IFS Food: International Standard for Food Safety

IFS Food is one of the most widely recognized food safety standards in the European food industry. It sets clear requirements for production processes, hygiene, and quality management. The standard applies to companies that process, package, or store food products.

Many European supermarket chains, including Aldi, Lidl, Carrefour, and Edeka, contractually require IFS certification from their suppliers. For many producers, compliance with this standard is therefore an essential condition for accessing the European retail market.

What is IFS?

International Featured Standards (IFS) is an internationally recognized standard that helps companies manage their production processes and ensure food safety. The standard is based on HACCP principles and sets clear requirements for production, hygiene, and quality management.

IFS is intended for organizations that process, package, or store food products. Private label manufacturers and exporting companies are typically required to comply with this standard, as many retailers mandate certification.

The Pillars of IFS

IFS includes a comprehensive set of requirements for safe and high-quality food production. The key areas are:

• Hygiene and contamination prevention
• Quality management and documentation
• Traceability and product identification
• Allergen management
• Cleaning and disinfection
• Personal hygiene and PPE
• Use of detectable materials
• Management of deviations and incidents

These components form the assessment framework during official IFS audits.

What Does Article 3.2.6 Mean for Your Organization?

Organizations that process, package, or store food products must review and update their procedures to comply with Article 3.2.6. In practical terms, this means:

• Updating inventory management to phase out non-waterproof plasters and replace them with fully waterproof alternatives
• Using detectable plasters in production environments where metal detection systems are in place
• Instructing employees on the correct use of wound dressings
• Updating HACCP and quality documentation to ensure the change is properly recorded in procedures
• Verifying compliance across all relevant departments, including logistics and support functions

By taking these steps, companies can reduce audit findings and demonstrate compliance with IFS.