IFS Global Markets Food Version 3: A step towards food safety excellence 

IFS Global Markets Food has launched its long-awaited Version 3, taking food safety and quality to the next level. IFS Global Markets Food, a globally recognized industry standard, has once again demonstrated its commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in the food supply chain. 

The newly launched version 3 of the IFS Global Markets Food standard was launched on January 31, and its implementation will become mandatory as of October 1. However, there is flexibility to start assessments against this new version from July 1, 2023. 

IFS Global Markets Food Version 3 comes at a crucial time, when food safety has become a priority concern for consumers and regulatory authorities. In an increasingly globalized world, where food travels long distances and passes through multiple stages before reaching the final consumer, it is critical to ensure that all stakeholders meet the highest safety and quality standards. 

This latest version of IFS Global Markets Food builds on the fundamental pillars of previous versions, but has been enriched with new features and requirements that reflect the latest industry trends and challenges. Some of the key enhancements include: 

New requirements: 

15 new requirements are introduced in response to legal regulations and fundamental issues, along with 18 requirement extensions that focus on being more precise and aligned with Codex 2020 and market demands. 

Inclusion of additional requirements for allergen prevention and management: 

With food allergies on the rise worldwide, IFS Global Markets Food Version 3 has strengthened requirements to ensure the correct identification, management and prevention of allergens in the supply chain. 

Focus on sustainability: 

The latest version of IFS Global Markets Food has incorporated requirements related to sustainability, encouraging responsible practices in terms of waste management, energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction. This responds to growing consumer demand and expectations for a more sustainable food system. 

Increased emphasis on staff training and competency: 

Recognizing that staff training and competence play a crucial role in food safety, IFS Global Markets Food Version 3 has introduced more specific requirements to ensure that staff have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their tasks properly. 

Follow-up assessments: 

New options for follow-up assessments, extension assessments and voluntary unannounced assessments have been added in Version 3. The on-site assessment will now take up 50% of the total assessment duration. 

The assessment protocol has been improved, making it clearer and simpler, and new features have been introduced that follow the structure established by IFS Food. There is now the possibility to perform different types of assessments, such as follow-up, extension and unannounced assessments, although the latter option is only available for the intermediate level and does not apply to initial, follow-up or extension assessments. In addition, definitions have been updated and additional support has been provided through supplementary documents.

These enhancements and many others reflect IFS Global Markets Food’s commitment to remain at the forefront of food safety and adapt to an ever-evolving business environment. By implementing Version 3, organizations will have the opportunity to strengthen their food safety and quality management systems, enhancing consumer confidence and opening up new opportunities in the global marketplace.

Food safety is a joint effort involving all actors in the supply chain. We therefore urge organizations to adopt Version 3 and work together to ensure that your food is safe, of high quality and meets consumer expectations.