IFS – Complete Guide to the International Food Safety Standard

What is IFS?

IFS (International Featured Standards) is a series of international standards designed to assess the compliance of products and processes with the highest requirements for food safety and quality. IFS covers not only food products but also non-food items and operations related to storage, transport, and packaging.

IFS standards were developed primarily by European retail chains to standardize supplier requirements and ensure that the products offered to consumers meet the highest standards of quality and safety. As a result, IFS certification allows companies to build customer trust and establish partnerships with global retailers.

Why Implement IFS?

Implementing IFS provides numerous benefits to companies in the food sector and other production and distribution industries:

• Enhanced product safety: IFS helps identify and control risks related to food safety, minimizing risks for consumers.
• Credibility with business partners: IFS certification is recognized by major retail chains worldwide, opening up opportunities to collaborate with global players.
• Compliance with international regulations: IFS supports companies in meeting legal requirements for product safety and quality.
• Improved operational efficiency: Implementing IFS helps companies standardize processes, leading to operational optimization and fewer errors.
• Competitive advantage: Having IFS certification gives a company an edge over its competitors, especially when working with international retailers.

Types of IFS Standards

IFS includes several different standards tailored to the specifics of the industry and different stages of the supply chain:

1. IFS Food: A standard that assesses the safety and quality of food production processes in processing companies.
2. IFS Logistics: Applies to companies involved in storage, transport, and distribution of both food and non-food products.
3. IFS Broker: Designed for companies that act as intermediaries in product sales but are not directly involved in production.
4. IFS HPC (Household and Personal Care): A standard for manufacturers of household and personal care products.
5. IFS PACsecure: Targeted at packaging manufacturers, focusing on ensuring the quality and safety of packaging materials.

Benefits of IFS Certification

• Greater transparency of processes: IFS requires documentation and monitoring of key processes, leading to increased internal transparency within the company.
• Risk reduction related to product safety: Better risk management helps minimize potential problems related to food or non-food product safety.
• Compliance with customer requirements: IFS certification is often a prerequisite for working with global retailers and retail chains.
• Improved operational efficiency: Standardizing production and operational processes reduces errors and improves overall efficiency.
• Access to new markets: Having IFS certification allows companies to expand and attract new clients in various countries.

The IFS Certification Process

1. Preparation:
   • Gap analysis: Conducting an internal audit to assess compliance with IFS requirements.
   • Implementation planning: Developing a strategy to align processes with the IFS standard’s requirements.
2. System implementation:
   • Team training: Ensuring that personnel understand new procedures related to quality and safety management.
   • Documentation development: Preparing required documents and procedures in line with IFS standards.
   • Process implementation: Integrating new procedures into daily operations.
3. Internal audit:
   • Effectiveness evaluation: Conducting an internal audit to assess the effectiveness of the implemented processes.
   • Corrective actions: Making necessary corrections if any non-conformities are identified.
4. Certification audit:
   • Stage 1: Reviewing documentation and assessing the company's readiness for the audit.
   • Stage 2: Audit conducted by an independent certification body.
5. Obtaining certification:
   • After a successful audit, the organization receives IFS certification.
6. Monitoring:
   • Surveillance audits: Regular audits to maintain compliance with IFS requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of companies can obtain IFS certification?

IFS is designed for food industry companies, but it is also available for companies involved in logistics, brokering, and packaging production. Any company that wants to ensure the highest quality and safety standards can benefit from IFS certification.

Is IFS certification legally required?

IFS is not legally required but is increasingly becoming a condition for working with international retailers. Having IFS certification can be essential for gaining access to new markets and collaborating with global players.

How much does IFS certification cost?

The cost of IFS certification depends on the size of the company, the complexity of the processes, and the specific IFS standard chosen. Costs include audits, training, and implementation of new procedures.

Conclusion

IFS certification is a key step for companies in the food sector and other industries that want to ensure the highest quality and safety standards for their products. Having IFS certification increases market credibility, facilitates collaboration with global retailers, and enables better management of internal processes. For companies aiming for growth and international collaboration, IFS certification is a strategic tool to support business goals.