Efficient and transparent quality assurance in food processing in the US
Higher levels of food safety and quality
Continuous process optimization
Facilitates compliance with legal requirements
Transparency and evidence increase customer confidence
The internationally recognized IFS Food certification
The focus of IFS Food certification is on quality assurance in the processing and packaging of food and the associated processes. Through certified safety and quality, companies strengthen their products as well as their brand.
The standard applies wherever the risk of food contamination can be prevented such as a lack of hygiene or product quality. IFS Food primarily targets the initial packaging of food.
For marketing and production departments, the IFS Food standard is critical to demonstrate quality and brand safety.
Other benefits associated with the Food Safety and Quality Standard include:
- Uniform evaluation system for safety and quality
- Certification only by accredited certification bodies
- Greater transparency throughout the supply and production chain
- Savings in time and costs for suppliers and retailers through certified processes
Is the IFS Food certification suitable for my organization?
It is often supermarkets that require certification to the IFS Food Standard from their suppliers to reduce risks.
The certificate is also important for service providers who package food for manufacturers or retail chains. Certification can give them an important competitive advantage when awarding contracts.
Central content of an IFS Food audit
At a glance:
- Acceptance of corporate responsibility
- Use of systems for quality and food safety management
- Resource management
- Food defense to protect the food chain
- Continuous analysis, optimization, and measurement
- Adequate manufacturing processes
Unannounced audits for the IFS Food Standard
Unannounced audits are conducted under IFS Food 16 weeks before and two weeks after a set deadline. The participating companies can specify in advance time windows during which no audits may be carried out so as not to disrupt operational processes.
Steps to achieve an IFS Food Certification
In the first step, you will discuss your company, your management system and the goals of certification with us. Next, you will promptly receive a detailed and transparent quote, tailored to your individual needs.
Especially for larger certification projects, a planning meeting is a valuable opportunity to get to know your DQS Inc. auditor as well as to develop an individual audit program for all involved areas and sites.
A gap assessment also offers the opportunity to identify any areas of improvement as well as strengths of your management system in advance. Both services are optional.
Once your company is ready, we will schedule an audit date with an auditor who has the necessary experience and expertise in your industry. During the certification audit, our auditors assess whether your management system meets the requirements of the standard and identify areas of improvement. In a final discussion, you will receive a detailed presentation of the results from your auditor and if necessary, action plans will be agreed upon.
The audit and its results are evaluated by the independent certification board of DQS, which decides on the issuance of the IFS certificate. You will receive an audit report documenting the audit results. If there are any nonconformities, you will have the opportunity to correct them and take appropriate action at this time. If all applicable requirements are met, you will receive the certificate with a validity period of one year.
After one year, your certificate expires. To ensure complete validity of your IFS certificate, DQS Inc. will schedule your next audit early.