IFS Food
GFSI-benchmarked standard for food safety and quality
GRI
Global standards for sustainability impact reporting
Quick Verdict
IFS Food ensures food safety and quality via annual audits for manufacturers; GRI enables impact reporting on sustainability for all organizations. Food firms adopt IFS for retailer access; others use GRI for stakeholder transparency and regulatory alignment.
IFS Food
IFS Food Version 8
Key Features
- Risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA)
- Minimum 50% on-site production audit time
- 10 Knock-Out (KO) critical requirements
- Annual audits with unannounced option
- Integrated food fraud and defense controls
GRI
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards
Key Features
- Impact-based materiality assessment process
- Modular Universal, Sector, Topic Standards
- Mandatory GRI Content Index for traceability
- Broad worker scope including contractors
- Supplier environmental and OHS due diligence
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 food manufacturers' product and process compliance. It ensures safe, legal, authentic products meeting customer specifications via a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA).
Key Components
- Organized into governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls, performance monitoring.
- Over 200 checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria.
- Built on HACCP principles, prerequisite programs, food fraud/defense.
- Annual certification by ISO 17065-accredited bodies with scoring levels.
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 reputation via Star status from unannounced audits.
Implementation Overview
- Phased gap analysis, FSMS development, training, internal audits.
- 6-12 months typical; site-specific for manufacturers.
- Requires PPA audits with 50% on-site time, traceability tests.
GRI Details
What It Is
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards are a voluntary, modular framework for sustainability reporting. They provide a global common language to disclose organizations' significant impacts on economy, environment, and people via impact-centric materiality—prioritizing actual/potential effects over financial materiality alone.
Key Components
- Universal Standards (GRI 1: Foundation, GRI 2: General Disclosures, GRI 3: Material Topics) for baseline requirements.
- Sector Standards for high-impact industries like Oil & Gas, Mining.
- Topic Standards (e.g., GRI 403: Occupational Health & Safety) with ~40 standards offering specific disclosures/metrics. Built on principles like accuracy, balance, verifiability; compliance via GRI Content Index; no formal certification, optional assurance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns with regulations (e.g., EU CSRD), builds stakeholder trust.
- Enables benchmarking, risk management, supply-chain due diligence.
- Enhances credibility for investors, civil society; supports double materiality.
Implementation Overview
Phased: materiality assessment (GRI 3), data systems, management disclosures, Content Index. Applies universally; involves governance, training, assurance readiness. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | IFS Food | GRI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food manufacturing safety, quality, processes | Sustainability impacts on economy, environment, people |
| Industry | Food processors, packers globally | All sectors worldwide, any organization |
| Nature | Voluntary GFSI certification standard | Voluntary sustainability reporting framework |
| Testing | Annual on-site audits, traceability tests | Internal verification, external assurance optional |
| Penalties | Certification loss, no legal fines | Reputational damage, no direct penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IFS Food and GRI
IFS Food FAQ
GRI FAQ
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