International Featured Standards(IFS)
IFS, which stands for International Featured Standards, is a globally recognized standard for food safety and quality management systems. Similar to BRCGS, it provides a framework for ensuring the safety, quality, and legality of food products throughout the supply chain.
The IFS standards cover various aspects of food safety and quality management, including:
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Food safety management system: Establishing and maintaining a robust food safety management system based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles to identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards.
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Good manufacturing practices (GMP): Implementing and maintaining good manufacturing practices to ensure hygienic production processes, facility cleanliness, and proper handling of raw materials and finished products.
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Facility and equipment standards: Ensuring that facilities, equipment, and infrastructure meet stringent hygiene, sanitation, and safety requirements to prevent contamination and ensure the integrity of food products.
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Product specifications and labeling: Developing and implementing clear product specifications and labeling requirements to ensure accurate identification and traceability of food products and compliance with regulatory standards.
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Supplier and subcontractor management: Establishing procedures for evaluating, approving, and monitoring suppliers and subcontractors to ensure the quality and safety of raw materials, ingredients, and services provided to the organization.
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Product integrity and authenticity: Implementing measures to prevent food fraud, adulteration, and mislabeling, and ensuring the authenticity and traceability of food products throughout the supply chain.
IFS certification demonstrates an organization’s commitment to food safety, quality, and compliance with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. It helps build trust and confidence among customers, retailers, and consumers and can enhance market access, competitiveness, and brand reputation in the global food industry.