IFS Food vs ISO 27017
IFS Food
GFSI standard for food safety, quality and compliance
ISO 27017
International standard for cloud-specific information security controls
Quick Verdict
IFS Food ensures food safety and quality for manufacturers via rigorous audits, while ISO 27017 provides cloud security guidance within ISO 27001 ISMS. Food firms adopt IFS for retailer access; cloud users choose 27017 for shared responsibility clarity.
IFS Food
IFS Food Version 8
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach with traceability tests
- Minimum 50% audit time in production areas
- 10 Knock-Out requirements for critical controls
- Annual audits with Higher/Foundation scoring levels
- Unannounced audits granting Star status
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds seven cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 cloud adaptations
- Addresses multi-tenancy and VM segregation controls
- Integrates seamlessly with ISO 27001 certification
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 product and process compliance. It focuses on safety, quality, legality, authenticity, and customer requirements in manufacturing sites processing food or packing loose products. The risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA) emphasizes on-site verification and traceability.
Key Components
- Organized into governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls, and performance monitoring.
- Over 200 checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria like traceability and CCP monitoring.
- Built on HACCP principles, integrated pest management, and food fraud/defense assessments.
- Annual certification via accredited bodies using scoring (Higher/Foundation levels).
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets European retailer demands for private-label supply.
- Reduces duplicate audits, enhances market access.
- Mitigates recalls, fraud risks; builds stakeholder trust.
- Drives continuous improvement and operational resilience.
Implementation Overview
- Phased gap analysis, FSMS design, training, internal audits.
- Targets food manufacturers globally; site-specific scope.
- Requires initial/recertification audits with unannounced options for Star status.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is an international code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 with cloud-specific guidance. It provides implementation advice for information security controls in cloud services, focusing on public, private, and hybrid models across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Its risk-based approach adapts generic controls to cloud risks like multi-tenancy and shared responsibilities.
Key Components
- Guidance on 37 ISO/IEC 27002 controls plus 7 additional cloud-specific CLD controls (e.g., shared roles, VM segregation, asset removal).
- Covers 14 domains mirroring ISO 27002, including access control, operations security, and supplier relationships.
- Built on ISO 27001 ISMS; not standalone certification but integrated into audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Addresses cloud gaps in ISO 27001 for CSPs and customers.
- Enhances regulatory alignment (GDPR, CCPA) and procurement trust.
- Reduces risks from misconfigurations; boosts competitive differentiation.
Implementation Overview
- Integrate into existing ISO 27001 via risk assessment and SoA updates.
- Key activities: map controls, configure cloud environments, define responsibilities.
- Suits CSPs, enterprises with cloud footprints; global applicability.
- Audited as ISO 27001 extension (joint audits 9-12 months).
Key Differences
| Aspect | IFS Food | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety, quality, processes in manufacturing | Cloud-specific information security controls |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, global retailers | Cloud services, providers and customers worldwide |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked certification standard | Guidance code extending ISO 27001/27002 |
| Testing | Annual on-site product/process audits | Integrated into ISO 27001 audits |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial | No direct penalties, audit nonconformities |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IFS Food and ISO 27017
IFS Food FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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