Guardian Assessment Pvt. Ltd. provides independent third-party inspection services for the food sector. Our role is to examine specified food products, processes, facilities, operations or consignments and report whether the observed conditions conform to clearly defined requirements.
Inspection provides clients, buyers, suppliers, regulators and other interested parties with objective information at a defined place and time. It supports risk-based decisions but does not transfer responsibility for food safety, legal compliance or product quality from the food business operator.
Accreditation status: Guardian Assessment Pvt. Ltd. is in the process of seeking accreditation for its food-sector inspection activities in accordance with ISO/IEC 17020. Accreditation has not yet been granted. Nothing on this page should be understood as a claim of accredited status or endorsement by an accreditation body.
Guardian has structured its inspection activities to meet the independence principles applicable to a Type A inspection body. Inspection decisions are intended to be based only on objective evidence and agreed inspection criteria. Guardian and its inspectors are required to remain independent of the design, manufacture, supply, installation, purchase, ownership, use or maintenance of the items they inspect where those relationships could compromise independent judgment.
Commercial considerations do not change inspection findings. Clients pay for the professional inspection service and not for a predetermined result.
Subject to application and contract review, Guardian may provide inspection relating to:
- food-business-operator premises and food-handling facilities;
- hygienic and sanitary conditions;
- good manufacturing practices and good hygiene practices;
- production, processing and handling operations;
- storage facilities, warehouses and cold-chain conditions;
- incoming materials, food products and finished goods;
- product identity, visible condition and quantity;
- packaging, marking and labelling against specified requirements;
- loading, unloading, container stuffing or dispatch supervision;
- sampling or witnessing of sampling under an agreed sampling plan; and
- review of relevant records that form part of the agreed inspection scope.
Acceptance of an assignment depends on Guardian confirming that the requested activity is within its defined operational scope and that competent personnel, suitable methods and necessary resources are available. Inclusion in the list above does not by itself confirm that every food category, location or inspection method can be accepted.
Every inspection is performed against requirements agreed before work begins. These may include:
- applicable food laws and regulations;
- national or international standards;
- buyer or customer specifications;
- contractual requirements;
- approved inspection schemes;
- validated in-house inspection methods; or
- a defined combination of these requirements.
Where Indian food legislation or FSSAI requirements are referenced, Guardian will identify the specific regulation, schedule, version or criteria applicable to the assignment. Guardian does not claim to act on behalf of FSSAI or another regulator unless separately and formally authorized.
An inspection report:
An inspection report does NOT:
- records findings for the agreed scope, item, facility, lot, location and inspection date;
- certify a management system;
- grant product certification or regulatory approval;
- guarantee the future performance or continuing conformity of an inspected item;
- replace the food business operator's legal responsibilities; and
- it must not be used beyond the purpose and limitations stated in the report.
To request an inspection, provide the following information:
- applicant and organization details;
- food product, process, facility or consignment to be inspected;
- inspection location and preferred date;
- applicable criteria, specification or regulation;
- required inspection stage and deliverable;
- sampling or laboratory-testing requirements, if any; and
- relevant safety, access and confidentiality conditions.
Guardian will review the request before confirming acceptance, the inspection plan, applicable criteria, fees and expected reporting timeline.
Apply for an Inspection
- Inspection Process and Application
- Impartiality and Independence
- Testing, Sampling and Subcontracting
- Inspection Reports: Use, Verification and Misuse
Accreditation and Controlled Documents
Guardian's inspection accreditation is currently under process. Inspection activities and reports must not be represented as accredited unless and until accreditation is formally granted for the relevant activity and location. For controlled copies of applicable policies, procedures or forms, contact info@guardiancertification.com.