International Featured Standard (IFS) Food
Ensuring global food safety and quality
Manage food safety, quality and integrity with IFS Food certification
LRQA is a market-leading provider of IFS Food V8 assessment, auditing renowned global food manufacturers against the food safety standard. IFS assesses the ability of food manufacturers to comply with food safety requirements and demonstrate due diligence and uniformity, which in turn drives supply chain security and trust.
Developed together with suppliers and retailers, the updated IFS Food V8 aims to ensure comparability and transparency for the consumer throughout the entire supply chain and enables you to prove not only that your products are safe, but that you meet retailer specifications as well.
Version 8 of the standard was published at the 18th of April 2023. The main objectives of the review have been aligned with the last revision of Codex Alimentarius General Principles of Hygiene and the upcoming ISO 22003-2, the incorporation of IFS Doctrine rules within the IFS Food Standard and consideration of the stakeholders’ feedback from IFS Food V7. Find out more about IFS Food Version 8.
Our IFS Services
Unlock better business opportunities with IFS. By partnering with us for food safety certification services, you can establish a strong foundation of trust among your stakeholders.
Training
Expand your knowledge of IFS with our range of courses that have been designed for varying levels of experience and learning styles.
Gap Analysis
An optional service where one of our expert auditors helps you identify any weak areas or non-conformities prior to your formal IFS audit.
Integrated Audits
Integrating your management systems allows you to benefit from a more efficient and cost-effective integrated audit and surveillance programme.
Accredited certification
An independent two-phase approach that provides a clear statement of your capabilities. Accredited certification helps you build trust with stakeholders and win new business.
Why work with us?
Global capability
Our team of highly qualified auditors offer local and global expertise with a consistent commitment to excellence within food safety. Our technical experts possess extensive knowledge in this field.
Flexible Delivery
Our IFS training and certification services can be delivered on-site or remotely. If you opt for our remote delivery methods, you’ll receive the same high-quality service with multiple benefits, including flexibility, fast delivery, and access to global expertise.
Total assurance
Our team of industry experts is readily available to assist you in accomplishing your food safety objectives. They possess globally recognised expertise and have actively contributed to the development of numerous food safety standards.
What is International Featured Standards (IFS) Food?
IFS Food is a globally recognised food product safety and quality certification scheme. It provides a framework for managing food safety, authenticity and quality throughout the entire food supply chain from production to distribution.
What are the benefits of IFS Food?
The benefits of IFS Food are:
Client confidence
Certification to the international standard reduces the frequency of retailer audits, improving your brand reputation and giving your clients confidence in their supply chain.
Product Quality
The uniform food standard enables consistent food safety and quality assurance, meaning fewer product recalls and improved productivity.
Competitive edge
IFS Food helps improve relations with customers and authorities, unlocking new business opportunities.
Is IFS Food GFSI recognised?
Yes, IFS Food is recognised by the GFSI. Organisations certified to IFS Food are recognised worldwide by manufacturers, retailers and other food service organisations as having a food management system which meets international standards. Furthermore, organisations certified to IFS Food may be eligible to participate in other GFSI-recognised schemes such as SQF and BRCGS.
How long does IFS Food certification last?
The certification is valid for 420 days from the date of the initial assessment. To maintain certification, the organisation must pass an annual re-certification audit. An initial or recertification assessment can be performed either announced or unannounced. The unannounced option is mandatory at least once every third IFS certification assessment.
How much does IFS Food certification cost?
The cost of IFS Food certification varies depending on multiple factors, such as the size of the organisation, the organisation structure, and the scope of the certification (products and processes involved). To request a quote based on your specific needs, contact us here.
What is the typical IFS Food certification process?
The path your organisation takes to achieve IFS Food certification depends on your business's size, maturity, and existing approach to managing risk, amongst other factors. But the standard process to becoming IFS certified includes three main steps.
Your organisation can request a voluntary IFS pre-audit as preparation for the initial IFS certification audit.
When your organisation is ready, request the initial certification audit. The auditor will go on-site to review your food safety and quality systems, products and production processes in line with IFS requirements. The auditor will issue an action plan listing all the findings, and your company will have to complete it detailing the implemented corrections and the proposed corrective actions. The report and action plan released by the auditor is the subject of an independent technical review. Based on the result of the technical review, the certificate issuance is recommended or not.
What is new with IFS Food version 8?
IFS Food version 8 was published on the 18th April 2023 and includes several updates to the standard. The new version is adapted to the new Codex Alimentarius and ISO 22003-2. Additional changes include: a revision in the scoring system, more consistency in the wording, and reassignment of some requirements to ensure they stay close to the audit trail. IFS Food V8 will also introduce new requirements on topics such as validation and revalidation procedures, hand hygiene, chemical products management, environmental monitoring program and correction of deviations and non-conformities. Find out more about IFS Food V8.
Are you already certified to IFS and would like to transfer?
If you hold a valid accredited certificate of approval with another provider and you are considering making the move, transferring your IFS Food Safety certification to LRQA is simple. We'll work with you to ensure your transfer is as smooth as possible.
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