Access Food Verification & Auditing Limited provides practical product issue investigation support for New Zealand food businesses.
Food product issues can affect food safety, product quality, customer confidence, audit outcomes and business reputation. When something goes wrong, it is important to act quickly, understand the issue, identify affected products, review possible causes and take suitable corrective actions.
We support businesses with structured product issue investigations, including onsite review, document and record review, environmental review, sampling plan support, laboratory coordination where required, root cause analysis support and corrective action recommendations.
Types of Product Issues We Can Help Investigate
- Spoilage and mould growth
- Yeast or fermentation issues
- Microbial concerns
- Listeria detection or environmental positives
- Foreign matter complaints — glass, metal, plastic, wood, rubber, pests
- Texture, odour, taste or appearance defects
- Packaging failures — leaking, swollen, vacuum or gas-flush failures
- Shelf-life failures
- Allergen or cross-contact concerns
- Incorrect label or packaging mix-ups
- Customer complaints and product returns
- Recurring product quality issues
Listeria Detection and Environmental Investigation
If Listeria is detected in a food production environment, a structured investigation is important to understand possible sources, spread routes and contributing factors.
Listeria investigation support may include:
- Onsite investigation of affected areas
- Review of where Listeria was detected
- Review of environmental monitoring history
- Identification of possible harbourage areas — drains, floors, cracks, wet areas
- Review of equipment design and dismantling practices
- Review of cleaning and sanitation procedures and chemicals
- Review of staff movement and traffic flow
- Review of water, moisture and condensation risks
- Support with targeted follow-up environmental swabbing plans
- Coordination with accredited laboratories where testing is required
- Root cause analysis support
- Corrective action recommendations
It is not always possible to identify the exact source of Listeria. The aim is to identify possible sources, likely contributing factors and practical corrective actions to reduce recurrence risk.
Recall and Risk Assessment Support
Some product issues may require the business to assess whether affected product should be held, withdrawn or recalled. We can support businesses with gathering issue information, identifying affected products and batches, reviewing production and distribution records, supporting product hold decisions, traceability review and corrective action planning.
Food businesses remain responsible for notifying their verifier, MPI or New Zealand Food Safety where required. We provide investigation support, evidence review and practical guidance.
Benefits of Product Issue Investigation Support
- Respond quickly to product concerns
- Understand likely causes and contributing factors
- Identify affected products or batches
- Improve corrective actions and prevent recurrence
- Strengthen food safety and quality controls
- Support audit or customer evidence
- Improve environmental monitoring
- Improve recall readiness
- Protect consumer safety and business reputation
Our Process
Initial Issue Review
We discuss the product issue, complaint, test result or concern and gather key information about the product, process and what has happened.
Immediate Control Advice
Where needed, we advise the business to place affected or suspect product on hold while the issue is investigated.
Document and Record Review
We review production records, batch records, supplier information, cleaning records, temperature records, distribution records and any available test results.
Onsite Investigation, Where Required
If needed, we can visit the site to review the production environment, equipment, cleaning, staff practices, product flow and possible contamination routes.
Sampling and Testing Coordination
Where required, we can support sampling plans and laboratory testing coordination.
Root Cause Review
We help identify likely causes or contributing factors based on the available evidence.
Corrective Action Recommendations
We provide practical recommendations to correct the issue and reduce the chance of recurrence.
Investigation Summary
Where required, we can prepare an investigation summary or report for business records, audit evidence or customer communication support.
Need Help Investigating a Product Issue, Complaint, Spoilage Concern or Listeria Detection?
Contact us today for free initial guidance. We can help you understand what information to gather, what records to review and the next step for your business.
This page provides general information only. Requirements can vary depending on your specific situation, product, business activities and applicable regulatory requirements. Contact us for guidance specific to your situation.