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IFS Version 5- International Food Standard for Auditing Retailer and Wholesaler Branded Food Products
The IFS Food is a standard for auditing retailer and wholesaler branded food product suppliers / manufacturers. The food standard is designed for companies who undertake the following activities:
- processing
- handling of loose food products and / or
- primary packing activities
The IFS is divided into four main parts:
- Part 1: audit protocol (scoring of the audit, audit duration, different steps from the audit until the issue of the certificate, etc.)
- Part 2: technical requirements. The check-list contains 250 requirements, which deal with five main subjects:
o Senior management responsibility
o Quality management system
o Resource management
o Production process
o Measurements, analyses, improvements
- Part 3: requirements for accreditation bodies, certification bodies and auditors
- Part 4: reporting (layout of audit report, certificate, etc.)
The requirements section of the Standard is divided into five chapters containing a total of 251 clauses.
The chapter headings are as follows:
- Senior Management Responsibility
- Quality Management System
- Resource Management
- Production Process
- Measurements, Analysis, Improvements
Companies preparing for an IFS Audit will find a checklist in Annex 5 of the Standard, this checklist is a great tool and it can be used for internal audit purposes or to undertake a gap analysis in preparation for your initial IFS Version 5 audit.
Version 5 of the IFS Standard requires that 'the senior management shall have nominated an IFS representative' to assist you with this SAI Global have designed a workshop style training course specifically for your companies IFS Representative and personnel responsible for maintaining IFS systems, carrying out internal audits or providing assistance to companies aiming for certification visits. The programme includes hands-on exercises with a chance to use the Standard.
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Food & Beverage Quality & Safety 
