A GFSI-recognized framework for manufacturers
IFS Food covers six control areas in one audit standard
6 in 1
control areas
How It Works
IFS Certification: Create a Clear Path
Step 1
Define the right IFS Certification scope
Align scope to products, processes and site reality before the audit.
Step 2
Assess system readiness early
Review HACCP, traceability and controls before gaps become urgent.
Step 3
Standardize expectations across sites
Create a more consistent approach to evidence, preparation and corrective actions.
Step 4
Complete the audit with confidence
Give teams clear findings and a more structured audit experience.
Step 5
Strengthen ongoing performance
Use audit outcomes to reduce repeat non-conformances and improve system discipline.
IFS Food Certification
Reduce Packing & Processing Risk
For food manufacturers and primary packing operations where processing or packing can introduce contamination risk. IFS Food is especially relevant for businesses supplying private label products and for teams that need retailer-recognized evidence of food safety and quality system control.
A Clear Framework = Consistent Audits
IFS Food evaluates how well the site’s management system works in practice across six areas:
- Senior management responsibility
- Food safety and quality management system
- Resource management
- Planning and production processes
- Measurements and improvement
- Food defense
For quality and compliance leaders, this creates a clearer framework for preparation, supports more consistent audits and helps reduce pressure from duplicate customer audits.
How We Help
Benefits of IFS Food Certification with FoodChain ID
Defined IFS Certification scope
Keep audit surprises off the table with a clearly defined scope
Confirm scope alignment to operational needs & prevent audit surprises
Structured audit readiness review
Catch gaps early so nothing is left to chance
Avoid last minute audit prep misses
Experienced IFS auditors
Efficient, clear findings
Keep audits constructive and professional
Consistent audit approach
Every site aligned across company
Remove the risk of subjective audit interpretation across sites
Extend Your Capabilities
Extend Audit Readiness Beyond IFS Certification
Pair IFS Certification with services that strengthen evidence, preventive control and supplier oversight.
FAQs
IFS Food is designed for food manufacturers and businesses where processing or packing can create food product safety risk. For many food manufacturers, GFSI-benchmarked certification such as IFS Food Certification is required by retail customers. These requirements are often part of broader food safety certification programs.
It covers senior management responsibility, the quality and food safety management system, resource management, production planning and processes, measurements and improvement and food defense. Many organizations align these requirements with formal management systems such as ISO 22000.
IFS Certification supports customer requirements, improves process discipline, reduces the need for individual customer audits and strengthens confidence in food safety and quality controls. It can also help reduce the burden associated with separate retail audits.
The cost depends on your site profile, including product scope, technical processes and employee count. Similar factors are also considered in other certification schemes such as BRCGS certification.
Start with a discussion on your products, processes, sites, and certification goals so the scope and audit approach match your operational reality. Organizations evaluating multiple certification pathways may also compare IFS with FSSC 22000 depending on customer and market requirements.
IFS Food focuses on food safety, product quality and retailer requirements, especially in Europe. Other standards may differ in scope, structure or global recognition, depending on market and supply chain needs. For example, many organizations compare IFS with SQF when evaluating certification options.
International Featured Standards (IFS) are globally recognized standards used to assess food safety, quality and compliance. They support consistent evaluation of manufacturers and suppliers across the food supply chain.