IFS Food 7

What is new with IFS Food version 7?

• Increased focus on the on-site evaluation, less on documentation
• New wording: the audit becomes an assessment, to highlight the product and process approach of IFS in keeping with ISO/IEC 17065
• Reduced number of requirements by 15 %
• Improved structure, tailored to the IFS stakeholders’ needs
• Checklist aligned with latest GFSI Benchmarking Requirements Version 2020.1, FSMA, and EU regulations
• Improved and better defined scoring system
• The assessment report more clearly structured and user-friendly
• Food Safety Culture has been incorporated into the assessment checklist
• Every third certification assessment is unannounced
• Mandatory GLN for companies in the EEA and UK

  What is involved?

  IFS Food version 7 covers six primary areas of the business, and all are considered key to establishing effective processes that guarantee the safety and quality of the products.

  • Governance and Commitment – review of the commitment of senior management to support the sustainability of the food safety culture and quality assurance policy.
  • Food Safety and Quality Management System – required to meet legal and food safety requirements as well as customer specifications.
  • Resource Management – management of human resources, working conditions, hygiene, and sanitation to ensure product safety.
  • Operational Processes – production of safe, quality products according to customer specifications.
  • Measurements, Analysis and Improvements – inspections, process validation, and management of complaints and corrective actions.
  • Food Defence Plan – protection of the integrity of the company and products produced.

   

  Benefits of being IFS Food certified

  • The IFS risk-based approach enables individual risk assessments and creates a focus on the areas of importance to the unique processes of each company.
  • The system drives continuous improvement: The IFS Scoring System indicates how an assessed business can further improve its performance helping to reach the next level in product safety and quality assurance management.
  • The non-prescriptive approach allows custom-made solutions: It enables companies to determine methods for controlling hazards that are best suited to their unique conditions.
  • The requirements reduce operating costs and increase efficiency: By implementing the IFS requirements, companies improve their processes reducing waste and costs related to recalls, complaints, or rejected products and rework.
  • IFS Certification grows sales: Certified companies retain existing customers and gain new ones with IFS. They show that they meet customer’s expectations regarding
    product safety and quality and that they are a trustworthy business partner.