IFS (International Food Standards)

In 2002, in order to create a common food safety standard, German food retailers have developed a common audit standard called International Food Standard or IFS. In 2003, French food retailers (and wholesalers) have joined the IFS Working Group and have contributed to develop IFS version 4.

The aim of IFS is to create a consistent evaluation system for all companies supplying retailer branded food products with uniform formulations, uniform audit procedures and mutual acceptance of audits, which will create a high level of trasparency throughout the supply chain.

IFS defines requirements in contents, procedures and evaluation of audits and a requirement profile for the certification bodies and auditors. All certification bodies shall have an accreditation against EN 45011 on IFS.

IFS requirements are: Management of the Quality System; Management of Responsibility; Resource Management; Products Realisation; Measurements, Analysis, Improvements.

The auditor will audit against the IFS standard which is divided into two levels plus recomendation on higher level: 1) Foundation Level: minimum requirements for the International Food Industry 2) Higher Level: high standard in the food industry 3) Recommendations: criteria recommended for all auditees who wish to demonstrate "best practice" in the sector.

The choice of the level is not competence of the company that applies for certification but it is the result of controls on all the requirements requested by the IFS standards.

For further details, please visit  IFS web site.

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