Can an auditor who is auditing an educational institution ask questions about the cafeteria services during an ISO9001:2008 audit, i.e. regarding food hygiene monitoring?
Isn't that related to EMS and OSHMS?
Welcome to The Cove. Very interesting question. I think that, in order to provide you with a reasonable answer, we would have to consider a number of issues:
1. What exactly is the product delivered by this institution? This is not a rhetorical question because the typical service/product delivered by a educational entity typically contains tangible and intangible components.
2. If we reach the conclusion that the food served in the cafeteria is a component of the product being delivered by the institution, directly or outsourced, then,
3. You should have included the cafeteria and it's processes in the scope of the QMS you have established (as per ISO 9001:2008, 4.2.2)
4. An unsafe food item would obviously lead to customer dissatisfaction.
5. The aspects of infrastructure and "work environment" related to the cafeteria, in addition to the rest of the organization premises) would be at play here, as well.
6. So, before an external auditor even attempted to assess the conditions of the cafeteria, you should have done an internal assessment, yourself.
7. While food safety is covered by numerous specific standards, such as ISO 22000, contaminated/unsafe food made available by the educational institution would be contrary to the ISO 9000 definition of quality, thus, and indirectly, potential "fair game" as part of an ISO 9001 audit.
8. Having said all of that, can the auditor demonstrate competence in terms of hygiene assessment? Does s/he know anything about the requirements associated with a kitchen operation?
Good luck.
