IFS Food
GFSI standard for food manufacturing safety and quality
ISO 41001
International standard for facility management systems.
Quick Verdict
IFS Food ensures food safety and quality via GFSI audits for manufacturers, while ISO 41001 establishes facility management systems for all organizations. Food firms adopt IFS for retailer access; others use ISO 41001 for efficient, sustainable FM alignment.
IFS Food
IFS Food Version 8 Standard
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach with traceability tests
- Minimum 50% audit time in production areas
- Risk-based HACCP and operational controls
- Annual audits with Higher/Foundation scoring levels
- Knock-Out requirements blocking certification failures
ISO 41001
ISO 41001:2018 Facility management — Management systems — Requirements
Key Features
- Distinguishes FM organization from demand organization
- HLS and PDCA alignment for IMS integration
- Stakeholder requirement lifecycle management (Clause 4.2)
- Risk planning includes continuity and emergencies
- Operational service integration and coordination
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 framework for food manufacturers, auditing product and process compliance to ensure safe, legal, authentic products meeting customer specifications. It uses a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA) with on-site verification.
Key Components
- Governance, HACCP/PRPs, resources, operations, performance monitoring structured into checklist requirements.
- 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria (e.g., traceability, CCP monitoring, internal audits).
- **ScoringA/B/C/D points leading to Higher (≥95%) or Foundation (≥75%) levels.
- Annual full audits with minimum 50% production observation.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enables European retailer market access and reduces duplicate audits.
- Strengthens food safety culture, fraud/defense mitigation.
- Builds stakeholder trust via Star status from unannounced audits.
- Drives operational resilience and continuous improvement.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS development, training, validation, certification.
- Site-specific for food processors globally; 6-12 months typical.
- Uses ISO 17065-accredited bodies with PPA audits and corrective actions.
ISO 41001 Details
What It Is
ISO 41001:2018 is the international standard titled Facility management — Management systems — Requirements with guidance for use. It provides a certifiable management system framework for facility management (FM), focusing on effective, efficient FM delivery supporting the demand organization's objectives, stakeholder needs, and sustainability. It uses a risk-based, PDCA cycle approach aligned with ISO's High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- Core clauses: Context (4), Leadership (5), Planning (6), Support (7), Operation (8), Performance evaluation (9), Improvement (10).
- FM-specific elements like demand organization alignment, stakeholder requirements, service integration, and business continuity.
- Built on PDCA and HLS for interoperability with ISO 9001, 14001, etc.
- Voluntary certification via accredited bodies.
Why Organizations Use It
- Strategic alignment of FM with business goals, cost control, risk reduction.
- Meets stakeholder and regulatory expectations; enhances ESG/sustainability.
- Improves efficiency, occupant wellbeing, competitive edge via certification.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, processes, audits, certification.
- Applicable to all sizes/sectors; 12-24 months typical.
- Involves leadership commitment, KPIs, internal audits, management reviews.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IFS Food | ISO 41001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food manufacturing safety, quality, processes | Facility management systems, services, assets |
| Industry | Food processing, manufacturing globally | All sectors, non-sector-specific worldwide |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked voluntary certification | ISO management system standard, voluntary |
| Testing | Annual product/process audits, traceability tests | Internal audits, management reviews, certification |
| Penalties | Certification loss, no legal fines | No legal penalties, certification withdrawal |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IFS Food and ISO 41001
IFS Food FAQ
ISO 41001 FAQ
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