International Featured Standards (IFS) | IFS Certification

INTRO:

THE IMPACT OF IFS CERTIFICATION ON SAFETY, QUALITY, AND TRUST

IFS certification offers businesses in various industries, especially in food production, a seal of commitment to high safety and quality standards. It enhances credibility, expands market access, ensures compliance with regulations, and fosters consumer trust.

By driving efficiency, ensuring consistency in the supply chain, and encouraging continuous improvement, IFS certification empowers businesses to excel while prioritizing safety and quality.

WHAT IS IFS CERTIFICATION?

IFS Certification refers to a globally recognized certification system focused primarily on ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of products and processes within various industries, particularly in the realm of food safety.

The IFS standards are developed by the International Featured Standards organization, and they are utilized by companies, especially those involved in the food industry, to demonstrate their commitment to producing safe and high-quality products.

IFS certification ensures that companies adhere to specific criteria and guidelines set forth by the standards.

THE ASI DIFFERENCE

TIRED OF JUST MEETING THE MINIMUM WITH IFS CERTIFICATION?

ASI Food Safety takes you to the next level. Our deep expertise uncovers opportunities beyond compliance, building a robust culture of food safety excellence tailored to your unique operations.

With ASI, IFS certification isn't just a checkbox; it's the launchpad for continuous improvement, empowering you to become a true leader in food safety. Choose ASI, choose excellence.

ASI Food Safety, LLC provides IFS Certification through our parent company Kiwa.

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ASI: IFS SERVICES

ASI Food Safety can make a substantial difference for your company during an IFS (International Featured Standards) audit in several ways:

EXPERT GUIDANCE ASI Food Safety offers expert guidance and consultation to help your company prepare for an IFS audit. Their experience and knowledge in food safety standards can assist in understanding the requirements and implementing necessary changes to meet IFS standards.

GAP ANALYSIS ASI Food Safety can conduct pre-audit assessments to identify gaps or areas needing improvement before the official IFS audit. This proactive approach helps address issues in advance, increasing the chances of a successful audit.

CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS They provide tailored solutions and recommendations based on your company's specific needs and challenges. This personalized approach ensures that your company's systems and processes align effectively with IFS standards.

TRAINING SERVICES ASI Food Safety offers training programs and workshops to educate your staff on IFS standards and best practices. This training helps employees understand their roles in maintaining compliance and fosters a culture of food safety within the organization.

DOCUMENTATION SUPPORT ASI Food Safety can assist in reviewing and organizing documentation to ensure all necessary records and procedures are in place as per IFS standards. This comprehensive review helps streamline the audit process.

Technology Integration:

They can help integrate technology solutions that aid in maintaining compliance with IFS standards. Implementing digital systems or software can streamline processes and enhance traceability, a crucial aspect of food safety.

THE IFS PROCESS

The process of obtaining IFS certification typically involves several key steps:

Assess & Plan:

Download, your STANDARD AND PROGRAM below, and understand IFS requirements

Implement & Document:

Train your team extensively on IFS standards, refine FSMS procedures to meet requirements, and gather compelling evidence of your commitment to food safety excellence.

Audit & Verify:

Conduct internal audits, rectify non-conformities, cooperate during the IFS audit, provide necessary documentation, and promptly address identified issues post-audit.

Certification & Beyond:

Show commitment by rectifying non-conformities, celebrate IFS certification, and sustain high standards through regular audits, system updates, and improvement initiatives.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TIME FOR IFS CERTIFICATION?

The time frame for obtaining International Featured Standards (IFS) certification can vary based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the organization, the readiness of the existing systems to meet IFS requirements, the commitment of the organization to the certification process, and the specific IFS standard being pursued.

On average, the timeline for achieving IFS certification can range from a few months to over a year. Here is a general breakdown of the certification process:

Preparation Phase: This phase involves initial assessments, gap analysis, staff training, and making necessary changes to meet the IFS standard's requirements. Depending on the current state of the organization's systems and processes, this phase could take a few months.
Audit Process: Once the organization feels ready, an audit is conducted by an accredited certification body. The audit duration can vary based on the scope of certification and the complexity of the operations. It may take a few days to complete the audit process.
Post-Audit Actions: After the audit, if non-conformities are identified, the organization needs to address these issues promptly. Corrective actions, implementation of necessary changes, and providing evidence of compliance are essential steps in this phase.
Certification Issuance: Once all non-conformities are rectified and the organization demonstrates compliance with the IFS standard, the certification body issues the IFS certification.

The time frame can be affected by factors such as the organization's readiness, the complexity of the operations, the efficiency of corrective actions taken post-audit, and the responsiveness of the organization in implementing required changes.

It's important for organizations seeking IFS certification to engage with accredited certification bodies and consultants, conduct a thorough gap analysis, and create a realistic timeline tailored to their specific situation and readiness to meet IFS standards.

WHAT IS THE COST FOR IFS CERTIFICATION?

The cost of obtaining International Featured Standards (IFS) certification can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the organization, the number of sites to be certified, the specific IFS standard being pursued, geographical location, and the chosen certification body.

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the average cost for IFS certification typically ranges from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Small to medium-sized businesses might incur lower costs compared to larger enterprises due to the scale of operations and complexity of implementation.

Factors that may influence the cost of IFS certification include:

Consultancy and Preparation: Costs related to hiring consultants or experts to assist in preparing for certification, conducting gap analysis, and implementing necessary changes.
Certification Body Fees: Charges associated with audits, assessments, and certification fees charged by accredited certification bodies.
Training Costs: Expenses for employee training on IFS standards and procedures to meet certification requirements.
Documentation and System Development: Costs related to developing and updating documentation, processes, and systems to align with IFS standards.
Ongoing Maintenance: Expenses associated with maintaining compliance, conducting internal audits, and continual improvement efforts.

It's important to note that these costs are approximate and can significantly vary depending on the specific circumstances of each organization. Companies seeking IFS certification should contact accredited certification bodies, consultants, or agencies for detailed cost estimates tailored to their unique situation and certification needs.

IFS CERTIFICATION