Standards Comparison

    GDPR

    Mandatory
    2016

    EU regulation for personal data protection and privacy

    VS

    IFS Food

    Voluntary
    2023

    International standard for food safety and quality compliance

    Quick Verdict

    GDPR mandates data privacy compliance for all handling EU personal data globally, enforcing rights and accountability with hefty fines. IFS Food certifies food manufacturers' safety and quality via audits, enabling retailer access. Companies adopt GDPR for legal necessity, IFS for market entry.

    Data Privacy

    GDPR

    Regulation (EU) 2016/679 - General Data Protection Regulation

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Extraterritorial application to non-EU entities targeting EU residents
    • Fines up to 4% of global annual turnover
    • Accountability principle requires proof of compliance
    • Mandatory 72-hour personal data breach notification
    • Data subject rights including right to erasure
    Food Safety

    IFS Food

    IFS Food Standard Version 8

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Product and Process Approach with audit trail
    • Minimum 50% on-site production evaluation
    • 10 Knock-Out requirements for critical controls
    • Risk-based food fraud and defense assessments
    • Annual audits with unannounced Star status option

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    GDPR Details

    What It Is

    General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), or Regulation (EU) 2016/679, is a binding EU regulation replacing the 1995 Data Protection Directive. It protects personal data of EU residents with global extraterritorial scope. Primary purpose: ensure lawful processing, enhance privacy rights, and facilitate secure data flows. Adopts accountability and risk-based approach.

    Key Components

    • Seven core principles: lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
    • Data subject rights: access, rectification, erasure (right to be forgotten), portability, objection.
    • Obligations include DPIAs, Records of Processing, DPO appointment, 72-hour breach notifications.
    • No certification; compliance demonstrated via internal measures and DPA oversight.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for processing EU data to avoid fines up to 4% global turnover.
    • Manages legal/regulatory risks amid global reach.
    • Builds stakeholder trust, enhances reputation.
    • Enables Digital Single Market access, inspires worldwide standards.

    Implementation Overview

    • Gap analysis, policy updates, DPO designation, training, tech safeguards.
    • Applies universally to controllers/processors handling EU data.
    • Ongoing: audits, monitoring; enforced by national DPAs via one-stop-shop.

    IFS Food Details

    What It Is

    IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification standard for food manufacturers, auditing product and process compliance to ensure safe, legal, authentic products meeting customer specs. It uses a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA) with on-site verification.

    Key Components

    • Governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls (allergens 4.19, fraud 4.20, defense 4.21), performance monitoring.
    • 200+ checklist requirements, 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria (e.g., traceability, hygiene).
    • Built on HACCP, annual reviews, scoring (A/B/C/D, ≥75% for certification).
    • Site-specific annual audits via ISO 17065 bodies.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Retailer mandates, market access (esp. Europe private-label).
    • Reduces audits, manages recall/fraud risks.
    • Enhances resilience, trust; Star status via unannounced audits.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, FSMS build, training, validation, audit.
    • For processors globally; 6-12 months typical.
    • Requires traceability tests, 50% on-site audit time.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    GDPR
    Personal data protection and privacy rights
    IFS Food
    Food safety, quality, legality in manufacturing

    Industry

    GDPR
    All sectors processing EU personal data globally
    IFS Food
    Food manufacturers, packagers; mainly Europe

    Nature

    GDPR
    Mandatory EU regulation with extraterritorial reach
    IFS Food
    Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification standard

    Testing

    GDPR
    DPIAs, audits by supervisory authorities
    IFS Food
    Annual on-site product/process audits

    Penalties

    GDPR
    Fines up to 4% global turnover
    IFS Food
    Certification loss, no legal fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about GDPR and IFS Food

    GDPR FAQ

    IFS Food FAQ

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