IFS Food Certification is one of the most recognized and demanding standards in the field of food safety and quality, especially for businesses involved in the production and/or processing of food. It belongs to the family of IFS (International Featured Standards) and is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), enhancing the global commercial credibility of certified companies.
What is the IFS Food Standard?
The IFS Food Standard applies to food production facilities that process and/or package food under their own or private label. It focuses on key pillars such as:
Beyond compliance with legislation, the standard requires adopting a culture of quality and safety, designing and implementing a comprehensive HACCP system, and maintaining documented good manufacturing and hygiene practices (GMP/GHP).
Why get IFS Food Certified?
IFS Food Certification is a strategic advantage for businesses.
The main benefits include:
Who is IFS Food Certification for?
This standard is aimed at:
IFS Food Certification Process
The certification process includes:
- Client Application
Review of application, documentation of production plans, definition of technical requirements and audit duration, and audit planning. - Planning & Audit Execution
Audit by an IFS-approved, specialized auditor, based on in-depth evaluation of processes, traceability, HACCP, etc. - Audit Report & Corrective Actions
Recording of findings and validation of corrective actions. - Issuance of the IFS Food Certificate
The certificate is valid for 1 year and is published in the IFS database.
Types of Audits & IFS Food Scores
IFS Food assessments can be:
The Higher Level score is awarded to companies with exceptional compliance and serves as a promotional and competitive advantage.
Advantages of Certification with Q-CERT
Q-CERT is accredited by ACCREDIA and offers:
Frequently Asked Questions about IFS Food Certification
Is the IFS Food Standard mandatory?
No, but it is a commercial requirement for many international customers.
Can a small business be IFS Food certified?
Absolutely. IFS Food is applicable to businesses of all sizes, as long as they meet the requirements.
What’s the main difference compared to other standards?
IFS places strong emphasis on procedural documentation, visual inspection, and a “food safety culture” policy, which is now mandatory.
Does IFS Food Certification help with exports or entering large retail chains?
Yes. It is a key requirement for collaboration with many supermarket chains and boosts access to international markets.
Contact Q-CERT
Q-CERT is your trusted partner for IFS Food Certification, offering accredited services and cutting-edge expertise in food safety.
📧 Contact us to request an offer or for further clarification.
| Audit Information & Expectations | Application Form |
|---|---|
| QMSCERT F-2123 , FRAMEWORK | QMSCER F-2528 |