Food is a product that is sensitive to changes in temperature and other factors related to its storage, transportation, loading, and unloading. If specific safety and hygiene regulations and standards are not met, there could be product contamination. Also, the merchandise may arrive at its destination in poor conditions. Something companies in the food industry need to consider as it can pose a risk to the health of the consumer.
For this reason, the IFS Certificate is considered one of the most important standards in terms of food safety in Europe. A necessary certificate to maintain high levels of quality and safety of a product as delicate as shellfish.
IFS Certificate: Safety and quality guarantee
IFS is the acronym for International Food Standard. A private, technical and international protocol that is recognized by the Global Food Security Initiative (GFSI). It has been developed with the aim of defining criteria for both safety and food quality.
In addition, it requires certain requirements for suppliers of food products that participate in the food production or supply chain. Among the requirements, it can be highlighted having an excellent food safety management system and respecting the cold chain. It also requires the correct use of materials and their quality management. Furthermore, it enforces applying analysis and inspections for continual improvement.
In this way, it ensures that the activities are carried out in accordance with current legislation and consumer protection.
The IFS certificate can be focused on the following specific practices:
- Food and Ingredient Manufacturing (IFS Food)
- Manufacture of food packaging (IFS Food)
- Packaging of consumer products (IFS Food)
- Storage, distribution, transport and logistics (IFS Logistics)
In order to obtain this certification, an audit process must be passed. This audit is done to review and ensure the company complies with the required IFS standards. The approval is granted to suppliers considered suitable.
Food safety: The importance of having an IFS certification
An IFS Certification guarantees the trust from the industry, manufacturers, retailers, customers, and consumers themselves. In addition, implementing this regulation in the organization leads to other benefits, such as those that we will see below:
- It guarantees the supply of products that are safe, that comply with the legislation and are in accordance with their specifications.
- There is transparency in the food supply chain that allows greater control of risks to food safety.
- It allows efficient productivity as it facilitates control at all stages of production and prioritizing areas for improvement. This also leads to reducing costs of the overall food manufacturing.
- It offers visibility and business opportunities. You can share the audit report backed by the IFS database. This can help to work with other certified and leading companies in terms of food safety and quality.
- It makes it easier to obtain a competitive advantage in a demanding market, such as the seafood market.
IFS Logistics of Krustagroup
At Krustagroup we have an IFS Logistics Certification, ensuring the high standards our products and processes.
This certification is a standard for auditing companies whose activities are oriented towards the logistics of food and non-food products. This includes businesses dedicated to their transportation, storage, loading/unloading, etc. Including companies using service providers for their transport and/or storage activities. Also, it is aimed at freezing and thawing service providers.
IFS Logistics has international recognition. It promotes good practices within the supply chain. It ensures the transportation, storage, distribution, loading and unloading remain stable. It also helps to establish high quality standards throughout the supply chain.
Obtaining this recognition demonstrates our effort to achieve quality excellence. In Krustagroup we are committed to our customers’ satisfaction. Our focus is also directed on obtaining a competitive advantage in a demanding market such as seafood.
