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International Featured Standards (IFS)

The International Featured Standards (IFS) Food Standard is a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized standard for auditing food manufacturers. The focus of the Food Standard is on the food safety and quality of processes and products.

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Who needs IFS Food Certification?

IFS Food Standard applies when products are “processed” or when there is a risk of product contamination during primary packing. The Standard is important for all food manufacturers, especially for those producing private labels, as it includes requirements related to compliance with customer specifications.

The Standard supports the production and marketing teams in demonstrating brand integrity, safety and quality. IFS Food has been developed with full and active involvement of certification bodies, retailers, food manufacturers and food service companies, ensuring all stakeholder requirements are met.

What does IFS Food Certification cover?

IFS Food covers six primary areas of the business, and all are considered key to establishing effective processes that support the safety and quality of the products.

  • Senior management responsibility
  • Quality and food safety management system
  • Resource management
  • Planning and production process
  • Measurements, analysis, improvements
  • Food Defense

The Standard is a risk-based, non-prescriptive approach supporting a uniform system of quality assurance and continual improvement.

What are the benefits of IFS Food Certification?

Benefits of the Standard:

  • Improved understanding between management and staff relating to good practices, standards and procedures
  • Optimized processes
  • Monitoring of compliance with food regulations
  • More effective use of resources
  • Reduction in the need for customer audits
  • Independent third party audits
  • Fewer recalls
  • Improved relations with customers and authorities, improved business opportunities

Marketing benefits:

  • Improved business reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality and safe products
  • Ability to trade with customers requiring third party audits
  • Use of the IFS logo and certificate to demonstrate compliance with the highest standards.

How much does IFS Food Certification cost?

The cost of IFS Food Certification depends on a number factors relating to your facility, including the product scopes, technical processes involved as well as the number of employees.

How do I get started?

To take the first steps in becoming IFS Food certified, please contact our office via our contact us page so we can assess the requirements of your business.