitor management policies, personnel screening before hire, secure transportation protocols, facility access controls for doors, outbuildings, and trailers, and intentional adulteration prevention measures for storage and distribution environments.
TRACEABILITY
Traceability & Recall Readiness
Lot identification throughout the entire distribution process, hold and release procedures for non-conforming goods, one-step-forward and one-step-back traceability to Ship-From and Ship-To vendors, documented recall programs, and a live mock recall exercise that must be completed in under two hours during the auditor's visit.
COMPLLIANCE
FSMA & Regulatory Integration
Facilities subject to FSMA must maintain a documented Food Safety Plan developed and overseen by at least one designated Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) with valid training certification. The plan must incorporate the 12 steps of HACCP and integrate FSMA-specific elements including hazard analysis, preventive controls for process, allergen, sanitation, and supply chain.
MOCK RECALL
Live Mock Recall Exercise
In addition to the three modules, the auditor will require your facility to complete an effective mock recall during the audit within two (2) hours. The site must demonstrate the ability to trace one step back (Ship-From Vendor) and one step forward (Ship-To Vendor), including product identification, lot traceability, quantities received and shipped, and recall effectiveness verification.
How Should You Prepare for a cGDP Audit?
Proper preparation is the key to a successful cGDP audit. Per Appendix B of the cGDP standard, facilities should complete these steps before their certification audit.
01
Review All cGDP Audit Criteria
Thoroughly review all three modules and incorporate the requirements into your internal food safety management program. Understand what's expected across your Food Safety Management System, the 15 Good Distribution Practice areas, and your HACCP Plan.
02
Perform an Internal Audit or Order a Mock Audit
Conduct a self-assessment using the cGDP Audit Criteria as your checklist, or order an optional mock audit from Kiwa ASI. Mock audits are unscored assessments that provide valuable feedback highlighting compliance concerns. Note: a mock audit cannot be converted into a scored certification audit once it has begun.
03
Apply for a Certification Audit
Submit your application to Kiwa ASI. The application process includes evaluation of your certification needs, proposal acceptance, signing the service agreement, and finalizing facility, personnel, and scope details. Ensure only active products and areas within the scope of certification are established during the application.
04
Schedule and Prepare for Auditor Arrival
Coordinate with Kiwa ASI's Planning team to schedule your audit. It is mandatory that your site has at minimum sixty (60) days of receiving and shipping records before receiving a certification audit. Ensure all documentation is current, accessible, and that the facility will be in active operation on the day of the scheduled audit.
Why Choose Kiwa ASI for Your cGDP Audit?
Kiwa ASI combines deep storage and distribution industry expertise with the scale and resources of a global certification body. Here's what sets us apart.
Experience
Storage & Distribution Expertise
Our auditors understand the unique challenges of food warehousing, cold chain management, transportation, and distribution. With decades of experience auditing storage facilities, we provide practical, actionable findings — not just checkbox compliance.
Scheduling
Standards-Driven, Globally Consistent
The cGDP 2.0 audit criteria are founded on 21 CFR Part 117 and exceed these requirements by integrating globally recognized industry best practices, reflecting international benchmarks for current Good Distribution Practices.
Preparation
Mock Audits for Preparation
Not sure if your facility is ready? Kiwa ASI offers optional mock audits — unscored assessments that provide valuable feedback highlighting compliance concerns, which you can use to prepare for your scored certification audit.
Support
Clear Communication & Planning
Our Planning team coordinates every step — from application and scheduling to auditor assignment and audit day logistics. Audit scheduling is finalized and communicated in writing, ensuring mutual agreement and preparedness.
Partnership
Global Kiwa Network
As part of the global Kiwa group, Kiwa ASI offers the scale and resources of an international certification body while delivering the personalized service and responsiveness of a dedicated food safety partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cGDP audit is a HACCP-based, third-party assessment that evaluates whether a food warehousing, storage, or distribution facility meets current Good Distribution Practices. The audit criteria are founded on 21 CFR Part 117 and incorporate principles from cGMP and cGSP. It covers three modules: Food Safety Management System, Current Good Distribution Practices (15 operational areas), and HACCP Plan, plus a live mock recall exercise.
Any facility that handles, manages, stores, or distributes food or food contact products. This includes food warehouses, distribution centers, 3PL providers, cold storage facilities, wholesalers, and transportation companies. Many retailers and foodservice buyers require their distribution partners to hold a recognized third-party food safety audit.
Allergen management is a core component of Module 2, under Storage and Distribution Controls (section 2.1.3). The audit evaluates how your facility prevents unintended allergens from entering storage and distribution areas, how allergen-containing products are identified, received, stored, and segregated, and how you prevent cross-contamination — including controls for suppliers, vendors, employees, visitors, and mixed pallets.
The minimum duration for a certification audit is one (1) full day (approximately 8 hours). The minimum for a scope extension audit is one-half (0.5) day. Actual duration may vary based on facility size, number of employees, number of product types/HACCP plans, and scope of audit. Duration is quoted during the application process and may be adjusted for re-certification.
cGDP audits are conducted annually to maintain certification. Your certificate expires thirty (30) days after the one-year anniversary of the last certification audit. It is the responsibility of the certified site to schedule audits with sufficient lead time to minimize the risk of certificate lapse.
Yes. Kiwa ASI offers optional mock audits — unscored assessments meant to provide valuable feedback that highlights compliance concerns. This feedback can be used to prepare for a scored certification audit. Under no circumstances can a mock audit be converted into a scored certification audit once the service has begun.
Your facility needs a score of 70% or higher to achieve certification. Scoring tiers are: Excellent (90–100%), Good (80–89%), Complies (70–79%), and Fails (0–69%). Non-conformities are deducted as follows: Minor = −1%, Major = −5%, Critical = −100%. A critical non-conformity results in automatic failure regardless of overall score. Sites that receive an Excellent rating two audits in a row receive a Superior designation.
A critical non-conformity is a clear deficiency that could potentially cause serious illness or death, or any falsification of food safety records. Examples include: active contamination of materials or products, live rodents in the facility, allergen mislabeling, cross-contamination of allergens, use of non-potable water on product contact surfaces, equipment out of calibration leading to unsafe food, and intentional falsification of food safety records.
Your facility must have a minimum of sixty (60) days of receiving and shipping records available before receiving a certification audit. If the site cannot provide 60 days of records, ASI shall hold sole discretion to continue or abort the service. Additionally, all documented procedures, training records, corrective action records, and your HACCP/Food Safety Plan should be current and readily accessible for auditor review.
Both audits use the same HACCP-based structure and scoring methodology, and both are founded on 21 CFR Part 117. The key difference is scope: the cGDP audit is specifically designed for facilities that store, handle, and distribute food products, with Module 2 focused on Good Distribution Practices. The cGMP food processing and cGMP food packaging audits are designed for manufacturing environments. Though primarily framed around cGDP, the storage & distribution audit also incorporates cGMP and cGSP principles when assessing broader supply chain activities.
All consulting services are offered through ASI Training and Consulting, LLC. All activity is conducted separately from our accredited certification body, ASI Food Safety, LLC, in order to safeguard against any conflicts of interest.