IFS Certification Body Conference 2023
IFS Certification Body
Conference 2023
New Impulses for IFS Market Development
New Impulses for
IFS Market Development
IFS Food Doctrines
IFS Food 8 audits
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IFS Food Doctrines
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IFS Food Doctrines
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The suspension of IFS as well as this week’s upholding of the suspension are unfounded and arbitrary.

We provided GFSI with all the necessary information on the case in Italy, underwent an audit with the GFSI benchmark leader on 3 March 2023 and always fulfilled the GFSI benchmarking requirements. We therefore welcome today’s decision of the GFSI Steering Committee to reinstate IFS as a GFSI-recognised CPO.

Nevertheless, IFS has considered the suspension of the benchmark by GFSI as unfounded and arbitrary. It has unsettled many IFS-certified companies and has not contributed to food safety. We have always worked to ensure that their customers continue to recognise IFS Certificates and are grateful for the trust placed in us by our global network.

In the interest of all CPOs, certification bodies, certified companies and other stakeholders, we would like to see GFSI revise its governance rules to ensure that basic democratic principles are respected, procedures are transparent and fair, and rules are adhered to by all participants in the future. We all want to work for the cause of food safety, taking into account the different needs and approaches of all stakeholders.

 

 

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About IFS

IFS develops globally recognised product quality and safety standards and development programs with the expertise of retailers, manufacturers, certification bodies and other experts. With our help, companies increase the trustworthiness of their products and brands through a practised product and food safety culture.

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2002
Foundation of IFS
> 40
Employees worldwide
2000+
Retail Accounts
> 30000
Certificates & LoCs

Quality Assurance and Integrity Program

The IFS Integrity Program ensures that our standards are properly implemented.

This is guaranteed by:

  • Integrity on-site checks,
  • Integrity witness audits,
  • and CB office audits.

In case of complaints, it is possible to reach IFS IP via the complaint-form or e-mail.

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Accreditation & Recognition

With the accreditation of the certification bodies working with us and the IFS Standards, we ensure that our work is based on uniform international norms and thus on objectively verifiable quality standards. For us, accreditation means security and trust in our products.

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Sustainability / ESG

Making processes, structures, and business models more sustainable is a constant challenge for many companies. To help especially small and medium-sized companies integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, IFS offers the ESG Check. With this tool, we support you on your way to a greener and more socially responsible future.

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Product integrity / PIA

Ensure product integrity with IFS. We help you better understand and control risks relating to product integrity and food fraud. With our IFS PIA Assessment, you show your customer that you deliver products to specifications and manage your integrity risks properly.

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IFS News

IFS Certification Body Conference 2023

Connecting Certification Bodies worldwide!

On 16 and 17 October 2023, we welcomed over 200 participants to our Certification Body Conference in Berlin and to our live stream.

The annual IFS CB Conference brings together representatives of IFS-approved certification bodies from around the world. The 2-day conference programme consisted of a wide range of informative sessions. IFS Team Members delved into various aspects of certification, including updated standards, new programs and the latest company developments.

This year, we were happy to welcome two outstanding keynote speakers. Robert Prevendar, Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance at Yum! Brands, and Dr Jean-Charles Gander, Chief Quality Officer at the Migros Group, shared insights into their companies’ policies and the role IFS Certification plays in this context. 

The number of certification bodies we work with is constantly growing worldwide. If you are interested in joining our CB network, read more here.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this event and look forward to welcoming the CBs back to Berlin next year.


New Impulses for IFS Market Development

We have repositioned the top of our Market Development Department and are delighted to have Mario Schuster and Holly Hatam join the IFS Team. With distinct backgrounds that beautifully complement each other, they bring a wealth of expertise to our ever-evolving journey.

Mario Schuster has started with IFS as Director of IFS Market Development. He comes to us with versatile expertise in food retail and the dynamic world of startups. He combines the best of established strategies and innovative thinking. His deep understanding of the retail landscape contributes to building strong relationships, understanding market dynamics and skilfully navigating challenges and opportunities for IFS.

Holly Hatam is the new Deputy Director of the department. Holly brings a wealth of experience from various certification bodies, where she held different key positions. She convinces with her ability to develop markets in a targeted manner and to tailor offers to customers.

Mario and Holly will be responsible for the strategic and operational development of IFS and our products and services in the global marketplace. They will work closely with all IFS Stakeholders, the IFS Team, and IFS Representatives to explore opportunities, expand our position, and set new impulses in the different markets. 

Their individual journeys give them a deep understanding of the intricacies of the respective markets and innovative mindsets that align perfectly with our goals. Their strategic thinking and ability to identify untapped opportunities will undoubtedly contribute to IFS’s continued success. 

Learn more about Holly and Mario in our IFS Faces Blog.


New doctrine for HPC version 3!

We recently published the doctrine for IFS HPC version 3. In this document, we answer frequently asked technical questions and give clarifications about the requirements.

The doctrine is a normative document complementing the standard. Accordingly, companies, certification bodies and auditors must follow the clarifications contained therein. 


Among other topics, you will find more details regarding specific exceptional situations in which the audit to version 2 can be accepted after 1 September 2023.  


Make sure to download the doctrine for IFS HPC version 3 before your next audit. 

 

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IFS Blog

In our IFS Faces Blog, we usually introduce one outstanding colleague. This time, we are even more excited to present not just one but two exceptional individuals who have recently joined the IFS Team: Mario Schuster and Holly Hatam, who have started...

The roles of different types of auditors and the responsibilities of certified businesses It's getting time for the annual IFS Audit, and tension is high because your company needs to pass. Then your CB informs you that an auditor trainee or a witnes...

I am looking forward to contributing to the developments at IFS and strengthening its position in the CEE markets. Laszlo Gyorfi, Senior Quality Assurance Manager and IFS Representative CEE IFS is happy to welcome Laszlo Gyorfi on the team. He is our...

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