IFS is a standard for auditing retailer (and wholesaler) branded food products. To avoid producers being overwhelmed by different requirements, the German and French retailers, supported by other international retailers developed the IFS. The intention of the standard and the protocol is to reduce cost and bring transparency in the whole supply chain.

IFS- Food , Version 5

In comparison with version 4, the new release differs in having its requirement catalogue reduced by 25 percent. This has been achieved by eliminating repetitions and improving clarity and wording. The new requirements catalogue also takes the latest EU regulations into account, while hygiene, packaging material, and traceability requirements have been improved. The version 5 furthermore pays more attention to the importance of controlling production and processes where the emphasis is on food safety, as is shown by six additional KO criteria.

The scoring system has also been improved. Foundation, higher levels and recommendations have been merged in one single check list. The score required for achieving the higher level has been raised to 95%. Further, the demand made by the GFSI for IFS certificates with a maximum of 12 months' validity irrespective of the level has been implemented. Finally, some new requirements for accreditation and certification bodies as well as for auditors have been added.

The official market launch of the new version 5 will be 01.08.2007. Until 31.12.2007 audits may be conducted according to either IFS 4 or IFS 5. This is to protect the investments of those companies which have made intensive preparations for the audit against IFS 4 to be conducted during the second half of the year.

1. Which retailers support IFS

All retailers (and wholesalers) who take part in the HDE Committee for Food Law and Quality Assurance, in the FCD Quality Committee and in the Federdistribuzione Quality Committee, as well as COOP and CONAD support the IFS and demand an IFS certification from their suppliers. Retailers who belong to these committees are e.g. Metro Group, Edeka, Rewe Group, Aldi, Lidl, Auchan, Carrefour Group, EMC - Groupe Casino, Leclerc, Monoprix, Picard Surgelés, Provera (Cora and Supermarchés Match), Système U, COOP, CONAD and Unes. All of these retailers participated in the redaction of IFS version 5. In addition, further retailers in other European countries, like Spain, Poland, Austria and Switzerland support the IFS too.

2. IFS applied internationally
The IFS is a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) endorsed standard, like SQF, Dutch HACCP and BRC Standard. Some retailers, like Carrefour, Tesco, Ahold, Wal Mart, Metro, Migros and Delhaize, announced their recognition of all the GFSI standards.

3. Advantages of the IFS
First goal = trust in IFS certificates/audits

IFS works only with approved certification bodies which have signed a contract with IFS
IFS is the only standard, with a complete review of its auditors every 2 years (through written and oral examination)
IFS is developed with input from industries, certification bodies, auditors, accreditation bodies of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF)
The industry and retailers can trust in the competence of IFS auditors and IFS reports/certificates

IFS adaptation makes you more competitive

Experts tool for food safety, food quality and food law issues, continuous improvement and adaptation to food law modifications
Permanent link to the evolution of the sectors and customers requirements
Quick adaptation/revision of IFS requirements possible
IFS-Software AuditXpress helps to implement and review the IFS on site
Adaptation of IFS helps to implement quickly: New food law, New best practices, New processes

IFS is clear and precise

A well structured and organised standard
The number of requirements ? 250 criteria ? is manageable
The IFS Standard is manageable: it does not need further checklists (product checklists etc.) due to the approval of competences of the auditors and the quality of the audit is assured.
Another advantage is that the audited company gets for all deviations which do not have effects on food safety 12 months time to correct the deviations.
Furthermore the IFS has a fair and comprehensible evaluation system with a defined audit frequency. That means that the audited companies can adjust in advance.


IFS = fully managed and controlled system

Contract with each IFS certification body

Complete review of the qualification of each auditor every two years
Protected database gives secured access to the current status, all audit reports, action plans and certificates
Uniform audit report and action plan saves time and money
Quick adaptation to new regulation and new customer requirements
World wide audits performed in the native language of the suppliers


Compliance:  IFS certification meets EU food safety law, traceability, allergens and GMO requirements
Confidence:   IFS certification protects brands, business etc.
Consistency:  IFS allows the implementation of one program and one standard to meet global market requirements
Convenience: IFS provides controlled database access to supplier certification status and audit results
Global and open:  IFS is used by retailers and food industry worldwide
Time & Cost:  IFS reduces multiple audits
Trust:  IFS works only with registered certification bodies and approved auditors