Abstract
<jats:p>The audit of poultry slaughterhouses represents a fundamental component of modern food safety systems, and its role has become increasingly important in the context of strict regulatory requirements, rising consumer expectations and the need for transparent, well-documented production processes. This article examines the audit process within white meat slaughter units by placing it in the broader framework of hygiene management, hazard prevention and legislative compliance, with the purpose of demonstrating how systematic verification contributes to operational integrity and product safety. The study applies an analytical approach centered on the evaluation of technological stages, structural and functional control points, and critical hygiene operations, using document review, observational analysis and conformity assessment as the main methodological tools for understanding how audits identify deficiencies and verify the correct implementation of procedures. The results of the analysis indicate that audits serve not only as instruments for detecting non-compliances but also as mechanisms that improve process efficiency, strengthen biosecurity measures and reinforce the proper application of prerequisite programs such as sanitation, equipment maintenance, personnel hygiene and welfare standards for poultry during handling and slaughter. Furthermore, the findings highlight that well-conducted audits support the reliability of HACCP systems by ensuring that monitoring activities, corrective actions and record-keeping practices are consistently applied and fully aligned with legal expectations. The conclusions drawn from this work emphasize that continuous auditing enhances food safety performance, reduces contamination risks, supports regulatory conformity and promotes a culture of responsibility within slaughterhouses. When integrated into routine operations, audits contribute to the early detection of deviations, the optimization of workflows and the establishment of a preventive approach that ultimately ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality poultry meat to consumers.</jats:p>