IFS Food

Food Safety

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What is the IFS Food standard?

IFS Food – International Featured Standards Food

IFS Food (International Featured Standards Food) is a globally recognized standard that ensures the quality and safety of processed food products.

Its main objective is to ensure that food products meet the quality and safety requirements established to protect consumers. IFS Food covers various areas, including quality management, food safety, control of production processes and corporate responsibility.

For which companies is IFS Food necessary?

In Spain, the IFS Food certification is particularly important for:

Food manufacturers: Especially those manufacturers who want to export their products to international markets or sell to large supermarket chains.
Food processing companies: That seek to ensure that their processes meet recognized quality and safety standards.
Retailers and distribution companies: Those who wish to offer their clientele certified products and ensure the traceability and quality of the products they handle.
Ingredient supplier companies: That want to demonstrate to their clientele that their products are safe and meet high quality standards.

What benefits does IFS Food provide?

IFS Food certification offers numerous benefits for both producers and consumers:

Confidence towards the product

It assures those who consume that food products meet high quality and safety standards.

Process improvement

Promotes the implementation of best management and quality control practices, which can increase efficiency and consistency of products.

Competitiveness

Improves the competitiveness of products in the market by differentiating themselves as safe and high-quality products.

Access to international markets

It facilitates access to global markets and retailers that demand recognized standards such as International Featured Standards Food.

Risk reduction

Minimizes risks related to food safety through rigorous and systematic controls.

What is IFS Food certification like?

The certification process includes several stages:

Initial evaluation

The company conducts a self-assessment to verify its compliance with the requirements of International Featured Standards Food.

Selecting a certification body

The company chooses an accredited body that will perform the audit.

Audit

An auditor conducts an on-site inspection to assess compliance with all International Featured Standards Food checkpoints and compliance criteria.

Report and certification

If the company meets the requirements, the certification body issues an International Featured Standards Food certificate valid for one year.

Annual audits

To maintain certification, the company must undergo annual audits.

Frequently asked questions

What is IFS Food v8?

IFS Food v8 is the eighth version of the IFS Food standard, an internationally recognized framework for auditing and certifying the safety and quality of food products. This version is periodically updated to incorporate best practices, respond to the emerging needs of the food industry and meet customer and retailer expectations.

Main Features of IFS Food v8

Focus on Food Safety:
- IFS Food v8 places renewed emphasis on food safety, ensuring products are safe for consumption and comply with legal and regulatory regulations.
- It includes rigorous controls at all stages of production, from the receipt of raw materials to the final product.
Quality Management:
- Strengthens quality management systems to ensure product consistency and quality.
- Implements a risk-based approach to identify and manage potential hazards in the supply chain.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility:
- Introduce criterios que fomentan prácticas sostenibles y responsables en la producción alimentaria.
- Promotes staff well-being and respect for the environment.
Traceability and Transparency:
- Improves traceability requirements, ensuring that products can be tracked throughout the entire supply chain.
- It promotes transparency, allowing customers and retailers to know the origin and handling of food products.
Audits and Certification:
- The IFS Food v8 audit is carried out by accredited certification bodies and trained auditors.
- Version 8 introduces improvements to the audit process to make it more efficient and effective.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
- It incorporates the latest innovations and best practices in the food industry.
- Promotes a culture of continuous improvement in certified companies.

Differences between IFS Food v8 and v7

Greater Food Safety: With more rigorous and detailed requirements.
Continuous Improvement: Promotes a culture of continuous improvement in quality management.
Better Traceability: Use of advanced technologies to ensure complete traceability.
Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Promotes sustainable and responsible practices.
Adaptation to New Realities: Incorporates the latest trends and needs of the food industry.

For companies looking to maintain their competitiveness and secure consumer trust, the transition to IFS Food v8 is a crucial step. This update not only reinforces product safety and quality, but also positions companies at the forefront of industry best practices.

Who can become certified in IFS Food?

Any company within the food supply chain, from producers to distributors, can seek IFS Food certification.

What is the duration of the certification?

The IFS Food certification is valid for three years, after which re-certification is required.