The IFS Food is a standard for auditing retailer and wholesaler branded food product suppliers / manufacturers. The food standard is designed for companies who undertake the following activities:
processing
handling of loose food products and / or
primary packing activities
The IFS Standard Document is split into 4 parts:
Part 1 Audit Protocol (The audit protocol describes the specific requirements made on organisations involved in IFS Food Audits) Part 2 Requirements (The requirements section of the standard details the clauses that companies will be audited against) Part 3 Requirements for Accreditation Bodies, Certification Bodies and Auditors (This section of the standard details the standard owner’s requirements for Accreditation and Certification Bodies to ensure consistent application of the standard) Part 4 Reporting, AuditXpress Software and the IFS Portal (This section of the standard details more information for Certification Bodies)
The requirements section of the Standard is divided into five chapters containing a total of 251 clauses.
The chapter headings are as follows:
Senior Management Responsibility
Quality Management System
Resource Management
Production Process
Measurements, Analysis, Improvements
Companies preparing for an IFS Audit will find a checklist in Annex 5 of the Standard, this checklist is a great tool and it can be used for internal audit purposes or to undertake a gap analysis in preparation for your initial IFS Version 5 audit.
Version 5 of the IFS Standard requires that ‘the senior management shall have nominated an IFS representative’ to assist you with this SAI Global have designed a workshop style training course specifically for your companies IFS Representative and personnel responsible for maintaining IFS systems, carrying out internal audits or providing assistance to companies aiming for certification visits. The programme includes hands-on exercises with a chance to use the Standard.
The IFS Food is a standard for auditing retailer and wholesaler branded food product suppliers / manufacturers. The food standard is designed for companies who undertake the following activities:
