International Featured Standards (IFS) | IFS Certification

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.

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

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PREPARING FOR IFS CERTIFICATION:

Preparing for IFS (International Featured Standards) certification involves a comprehensive approach to ensure your food safety and quality management systems meet the rigorous requirements. Here are the steps to help you prepare:

1. Understand the IFS Standard

Acquire the Standard: Obtain the latest version of the IFS Food Standard and other relevant documents.
Study the Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the criteria and guidelines to understand what is expected.

2. Conduct a Gap Analysis

Current Assessment: Evaluate your current food safety and quality management systems against the IFS requirements.
Identify Gaps: Document areas where your processes, procedures, and documentation fall short of the standard.

3. Develop an Action Plan

Prioritize Actions: Based on the gap analysis, create a detailed plan to address deficiencies.
Set Deadlines: Assign responsibilities and establish timelines for implementing changes.

4. Implement Necessary Changes

Update Documentation: Revise or create standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and records to align with IFS requirements.
Training: Provide training for employees to ensure they understand the new procedures and their roles in maintaining compliance.

5. Internal Audits

Conduct Audits: Perform regular internal audits to check compliance with IFS standards.
Review Results: Use the audit findings to make further improvements and address any non-conformities.

6. Management Review

Regular Meetings: Hold management review meetings to assess the effectiveness of the food safety and quality management system.
Continuous Improvement: Discuss and decide on actions to continuously improve the system.

7. Select a Certification Body

Choose an Accredited Body: Select a certification body that is accredited to perform IFS audits.
Schedule the Audit: Arrange a date for the certification audit, allowing enough time to complete preparations.

8. Pre-Audit (Optional)

Mock Audits: Consider conducting a pre-audit or mock audit to simulate the certification audit process.
Feedback: Use the findings to make any final adjustments before the official audit.

9. Certification Audit

Be Prepared: Ensure all documentation is up-to-date and accessible. Prepare staff for potential interviews.
Audit Execution: The certification body will conduct the audit, assessing your compliance with the IFS standard.

10. Address Non-Conformities

Corrective Actions: If the audit identifies any non-conformities, develop and implement corrective actions promptly.
Submit Evidence: Provide evidence of corrective actions to the certification body.

11. Certification Decision

Audit Report: Review the audit report provided by the certification body.
Certification: Upon successful completion, receive your IFS certification, which typically includes a certificate and a report detailing the audit findings.

12. Maintain Certification

Continuous Monitoring: Regularly review and update your food safety and quality management systems.
Annual Audits: Prepare for annual surveillance audits to maintain certification.

Tips for Successful Preparation

Commitment from Management: Ensure top management is committed to achieving and maintaining IFS certification.
Employee Involvement: Engage all levels of staff in the preparation process to foster a culture of food safety and quality.
Continuous Improvement: Focus on continuously improving processes, not just preparing for the audit.

By following these steps, you can systematically prepare for IFS certification and demonstrate your commitment to food safety and quality management.

FAQs ABOUT IFS CERTIFICATION

1. What is IFS Certification?

Answer: IFS (International Featured Standards) Certification is a globally recognized standard for auditing food manufacturers and related companies. It ensures food safety, quality, and compliance with legal and customer requirements.

2. Why should my business get IFS certified?

Answer: Achieving IFS certification demonstrates your commitment to high food safety and quality standards. It can enhance your market access, reduce risks, increase customer confidence, and streamline your processes by minimizing multiple audits from different customers.

3. What are the steps to achieving IFS certification?

Answer: The steps include:

Understanding the IFS standard and requirements.
Conducting a gap analysis.
Developing and implementing an action plan to address deficiencies.
Conducting internal audits.
Undergoing a certification audit by an accredited body.
Addressing any non-conformities and obtaining the certification.

4. How long does the IFS certification process take?

Answer: The duration varies depending on the size and complexity of your business, the current state of your food safety and quality systems, and the time needed to implement necessary changes. On average, it may take several months from initial preparation to receiving certification.

5. What are the costs associated with IFS certification?

Answer: Costs can include fees for the certification body, internal resource allocation, potential consulting fees, training, and implementation of necessary changes. Specific costs vary based on the size of your business and the complexity of your operations.

6. How often do we need to renew our IFS certification?

Answer: IFS certification is typically valid for one year. Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain certification, and a full recertification audit is conducted every three years.

7. What happens during an IFS audit?

Answer: During an IFS audit, the certification body assesses your food safety and quality management systems against the IFS standard. This includes reviewing documentation, inspecting facilities, and interviewing staff to ensure compliance.

8. What should we do if non-conformities are identified during the audit?

Answer: If non-conformities are identified, you will need to develop and implement corrective actions promptly. You must provide evidence of these actions to the certification body within a specified timeframe to achieve certification.

9. Can we prepare for the IFS audit ourselves, or do we need external help?

Answer: You can prepare for the IFS audit internally by thoroughly understanding the standard and conducting a gap analysis. However, some businesses choose to hire consultants with expertise in IFS certification to assist with preparation and implementation.

10. How can we ensure continuous compliance with IFS standards?

Answer: Continuous compliance can be ensured by regularly reviewing and updating your food safety and quality management systems, conducting internal audits, providing ongoing staff training, and staying informed about updates to the IFS standard.

11. What kind of training do our employees need for IFS certification?

Answer: Employees should be trained on the specific requirements of the IFS standard relevant to their roles, food safety principles, SOPs, and any changes implemented as part of the certification process. Ongoing training is essential to maintain compliance.

12. What documentation is required for IFS certification?

Answer: Required documentation includes food safety policies, SOPs, HACCP plans, quality management records, internal audit reports, and evidence of corrective actions, among others. The specific documents depend on your business's operations and processes.

13. How does IFS certification benefit our customers?

Answer: IFS certification provides assurance to your customers that your products meet high food safety and quality standards. It enhances their trust in your brand and can lead to stronger business relationships and market opportunities.

This FAQ is designed to help businesses understand the key aspects of IFS certification and what to expect during the certification process. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

IFS CERTIFICATION