06. Aug 2024

NEWS from the world of IFS

IFS Broker version 3.2 was released in February 2024

The IFS Broker (International Featured Standards) has been updated to version 3.2 and will be mandatory from 1 July 2024. The amendments were also necessary due to the updates to the other IFS standards, in particular IFS Food Version 8 and IFS Logistics Version 3.

Only minor changes have been made to the content. Essentially, the scoring system has been changed. The B-score now once again represents a deviation that requires correction or corrective action. In addition, STAR status has been introduced for companies that register for the unannounced audit mode.

IFS Food Doctrine Version 3

IFS Food 8 Doctrine Version 3 was published at the beginning of April 2024. This essentially contains clarifications in relation to requirements 2.4.4.1 and 2.4.18.1.

2.4.4.1 Specific monitoring procedures should be in place for the procurement of animals, fish and seafood subject to the control of prohibited substances (e.g. pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicines, heavy metals and pesticides).
2.4.18.1 For animal slaughterhouses, it is assumed that traceability must be ensured for all edible parts of the carcass, including blood, even before they are considered fit for human consumption.

New IFS Product Fraud Guide

The IFS Product Fraud Guideline Version 3 was published on 14 April 2024, also initially only in English. Chapter 2 is new and focuses more on the need for transparency in the supply chain. It explains the concept, the challenges and the relevance for fraudulent activities along the supply chain in more detail. To provide practical tips on how to put theory into practice, the guide provides detailed instructions on the necessary steps that should be considered when implementing an effective action plan. The appendix contains several practical examples and an overview of possible questions that could be asked during an audit.

It is reiterated that IFS does not prescribe a specific methodology for risk assessment. The guide was primarily created to help IFS-certified companies better understand the risk management approach and recognize how to conduct a vulnerability analysis that results in an effective action plan to prevent fraudulent activities.