Obtaining IFS Food certification: A strategic lever for food companies

In a market where food safety is a major concern, obtaining a recognized certification such as IFS Food has become a strategic challenge for companies in the agri-food sector. This demanding but beneficial approach reinforces the trust of partners and consumers while improving internal practices. Learn why this certification is important, how to prepare for it, and how tools like Tracklab (www.tracklab.co) can simplify the process.

Why get IFS Food certified?

The IFS Food (International Featured Standard Food) certification is an international standard for food safety and quality. It is particularly suitable for companies involved in the processing or packaging of food products.

The advantages of IFS Food certification:

1. Access to new markets : Major retail chains, catering services, and manufacturers often require IFS certification to work with their suppliers.
2. Enhanced risk management : Certification imposes rigorous controls, reducing risks related to food safety.
3. Optimization of internal processes : Compliance with IFS requirements promotes effective resource management and continuous improvement.
4. Building credibility : An IFS Food certified company is perceived as reliable and professional, which improves its market reputation.

The steps to achieving IFS Food certification

Obtaining IFS Food certification requires rigorous and methodical preparation. Here are the main steps to follow:

1. Analysis of standard requirements

The company should begin with a thorough analysis of the IFS Food standard criteria. This includes understanding the requirements for safety, quality, and traceability.

2. Internal assessment

An internal audit helps identify the gaps between current business practices and the standard's requirements. This is a crucial step in establishing an action plan.

3. Compliance

Once discrepancies have been identified, it is necessary to implement corrective actions:

• Staff training on best practices.
• Updating or creating procedures and documentation.
• Equipping teams with digital tools to centralize and automate document management.

4. Certification audit

The company engages an accredited certification body for an external audit. This assesses whether the company meets the requirements of the IFS Food standard. If successful, the certification is issued for a period of 12 months.

5. Maintaining certification

Certification must be renewed annually through follow-up audits. This requires maintaining ongoing compliance throughout the year.

Costs associated with IFS Food certification

Obtaining IFS Food certification is an investment that varies based on several factors:

1. Audit fees : Approximately 2,000 to 5,000 euros, depending on the size of the company and the number of sites.
2. Training and consulting : Budget between 5,000 and 15,000 euros for staff training and specialized support.
3. Compliance : These costs depend on necessary adjustments, such as purchasing equipment or implementing new systems.
4. Management tools : Using digital solutions like Tracklab may require an initial investment, but these tools generate significant long-term savings.

On average, the total budget for obtaining IFS Food certification ranges between 20,000 and 50,000 euros.

How Tracklab helps manage IFS Food certification

Tracklab (www.tracklab.co) is a platform designed to help companies manage their compliance with standards such as IFS Food.

The advantages of Tracklab:

1. Document centralization : The platform automatically gathers and updates all necessary documents, from supplier sheets to internal protocols.
2. Real-time tracking : Tracklab allows you to constantly monitor compliance with the IFS Food standard, preventing surprises during audits.
3. Automated reminders : With personalized alerts, businesses can stay ahead of deadlines, such as renewal audits or regulatory updates.
4. Time savings : By reducing the administrative burden of certification, Tracklab frees up quality teams to focus on higher-value tasks.

Conclusion

Obtaining IFS Food certification is a vital step for food companies looking to stand out in a competitive market and meet the growing expectations of consumers and partners.

While the process can be demanding, it is a strategic investment for both risk management and business growth. Tools like Tracklab simplify certification management, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring continuous compliance.

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