IFS Food version 8 the new standard

IFS Food version 8 the new standard

IFS Food Version 8, effective January 1, 2024, sets stricter requirements for food safety, quality management, and operations. Audits are possible from October 1, 2023.

Certification ensures legal compliance, boosts competitiveness, and builds trust across the supply chain, making it the key standard for food manufacturers focused on continuous improvement.

certificaten_voedselverwerkende-bedrijven_kwaliteit_veiligheid_audit_boonsfis_2_IFS-8_HR2.jpg

What does IFS 8 mean?

The IFS standard (International Featured Standards) has been developed for producers in the food industry worldwide. This guarantees that producers/retailers sell food that has been produced in a qualitative and food-safe manner.

After an (un)announced audit, a certification body (CB) awards a score between A and D. To obtain (or maintain) the certificate, a sufficient score must be achieved on the critical points.

A re-audit may take place if certain shortcomings need to be adjusted/improved.

The standard is continuously strengthened and expanded. Beyond the legal requirements that all food companies must meet, this annual certification is becoming a prerequisite for major retailers. Alongside BRCGS and FSSC 22000, IFS Food Version 8 is an additional standard needed to supply these retailers.

For food manufacturers focused on continuous improvement, this new standard is a logical next step. This quality label boosts competitiveness, ensures food safety for customers, and builds trust across the supply chain — a win-win for everyone.

persoonlijke-hygiene_handwasgoot_hygienestation_boonsfis

Understanding the new ABC scoring system

Annual Inspections
Audits must be scheduled every twelve months. For example, a company audited at the beginning of June has until the end of June the following year for the next audit.

  • A Score – Full Compliance
    Indicates all requirements are met with no significant deviations. Shows strong food safety practices and effective risk management.
  • B Score – Minor Deviation
    Now awarded more readily for issues that don’t pose an immediate food safety risk. Requires corrective actions to reach an A score next time. Certification may feel easier to obtain, but the standard remains strict.
  • C Score – Major Deviation
    Signals serious non-compliance affecting food safety, legality, authenticity, or customer requirements. Companies must perform a root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.

Labeling & Documentation
Legibility and indelibility of labels must be demonstrable. All risks need to be documented, implemented, and maintained, ensuring food safety and compliance.

Biggest changes

The Food Defense theme is now integrated throughout all chapters, requiring involvement from the entire organization. Companies must set clear objectives to meet stricter food safety culture requirements. Key questions include: How is communication and training handled? Is employee feedback encouraged, and how is performance measured?

The focus is on working preventively and proactively to identify and address potential issues early. Validation of all procedures, CCPs (Critical Control Points), and new equipment is increasingly important.

Specific

2 years after the IFS Food standard version 7, version 8 was published, taking into account social changes and trends in global recalls. 

When it comes to personal hygiene, false eyelashes and artificial nails are now seen as risk factors. Wound plasters must be waterproof and have a different color than the product.

On the one hand, this means more work for food companies to implent new standards and processes and to train personnel. Once the companies meet he increasingly strict standards, it strengthens their position.

The full description of the new standard can be found on the IFS website.

Learn more about food safety and hygiene

Food processing companies face strict safety and hygiene requirements on a daily basis. At BOONS FIS, we support you with knowledge, experience and well-thought-out solutions tailored to your production environment.

Visit this news page regularly, where we offer insights to make your processes more efficient and safer. In this way, you can continue to meet the applicable standards and to strengthen customer confidence.

Contact us