IFS standards

What does IFS mean?

The abbreviation IFS stands for “International Featured Standards”. It is a series of guidelines and regulations developed specifically for companies in the food industry and retail sector. They define requirements for the quality, safety and integrity of food and for the management of companies.

There are various areas of application for IFS standards. These are divided into the parts of the production process of a product or service:

• IFS Food
  This standard defines the requirements for companies that produce, process or package bulk food. It deals with food safety and quality as well as operational management.
• IFS Cash&Carry/Wholesale
  These rules are relevant for cash & carry and/or wholesale businesses that trade in their own loose and packaged products.
• IFS HCP
  In this area, the IFS standards regulate the processing or handling of loose household and personal care products in factories.
• IFS Logistics
  In the logistics sector, the standards define the rules for the handling of food and non-food products by companies and service providers. They set out the requirements for food safety and quality as well as the management of logistics processes.
• IFS Brokers
  This standard applies to companies that act as trade intermediaries and resell food from suppliers to customers. It specifies requirements for quality management and traceability.
• IFS Pac Secure

This standard is aimed at companies that produce packaging materials for food. It specifies requirements for food safety, quality and the management of production processes.

The IFS standards are based on the HACCP principles (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and are audited by independent certification bodies. Companies that meet the IFS standards can receive certificates attesting to their compliance with the standards. These certificates can be important for business activities and trade in food, as they strengthen customer confidence in the quality and safety of products.

What advantages do the IFS standards offer?

The IFS standards offer various advantages for companies in the food industry and retail trade:

1. Improving food safety: The IFS standards set strict requirements for food safety and help companies to identify, control and minimize potential hazards. By implementing the standards, companies can ensure that their products meet the highest safety standards and reduce the risk of food contamination.
2. Increasing product quality: The IFS standards also include requirements for product quality and stipulate that companies must carry out quality controls and tests. By complying with the standards, companies can improve their product quality and ensure that their products meet customer requirements.
3. Compliance with legal requirements: The IFS standards take into account national and international laws and regulations in the area of food production and processing. By implementing the standards, companies can ensure that they meet the relevant legal requirements and thus minimize the risk of fines, legal consequences and loss of reputation.
4. Strengthening customer confidence: IFS certification serves as independent proof of compliance with high quality and safety standards. By obtaining an IFS certificate, companies can strengthen the trust of their customers and show them that they care about the safety and quality of the products they supply.
5. Facilitating international trade: The IFS standards are internationally recognized and accepted by many retailers and buyers worldwide. By meeting the standards, companies can increase their chances of gaining access to new markets and trading partners.
6. Increasing efficiency in operational management: The IFS standards also include requirements for operational management, such as the introduction of quality management systems, employee training and the documentation of processes. By implementing these management practices, companies can increase their operational efficiency, optimize workflows and reduce costs.

The IFS standards thus offer a holistic approach to the safety, quality and management of companies in the food industry and retail sector, enabling them to improve their competitiveness and run their business successfully.