New version 8
The IFS Food Standard applies to the evaluation of food products and production processes to assess a manufacturer’s ability to produce safe, authentic, and high-quality food products in compliance with legal and customer specifications.
In April 2023, a new version, IFS Food Standard Version 8, was released.
Audits according to Version 8 have been possible since October 1, 2023, and will be mandatory from January 1, 2024.
Why was the new version published?
- Alignment with Codex Alimentarius: Adapting to the updated Codex Alimentarius requirements.
- Preparation for ISO 22003-2: Adjusting to upcoming changes in ISO standards.
- Review of the scoring system: Especially refining the B-score classification.
- Feedback from stakeholders: Incorporating suggestions from industry participants.
- Market changes: Responding to evolving market demands.
Key changes and improvements in IFS Food Version 8:
- Compliance with Codex Alimentarius, ISO 22003-2, and GFSI benchmarking.
- Reclassification of B-score: Now treated as a deviation requiring corrective actions.
- Introduction of “Star Status”: To indicate unannounced audits, visible in the IFS database.
- Reduction of administrative requirements.
- Checklist updates: Incorporation of food defense into Chapter 4.
- Food safety culture goals: Companies must set objectives across four dimensions.
- KO requirements adjustment: Scoring can be A, B, or D, with C scoring no longer valid.
- PDO/PGI designation: Protected designations can now be included on certificates.
- Terminology changes: Reinstating “audit” instead of “assessment.”
- Consistency in terms: “Available,” “in place,” or “applied” replaced with “documented, implemented, and maintained.”
- Precision in timeframes: Specific periods (e.g., 12 months) replace vague terms like “regularly.”
Conclusion:
Version 8 clarifies ambiguities from previous versions and focuses on issues like food fraud, emphasizing continuous improvement. With clearer criteria for B-scores and enhanced compliance frameworks, it represents a notable improvement over earlier versions.