IFS Food Certification Services

IFS Food is a GFSI-recognized food safety and quality standard for food manufacturers and food processing companies. The standard assesses food safety, product quality, legal compliance and the effectiveness of food safety management systems. IFS Food certification is widely accepted by retailers, brand owners and food businesses around the world.

IFS Food certification is intended for organizations that process food products or pack loose food products. It is commonly used by food manufacturers supplying retailers, wholesalers, food service companies and brand owners.
The standard can be applied to a wide range of food sectors, including bakery, dairy, meat, seafood, beverages and prepared foods.

IFS Food certification helps organizations demonstrate compliance with internationally recognized food safety and quality requirements. Certification can support customer approval processes, improve transparency within the supply chain and provide confidence to retailers and food buyers.

As a GFSI-recognized standard, IFS Food is accepted by many food businesses as part of their supplier assurance programmes.

The certification process typically includes:
1. Application and quotation
2. Preparation and implementation of IFS Food requirements
3. On-site audit by a qualified auditor
4. Review of audit findings
5. Closure of non-conformities (if applicable)
6. Certification decision
7. Issuance of certificate

Kiwa's experts can support your organization throughout the certification process.

Yes. IFS Food is benchmarked and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This recognition helps ensure that the standard meets internationally accepted requirements for food safety management and supply chain assurance.

IFS Food certification is generally valid for one year. Organizations must undergo an annual renewal audit to maintain certification. Depending on customer requirements and the chosen audit programme, organizations may also participate in unannounced audits.

The cost of IFS Food certification depends on factors such as the size of the site, number of employees, production processes, audit duration and scope of certification.
Because every organization is different, certification costs are calculated individually. Kiwa can provide a quotation based on your specific activities and certification requirements.

Organizations interested in IFS Food certification can contact Kiwa for a tailored quotation. The proposal will be based on factors such as production activities, site complexity, certification scope and number of locations.

Both IFS Food and BRCGS Food Safety are GFSI-recognized food safety standards used by food manufacturers. The choice is often influenced by customer requirements, target markets and retailer preferences. Both standards focus on food safety, quality and legal compliance.

IFS Food and FSSC 22000 are both GFSI-recognized certification schemes, but they use different approaches.
IFS Food is a product and process-focused standard with detailed audit requirements and a scoring methodology. FSSC 22000 is based on ISO management system principles and combines ISO 22000 with sector-specific prerequisite programmes and additional requirements.
The most suitable scheme often depends on customer expectations, business objectives and existing management systems.

IFS Food uses a scoring system to evaluate compliance with standard requirements during the audit. Audit findings affect the overall audit score and certification outcome.
The scoring methodology provides organizations with detailed feedback on strengths, opportunities for improvement and areas requiring corrective action.

IFS has increasingly promoted unannounced auditing as part of strengthening confidence in certification programmes. Depending on the applicable programme requirements, organizations may be required to participate in unannounced audits or choose them as part of their certification cycle. 

An unannounced audit assesses how effectively food safety and quality requirements are implemented during normal day-to-day operations. 
In line with GFSI benchmarking requirements, certified sites are required to undergo an unannounced audit at least once every three years. The exact approach and audit protocols are defined within the applicable certification scheme requirements

If non-conformities are identified, corrective actions must be implemented within the timeframe defined by IFS requirements. The certification body reviews the evidence provided before making a certification decision.
The type and severity of the non-conformity determine whether additional actions or verification activities are required before certification can be granted or maintained.

The most appropriate certification scheme depends on your products, customers, target markets and business objectives.

•    IFS Food is widely accepted by retailers and food businesses in many international markets.
•    BRCGS Food Safety is widely accepted by retailers, brand owners and food businesses across global supply chains.
•    FSSC 22000 is often chosen by organizations seeking an ISO-based food safety management system.

Many food manufacturers select a scheme based on customer requirements or market expectations. 
Kiwa can help determine which food safety certification best fits your business activities and supply chain requirements.