Food Safety

International Food Standard (IFS)

Introduction
Food safety continues to be a global concern. German and French food trade associations, with the assistance of other international retailers, have responded by developing IFS or the International Food Standard. The aim of the standard is to focus the various requirements of retailers on one standard. Benefits of the standard include enhanced transparency along the food chain and a reduced number of customer audits resulting in cost savings. Certification to IFS by an independent third-party, by BSI Management Systems, helps suppliers demonstrate to retailers that their product safety, quality and legal obligations are fulfilled.

Who is it for?
IFS is particularly suitable if you are a supplier of German and French retailer branded food products regardless of your size, sector and location. As the food industry is truly international the standard is applicable to suppliers
throughout the world.

Requirements
IFS is divided into five chapters and the following lists the subject requirements you need to meet to comply with the standard:

Senior Management responsibility
Quality management system
Resource management
Production process
Measurements, analysis and improvements

The structure of IFS corresponds to ISO 9001, but with a focus on food safety, HACCP, hygiene, the manufacturing process and business surroundings.

Benefits:

You can demonstrate a commitment to supplying a safe quality food product
Helps to ensure you are meeting your legal and regulatory obligations
Enhances your ability to supply retailers through internationally recognized product assurance
Supports enhanced product safety thereby minimizing product liability risks and recalls
Acknowledged by the Global Food Safety Initiative, a task force of leading global food chains, which further enhances its reputation
IFS certification can reduce both internal and external audit costs by using one uniform standard
Being certified to IFS can raise your company's reputation, brand and image
The certification process supports continuous improvement through ongoing surveillance and corrective actions.

IFS Logistics Standard

In August 2006, the IFS Logistics standard was developed to help close the gap between production and trade and to provide transparency throughout the whole supply chain.

This standard is applicable to all logistic services providers who work together with retailers and for all types of transport - truck, train, ship, plane or any other types of transportation temperature controlled or ambient.

Review information on other Food Safety Standards - BRC's Global Standard for Food Safety, BRC's Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials, HACCP and ISO 22000 or learn how to implement a Food Safety Management System.

To find out more about registration and training services, please complete our Enquiry Form.