We just finished our BRC audit. We had 7 minors and 1 major. The major cost us our A grade. The major were for some ants that were seen in the middle of our production floor. I've never seen this issue in our facility. They weren't there a few hours before the walk-through with the auditor.
The auditor told us he spoke with the person that reviews his report and he argued for it to be a minor, but his senior stated that they must stay consistent and it needed to be a Major. Clearly it's an issue we are at fault for and if it's legitimately a major then we'll accept it. However, if there is there is evidence to support an argument that it should be a minor, I'd like to argue the Major non-conformity.
My question is this: Is finding a few ants in an open product area (high-care) considered a Major NC? Is there anyone else who has experienced this issue or something similar and what type of NC did you receive?
p.s. It was a very small amount of ants (10-20 maybe).
p.s.s. The auditor told us they do not distinguish between ants and roaches. Meaning, they do not view them differently when they see them in a facility.