What is the primary objective of **IFS Food**?

**IFS Food is a standard for auditing product and process compliance in food manufacturing to ensure safe, legal products meeting customer specifications.** Version 8 (mandatory from 1 January 2024) uses a **Product and Process Approach (PPA)** with risk-based product sampling and traceability tests, requiring at least **50%** of audit time in production areas for on-site verification of HACCP, PRPs, and operational controls like food fraud (4.20) and food defense (4.21).

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **IFS Food**?

**IFS Food applies to food product manufacturers processing food or packing loose products where contamination risk exists.** It is **site-specific** (one legal entity, one address, one certificate), covering all site products and processes with limited exclusions (Annex 4). It is demanded by European retailers for private-label suppliers, with partly outsourced processes included in scope and fully outsourced/traded products requiring IFS Broker.

Does **IFS Food** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, IFS Food mandates annual certification by an ISO/IEC 17065-accredited body using approved auditors.** Audits include initial, recertification (full scope, reviewing prior actions), follow-up (for Majors), and extension audits, with unannounced audits at least every third audit. Certification levels are **Higher Level** (≥95%) or **Foundation Level** (≥75% to <95%), blocked by KO failures or Majors.

How often should an assessment for **IFS Food** be performed?

**IFS Food requires a full recertification audit every 12 months.** Internal audits (KO 5.1.1) must cover the full scope annually, with management reviews at least yearly (1.3). Unannounced audits occur at least once every third audit (mandatory since 1 January 2021), within a –16 to +2 week window of the due date.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **IFS Food**?

**Non-compliance with KO requirements or Majors blocks certification and may withdraw existing certificates within two working days.** Examples include failures in governance (1.2.1), CCP monitoring (2.3.9.1), traceability (4.18.1), or recalls (5.9.1). Access denial in unannounced audits triggers immediate withdrawal and database notification.

Can **IFS Food** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**IFS Food, as a GFSI-benchmarked scheme, aligns with schemes like BRCGS, FSSC 22000, and SQF via shared foundations but differs in audit frequency (annual full audits), ISO 17065 accreditation, and scoring (Higher/Foundation levels).** It emphasizes PPA and on-site verification over ISO 17021 surveillance structures.

What is the first step to begin implementing **IFS Food**?

**Appoint an ISO/IEC 17065-accredited IFS-approved certification body and contract for audit scope, including all products, processes, and outsourced activities.** Disclose certification history, exports, and exclusions; conduct a gap analysis against Version 8 and Doctrine, prioritizing 10 KO requirements like governance and traceability.

What is the primary objective of **AS9110C**?

**AS9110C's primary objective is to define quality management system requirements for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations to ensure consistent provision of compliant products and services meeting customer and regulatory requirements.** It builds on ISO 9001:2015 using the High Level Structure (HLS), embedding aerospace-specific controls for configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, maintenance release, and risk-based thinking (RBT) to support continuing airworthiness and enhance customer satisfaction through PDCA cycles.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **AS9110C**?

**AS9110C applies to MRO organizations providing maintenance, repair, overhaul, or continuing airworthiness services for commercial, private, and military aircraft.** Target entities include independent repair stations, airline maintenance departments, component overhaul facilities, and OEM MRO divisions; certification is often contractually required by OEMs, airlines, and regulators (e.g., FAA/EASA Part-145 alignments) for OASIS listing and supply-chain access, regardless of organization size.

Does **AS9110C** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, AS9110C requires third-party certification through accredited registrars following a two-stage audit process.** Stage 1 reviews documentation and readiness; Stage 2 verifies effective QMS implementation via on-site evidence of operational controls, internal audits, and management review after at least three months of QMS operation.

How often should an assessment for **AS9110C** be performed?

**Internal audits for AS9110C must be conducted at planned intervals based on process risk, with critical maintenance processes audited more frequently.** Annual surveillance audits follow initial certification, with full recertification every three years; management reviews occur regularly, using data from internal audits and performance metrics.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with **AS9110C**?

**Non-compliance with AS9110C risks regulatory sanctions, contract loss, and operational shutdowns.** Outcomes include FAA/EASA Part-145 certificate suspension, fines up to $100k per day, liquidated damages from airlines, litigation from safety incidents, and exclusion from OEM contracts or IAQG OASIS, potentially causing multimillion-dollar revenue losses.

Can **AS9110C** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**Yes, AS9110C uses ISO 9001:2015's Annex SL HLS, enabling direct mapping to compatible frameworks via correlation matrices.** IAQG resources provide clause alignments for integrated QMS implementation, avoiding duplication while addressing aerospace-specific mandates.

What is the first step to begin implementing **AS9110C**?

**The first step is a disciplined gap analysis mapping existing processes to AS9110C clauses, including regulatory alignments.** Secure executive sponsorship, define QMS scope via clause-to-process matrix, prioritize high-impact gaps (e.g., configuration management), and produce a phased SOW with RBT prioritization.

IFS Food vs AS9110C

Q: How often should an assessment for **IFS Food** be performed?

**IFS Food requires a full recertification audit every 12 months.** Internal audits (KO 5.1.1) must cover the full scope annually, with management reviews at least yearly (1.3). Unannounced audits occur at least once every third audit (mandatory since 1 January 2021), within a –16 to +2 week window of the due date.

Q: What are the consequences of non-compliance with **IFS Food**?

**Non-compliance with KO requirements or Majors blocks certification and may withdraw existing certificates within two working days.** Examples include failures in governance (1.2.1), CCP monitoring (2.3.9.1), traceability (4.18.1), or recalls (5.9.1). Access denial in unannounced audits triggers immediate withdrawal and database notification.

Q: Can **IFS Food** be mapped to other international frameworks?

**IFS Food, as a GFSI-benchmarked scheme, aligns with schemes like BRCGS, FSSC 22000, and SQF via shared foundations but differs in audit frequency (annual full audits), ISO 17065 accreditation, and scoring (Higher/Foundation levels).** It emphasizes PPA and on-site verification over ISO 17021 surveillance structures.

Q: What is the first step to begin implementing **IFS Food**?

**Appoint an ISO/IEC 17065-accredited IFS-approved certification body and contract for audit scope, including all products, processes, and outsourced activities.** Disclose certification history, exports, and exclusions; conduct a gap analysis against Version 8 and Doctrine, prioritizing 10 KO requirements like governance and traceability.

Q: What is the primary objective of **AS9110C**?

**AS9110C's primary objective is to define quality management system requirements for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations to ensure consistent provision of compliant products and services meeting customer and regulatory requirements.** It builds on ISO 9001:2015 using the High Level Structure (HLS), embedding aerospace-specific controls for configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, maintenance release, and risk-based thinking (RBT) to support continuing airworthiness and enhance customer satisfaction through PDCA cycles.

Q: Who is legally or professionally required to comply with **AS9110C**?

**AS9110C applies to MRO organizations providing maintenance, repair, overhaul, or continuing airworthiness services for commercial, private, and military aircraft.** Target entities include independent repair stations, airline maintenance departments, component overhaul facilities, and OEM MRO divisions; certification is often contractually required by OEMs, airlines, and regulators (e.g., FAA/EASA Part-145 alignments) for OASIS listing and supply-chain access, regardless of organization size.

Q: Does **AS9110C** require an external audit or third-party certification?

**Yes, AS9110C requires third-party certification through accredited registrars following a two-stage audit process.** Stage 1 reviews documentation and readiness; Stage 2 verifies effective QMS implementation via on-site evidence of operational controls, internal audits, and management review after at least three months of QMS operation.

Standards Comparison

IFS Food

Voluntary

2023

GFSI-benchmarked standard for food safety and quality manufacturing

AS9110C

Mandatory

2016

Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft maintenance organizations.

Quick Verdict

IFS Food ensures safe, authentic food manufacturing for retailers via risk-based audits, while AS9110C mandates QMS for aviation MRO with airworthiness focus. Food firms gain market access; aerospace providers achieve regulatory compliance and safety.

Food Safety

IFS Food

IFS Food Version 8

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Product and Process Approach with sampling and traceability tests
Minimum 50% audit time in production areas
Risk-based HACCP, PRPs, and operational controls
Ten Knock-Out requirements blocking certification on failure
Annual audits with unannounced every third option

Quality Management

AS9110C

AS9110C: Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

6-12 months

Key Features

Risk-based thinking embedded in planning and operations
Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention controls
Configuration management and product traceability
Human factors integration in competence training
Maintenance release and airworthiness requirements

Detailed Analysis

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

IFS Food Details

What It Is

IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification standard for auditing product and process compliance in food manufacturing. It applies to sites processing food or packing loose products, emphasizing food safety, quality, legality, authenticity, and customer requirements via a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA).

Key Components

Organized into governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls (e.g., allergens, fraud, defense), and performance monitoring.
Over 200 checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria.
Built on HACCP principles, integrated pest management, and validation/verification.
Annual certification with Higher/Foundation levels (≥95%/≥75% scores).

Why Organizations Use It

Meets European retailer demands for market access.
Reduces duplicate audits, enhances supply chain trust.
Manages risks like recalls, fraud, contamination.
Builds competitive edge via Star status from unannounced audits.

Implementation Overview

Phased gap analysis, FSMS design, training, internal audits.
Involves HACCP validation, traceability tests, management reviews.
Suited for food manufacturers globally; requires accredited ISO 17065 bodies for site-specific audits.

AS9110C Details

What It Is

AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements, using a risk-based thinking (RBT) and PDCA approach to ensure airworthiness and safety.

Key Components

Core clauses (4-10) covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
Aviation additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, release controls.
Built on Annex SL HLS; no fixed control count, emphasizes documented information and evidence.
Third-party certification via accredited registrars like IAQG OASIS.

Why Organizations Use It

Meets customer/OEM contracts, regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA Part-145).
Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework/AOG events.
Enhances market access, operational efficiency (5-12% cost savings), supplier confidence.
Builds stakeholder trust for competitive tenders.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, process design, pilot, audits, certification (6-12 months typical).
Involves training, eQMS, internal audits, management reviews.
Applies to MROs globally; scales by size; requires operational maturity pre-certification. (178 words)

Key Differences

Aspect	IFS Food	AS9110C
Scope	Food manufacturing processes, safety, quality, fraud/defense	Aviation MRO, configuration, counterfeit parts, airworthiness
Industry	Food processing, global retailers especially Europe	Aerospace maintenance repair overhaul worldwide
Nature	GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification standard	IAQG QMS certification standard based on ISO 9001
Testing	Annual product/process audits, 50% on-site, traceability tests	Internal audits, management reviews, Stage 1/2 certification audits
Penalties	Certification withdrawal, lost retailer access	Certification loss, regulatory non-compliance risks

Scope

IFS Food

Food manufacturing processes, safety, quality, fraud/defense

AS9110C

Aviation MRO, configuration, counterfeit parts, airworthiness

Industry

IFS Food

Food processing, global retailers especially Europe

AS9110C

Aerospace maintenance repair overhaul worldwide

Nature

IFS Food

GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification standard

AS9110C

IAQG QMS certification standard based on ISO 9001

Testing

IFS Food

Annual product/process audits, 50% on-site, traceability tests

AS9110C

Internal audits, management reviews, Stage 1/2 certification audits

Penalties

IFS Food

Certification withdrawal, lost retailer access

AS9110C

Certification loss, regulatory non-compliance risks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about IFS Food and AS9110C

IFS Food FAQ

AS9110C FAQ

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IFS Food

AS9110C

Quick Verdict

IFS Food

Key Features

AS9110C

Key Features

Detailed Analysis

IFS Food Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

AS9110C Details

What It Is

Key Components

Why Organizations Use It

Implementation Overview

Key Differences

Scope

Industry

Nature

Testing

Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

IFS Food FAQ

What is the primary objective of IFS Food?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with IFS Food?

Does IFS Food require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for IFS Food be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with IFS Food?

Can IFS Food be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing IFS Food?

AS9110C FAQ

What is the primary objective of AS9110C?

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with AS9110C?

Does AS9110C require an external audit or third-party certification?

How often should an assessment for AS9110C be performed?

What are the consequences of non-compliance with AS9110C?

Can AS9110C be mapped to other international frameworks?

What is the first step to begin implementing AS9110C?

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CMMC Cost Calculator: Realistic Budgets for Levels 1-3, C3PAO Fees, and ROI for Small DIB Suppliers

NIST CSF 2.0 Govern Function Deep Dive: Building Executive Cybersecurity Governance from Scratch

Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages

ISO 55001 vs CMMI

IFS Food vs ISO 17025

COBIT vs BREEAM