IFS Food vs EN 1090
IFS Food
GFSI standard for food safety, quality and process compliance
EN 1090
EU harmonized standard for steel and aluminium structures.
Quick Verdict
IFS Food ensures food safety and quality certification for manufacturers via GFSI audits, while EN 1090 mandates CE marking for structural steel/aluminium through FPC and Notified Body oversight. Food firms gain retailer trust; constructors secure EU market access.
IFS Food
IFS Food Version 8
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach with audit trail sampling
- Minimum 50% on-site production area evaluation
- Risk-based food fraud and defense assessments
- Annual audits with mandatory unannounced frequency
- Structured scoring and Knock-Out requirements
EN 1090
EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures
Key Features
- Risk-based Execution Classes EXC1-EXC4
- Factory Production Control FPC certification
- CE marking for EU market access
- Welding quality management via ISO 3834
- Material traceability and NDT inspection
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 products or packing loose foods with contamination risks. The risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA) emphasizes on-site verification, traceability tests, and real-time evidence over documentation alone.
Key Components
- Organized into governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls, and performance monitoring.
- Over 200 checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria.
- Built on HACCP, PRPs, and emerging integrity topics like food fraud/defense.
- Annual certification with scoring (Higher/Foundation levels) and unannounced audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets European retailer demands for private-label supply.
- Reduces duplicate audits, enhances market access.
- Manages risks in safety, legality, authenticity.
- Builds trust via Star status and database transparency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, validation, internal audits, certification.
- Applies to food manufacturers globally, site-specific.
- Requires accredited bodies, PPA audits (≥50% on-site).
EN 1090 Details
What It Is
EN 1090 is a family of European harmonized standards (EN 1090-1, -2, -3) under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It governs the execution, fabrication, and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components and kits for construction works. The primary purpose is ensuring consistent performance through risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4), enabling CE marking for EEA market access.
Key Components
- **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC) certification by Notified Bodies.
- **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium (welding, tolerances, corrosion protection, inspection/NDT).
- Core principles: Risk scaling via consequence/service/production categories; ISO 3834 welding alignment.
- Compliance model: FPC certification, initial type testing/calculation (ITT/ITC), ongoing surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for CE marking load-bearing components; drives market access, liability reduction. Benefits: Risk control, quality assurance, competitive tenders. Builds stakeholder trust via traceability and certified capability.
Implementation Overview
Phased: Gap analysis, FPC design, personnel training (welding coordinators), NB certification. Targets fabricators in EU/UK construction; 6-12 months typical, audits required.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IFS Food | EN 1090 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety, quality, processes in manufacturing | Structural steel/aluminium execution, conformity |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, global retailers especially Europe | Construction, steel/aluminium fabrication, EU/EEA |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification standard | Harmonized CPR standard, mandatory CE marking |
| Testing | Annual product/process audits, 50% on-site | FPC certification, initial/surveillance by Notified Body |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market access denial | Legal prohibition, fines, market withdrawal |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IFS Food and EN 1090
IFS Food FAQ
EN 1090 FAQ
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