agfocert-tra

AGFOCERT IFS Certification Services

The IFS comprise eight different food and non-food standards, covering the processes along the supply chain. However, IFS does not specify what these processes must look like but merely provides a risk-based assessment of them. The different standards are now used by manufacturers and retailers worldwide to meet new requirements for quality, transparency and efficiency resulting from globalisation. To ensure IFS standards meet the needs of all partners, they develop these together with suppliers and retailers as well as certification bodies.

IFS Food 8

  • We provide IFS Food 8 certifications under our ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation by IAS.
  • The IFS Food Standard is a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) recognized standard for auditing food manufacturers. The focus is on food safety and the quality of processes and products. It concerns food processing companies and companies that pack loose food products.
  • IFS Food applies when products are “processed” or when there is a hazard for product contamination during primary packing. The Standard is important for all food manufacturers, especially for those producing private labels, as it contains many requirements related to the compliance with customer specifications.
  • The Standard supports the production and marketing departments in their efforts for brand safety and quality. IFS Food has been developed with full and active involvement of certification bodies, retailers, food industry and food service companies.

What is involved?

IFS Food version 8 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.

 

×