Under what ethical requirements are the auditors of Carbones Pizzeria required to be independent?

According to Carbones Pizzeria's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the auditors are required to adhere to specific ethical guidelines to ensure their independence. DNJ & Associates, the firm that audited the consolidated financial statements of M & T Pizza Incorporated and Subsidiaries, which includes Carbones Pizzeria, is mandated to be independent and meet other ethical responsibilities. This is in accordance with relevant ethical requirements pertaining to their audit.

This requirement ensures that the audit is conducted with integrity and objectivity, providing a fair and unbiased assessment of the company's financial statements. The auditors must comply with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. These standards dictate the responsibilities the auditors have during the audit, including maintaining independence.

For a prospective Carbones Pizzeria franchisee, this signifies that the financial information provided by the franchisor has been reviewed by an independent party, adding a layer of credibility. It helps assure franchisees that the financial data they are relying on to make investment decisions is not unduly influenced by the company's management. The auditors' adherence to ethical requirements and auditing standards is a key component of financial transparency and accountability.