The International Featured Standard (IFS) Food is a leading globally recognized standard which certifies the safety and quality of processed food products and production processes. The latest version (V8) of the standard has been updated to reflect recent developments of the industry.
The most signification changes and improvements
- Alignment with the Codex Alimentarius and ISO 22003-2 and GFSI Benchmarking Requirements.
- The B-score is again classified as a deviation, so businesses can define a correction and corrective action to improve their performance continuously.
- Introduction of the IFS Star status to indicate that the audit was unannounced. This way, supply chain partners can immediately see that the certified company stands out.
- The reporting time, the number of doctrine rules, and other administrative requirements updates to maintain alignment with GFSI benchmarking and accreditation.
- The restructured checklist follows the audit process more consequently. For example, food defense is now part of chapter 4.
- Companies must define objectives for each of the four dimensions of food safety culture.
- It is possible to add EU PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) on the IFS Certificate with a disclaimer.
- The wording in the checklist is more consistent and clear to clarify the intention of requirements better. Also, the word “assessment“ becomes “audit“ again, in line with ISO 22003-2.
What’s new?
Unannounced Audits
Performing one of every third audits unannounced is obligatory. In version 8, we have clarified the counting of the unannounced audits. Chapter 2.4.2, Part 1, for details.
Scoring System
The B-score is now classified as a deviation again.
Food Safety Culture
In this new version, companies must now provide objectives for each of the four dimensions of food safety culture.
How does IFS Food V8 benefit organisations?
IFS Food certification allows companies to show their customers, partners, and consumers their commitment to food safety and quality. IFS Food is also very focused on compliance with customers’ specifications, supporting trading relationships across the supply chain. Periodic review and update process of the standard supports the continuous improvement system of the certified companies.
TIMELINE
IFS Food version 8 audits are possible from October 1st 2023 and become mandatory for all certified companies as of January 1st 2024.
In general, the applicability of version 7 ends on 31 December 2023. In some exceptional situations, IFS Food version 7 can apply after 1 January 2024. The general admission of these exceptions ends on 31 December 2024.
- For unannounced audits: Version 8 applies when the audit window starts on or after October 1st.
- For multi-site audits: You need to audit sites and head office to the same version. After January 1st 2024, version 8 applies to all audits performed at the head office.
- For follow-up audits: When the connected “main” audit took place according to version 7 before January 1st 2024, version 7 applies for the follow-up audit.
- For extension audits: When the connected “main” audit took place according to version 7 before January 1st 2024, version 7 also applies for the extension audit.
