The International Food Standard (IFS) was developed by Federal Union of German Trade Associations to provide a transparent and complete service package through which to audit food producers.

The aim of IFS is to create a consistent evaluation basis for all food manufacture with uniform formulations, a uniform audit procedure and mutual acceptance of audits throughout the food chain.

IFS has the following key criteria.

•  A food safety management system.

•  Good agriculture practice (GAP), good manufacture practice (GMP) and
　good supplier practice (GSP).

•  HACCP systems.

IFS has the following structure.

•  Management of the quality system.

•  Management responsibility.

•  Resource management.

•  Product realisation.

The IFS audit criteria are split into three levels. The foundation level describes the minimum requirements for international food manufacture that must be fulfilled to obtain the IFS certificate. The higher level defines criteria that are considered as being of a high standard in the food industry. The recommendation level criteria are recommended for all auditees who wish to demonstrate best practice in the sector.

For further information, please contact the nearest TÜV Rheinland office.