IFS-International Food Standard
- Details
- Category: FSMS
- Published on 26 April 2014
Food retailers (and wholesalers) regularly carry out audits to assess the food safety features of retailer branded food product suppliers. These audits are made by certification body independent auditors.
Every producer of retail branded food products, who is working with German and French retailers (and wholesalers) is affected by IFS audits. Commercial agencies may not need IFS certification, but they can request their suppliers to do so as demonstration that an essential management system is in place.
First and foremost the standard addresses manufacturers of retailer branded products, as well as producers of proprietary brands that have been requested by food retailers to undergo such an assessment. Organizations throughout the food value chain take advantage of IFS to demonstrate their own activities with respect to food safety, food quality, and food legality.
The IFS aims to create a high level of transparency throughout the whole international food supply chain.
The aim of the IFS is to create a consistent evaluation system for all companies supplying retailer branded food products with uniform formulations, uniform audit procedures and mutual acceptance of audits, to create a high level of transparency throughout the whole international supply chain.
IFS requirements deal with five main subjects:
1. Senior Management Responsibility
2. Quality Management System
3. Resource Management
4. Production Process
5. Measurements, Analysis, Improvements
The IFS is applicable to every producer of retail branded food products who is working with German and French retailers (and wholesalers) and is applicable to production, processing of the product, and packaging into smaller units.
As a producer and shipper of own-brand products to German and French retail companies, your know that your customers have high demands when it comes to quality.
IFS is based on ISO 900. This standard integrates the requirements arising from food safety legislations, the principles of good manufacturing practice, and HACCP risk analysis into one quality management framework. It also regulates the handling of allergens and genetically modified organisms(GMO) in accordance with current EU legislation.
IFS Benefits
• Suitable instrument of control for the fulfillment of requirements
• Improved confidence of consumers and retailers in the organization’s ability to perform
• Systematic analysis and implementation of safe and efficient processes in the interest of food safety
• Evidence that due diligence is used with respect to product safety, quality, and legality
• Less risk of product liability through demonstrated fulfillment of product safety obligations
• Mutual recognition of certificates
Other benefits:
• Avoid multiple audits - approval to the IFS Food standard gives significant benefits to the supplier. It helps to avoid the confusion and disruption that multiple audits can bring and the need to duplicate variations on the same data for different clients.
• Fulfil legal obligations - The certificate verifies technical competence and helps manufacturers, brand owners and retailers to fulfil their legal obligations.
• Supplier of choice - especially within the French and German food markets, and globally.
• Consumer trust - this standard helps safeguards the consumer.
IFS certification from Oxford Cert enables you to:
• Meet the requirements of your British trading partners
• Improve your company’s performance
• Increase food safety
• Build customer confidence
Combine IFS certification with the BRC Global Standard, the standard for producers and suppliers to British retail chains.
Oxford Cert Services
• Certification - with over a decade of experience in the food sector, Oxford Cert is well placed to provide a comprehensive assessment and certification service on an international scale.
• Integrated systems - IFS assessment may be combined with BRC or HACCP optional.
• Training - to help you integrate this standard into your organisation and throughout your supply chain.