FSA Audits – What are they, and what is involved in it?
For any UK-based supplement manufacturer, Food Standards Agency (FSA) audits are one of the most important indicators of operational quality, safety, and compliance. These inspections don’t just assess whether a facility is clean, they evaluate whether a manufacturer is truly operating to the highest standards required to safely produce consumable products.
At Life Lab Manufacturing, we’re proud to share that on 03/12/25, we successfully passed our most recent FSA inspection and were awarded a 5 Hygiene Rating, the highest rating possible! This reflects our commitment to excellence, safety, and trust at every stage of manufacturing.
In this article, we’ll break down what an FSA audit involves, why it matters for supplement brands, and how manufacturers like Life Lab ensure compliance from end to end.
What is an FSA Audit?
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for ensuring that all food-related products placed on the market in the UK meet strict hygiene and safety standards. Although supplements are regulated differently from traditional foods, they still fall under the FSA’s remit for hygiene, manufacturing practices, storage, and handling.
An FSA audit examines whether a manufacturer follows the systems, controls, and practices necessary to produce supplements safely and legally.
What does an FSA Audit cover for Supplement Manufacturers?
During an inspection, FSA officers review several key areas. For supplement manufacturers, these areas include:
- Hygiene & Cleanliness Standards
Ensuring that every part of the facility, production rooms, equipment, storage, and packaging areas, is maintained to a high level of cleanliness. This includes checks on:
- Cleaning schedules
- Sanitisation protocols
- Cross-contamination controls
Our recent audit confirmed that Life Lab’s hygiene processes exceed required standards
- Food Safety Management Systems (HACCP)
FSA officers assess how thoroughly a manufacturer identifies, manages, and prevents potential risks in the production process. This includes:
- Hazard analysis
- Critical control points
- Verification and monitoring processes
A strong HACCP plan demonstrates that safety controls are embedded into everyday operations.
- Ingredient Handling & Traceability
For supplement manufacturers, full ingredient traceability is essential. Auditors look at:
- Supplier approval systems
- Receiving and testing ingredients
- Batch tracking
- Recall procedures
Traceability ensures that every product can be tracked from raw material to finished item.
- Storage Conditions
Supplements must be stored in controlled environments that preserve ingredient integrity and prevent contamination. Auditors inspect:
- Temperature control
- Raw material segregation
- Packaging storage
- Inventory management
Storage conditions are vital for ensuring all products are stored safely and legally.
- Staff Training & Hygiene Practices
Manufacturing team members must be trained in:
- Hygiene standards
- Cleaning protocols
- Handling procedures
- Food safety
The FSA also checks that training is documented and regularly updated.
Life Lab Manufacturing Achieves a 5 Hygiene Rating
On 03/12/25, Life Lab Manufacturing passed its most recent FSA inspection and achieved the top rating of 5.
This reflects our commitment to:
- Maintaining clean and controlled facilities
- Following rigorous safety management systems
- Ensuring ingredient traceability
- Training staff to the highest standards
- Investing in quality equipment and oversight
A 5 Hygiene Rating is more than a badge, it’s a clear demonstration to our partners and clients that Life Lab produces supplements under the safest, cleanest, and most compliant conditions.
Why FSA Audits Matter for Supplement Brands?
Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling an established supplement line, choosing a manufacturer with strong FSA compliance offers several advantages:
- Consumer Trust
A 5 rating reassures customers that their supplements are produced in a safe, professional environment.
- Regulatory Compliance
Working with a manufacturer who meets all hygiene and safety regulations reduces your risk of recall, non-compliance issues, or legal challenges.
- Consistent Product Quality
FSA-approved systems ensure products are manufactured consistently and to high standards every time.
- Brand Reputation
A high hygiene rating helps strengthen your brand’s credibility in a competitive market.
Life Lab Manufacturing: Committed to Excellence
At Life Lab Manufacturing, we believe that quality begins long before a product reaches a customer. It starts in the facility, with the right people, systems, and controls.
Our 5 Hygiene Rating reinforces our ongoing commitment to delivering clean, safe, and reliable supplement manufacturing for brands of every size.
If you’re searching for a trusted UK supplement manufacturer who prioritises safety, compliance, and quality, Life Lab is ready to support your next project. Contact us today at:
