IFS Food; international featured standards; Version 8, April 2023 – Standard for assessing the product- and process conformity with regard to food safety and -Quality
In order to meet international specifications for food retailers, the IFS (GFSI recognised process) is suitable for the implementation of and compliance with food safety.
Accreditation by the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS)
Recognised internationally for access to markets worldwide
We have been certifying management systems since 1983
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Food safety certification according to IFS Food
IFS Food Standard certification is world wide accepted by retailers and brand owners. The companies address the product- and process-specific hazards and risks in a well-founded manner, thereby increasing product safety. Companies are required by the standard to live and promote a food safety culture. The audits are carried out by qualified auditors approved by the IFS. Through the audits, some of which are unannounced, the certified company is obliged to maintain the level at a constantly high level and to fulfil the requirements at all times.
Target groups of IFS Food
Food- and food ingredient manufacturers who require a worldwide- and GFSI-recognised certificate.
Validity period of the certificate
1 year
Recognition of the SQS certificate
The IFS Food SQS Certificate is valid internationally and is recognised as the GFSI standard by wholesalers worldwide.
Responsible for the product and there for you
Denise Kistler
Do you have any questions about the standard or our service? Would you like to know more about the certification process and the costs? Or may we provide you with a concrete offer for the certification?
We are happy to help you. Our account management team and I, as the product manager, will be happy to forward your questions to our experienced auditors. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to access certified management systems.
Please let us know how we can support you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Kind regards
Denise Kistler
Food safety, risk prevention, authenticity and quality
The IFS Food Standard is an internationally recognized standard that builds trust among producers, trading partners, and consumers. It assesses not only products but also entire production processes, demonstrating that a company is capable of delivering safe, authentic, and high-quality food that meets legal requirements and customer expectations.
Recognition and market access
With the IFS Food Standard, companies ensure transparency and traceability, increase their efficiency, and strengthen the integrity of their products. Audits are conducted exclusively by experienced IFS auditors working for independent and accredited certification bodies such as SQS – a clear sign of neutrality and the highest level of reliability. As a GFSI-recognized standard, IFS Food is established and recognized worldwide. Many retailers, wholesalers, and brand companies require an IFS certificate from their suppliers. Successful certification facilitates access to global markets and promotes long-term business relationships.
Process optimization and food safety culture
Establishing clear guidelines for corporate governance/-commitment, quality and food safety systems, resource management, operational processes, and procedures for measurement, analysis, and improvement creates a solid foundation for process optimisation and product safety. The standard enables a risk-based approach and promotes continuous improvement. At the same time, the standard promotes an active food safety culture within the company, leading to continuous quality improvement and greater efficiency.
How often does an IFS-Food certificate need to be renewed?
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The IFS Food certificate is valid for 12 months. A re-audit is required before this period expires to remain recognized as an IFS-certified supplier.
How long does it take to obtain an IFS Food certificate?
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The time required depends on the size of the company, the complexity of the processes and the degree of preparation. Well-structured documentation, clearly defined processes and the efficient elimination of non-conformities significantly speed up the procedure.
What happens in the case of unannounced audits?
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The IFS standard offers the possibility of annual unannounced audits; at least every third audit must be unannounced. This provides a realistic picture of operational processes. The company must ensure a consistently high level of quality and safety, as the requirements can be reviewed at any time.
What are the costs associated with an IFS-Food certification?
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Costs vary depending on the size and location of the organization and the complexity of the production processes. We would be happy to provide you with a customized offer that considers your requirements.
Does SQS also offer consultancy services?
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No, our core competence is certification. However, if required, we will be happy to connect you with external experts or organize training courses so that you can optimally prepare for certification.
Can we combine IFS Food with other food safety standards?
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Yes. Combined audits with other IFS standards, such as IFS Logistics and IFS Broker, are possible. Many companies that are already certified according to ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 integrate the IFS Food Standard to access additional markets. Shared processes and documents can thus enable synergies and efficiency gains.
What happens if a company does not fulfil the requirements of the IFS Food standard?
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In the event of non-conformities, the company implements corrections and plans root-cause corrective actions. If this is successful, the certificate can be issued or maintained. If this is not successful or if critical non-conformities are identified, no certificate will be issued or an existing certificate will be revoked.
How is the validity of an IFS Food certificate verified?
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Each SQS certificate is given a unique registration number, which can be used to check its validity in the online directory. In addition, each IFS certificate has a QR code generated by IFS Management GmbH. This code can be used to verify the authenticity and validity of the certificate directly with the standard setter.
How does IFS Food differ from other GFSI standards such as FSSC 22000?
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While all GFSI-recognized standards share a common goal - ensuring high levels of food safety - their focus and approaches vary slightly. IFS Food places particular emphasis on process and product safety, as well as collaboration between retailers and manufacturers, and defines detailed requirements for documentation, monitoring, and corrective actions.
Why is GFSI-recognized certification so important for the market access?
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The GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) harmonizes different food safety standards worldwide. Many retailers and brand manufacturers require GFSI-compliant certification such as IFS Food to strengthen confidence in their supply chain and reduce repetitive audits.