IFS Food vs MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
IFS Food
GFSI standard for food manufacturing safety and quality
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
China's mandatory graded cybersecurity protection regime
Quick Verdict
IFS Food ensures food safety certification for global manufacturers via audits, while MLPS 2.0 mandates graded cybersecurity for China networks with PSB oversight. Companies adopt IFS for retailer access; MLPS to avoid legal penalties.
IFS Food
IFS Food Standard Version 8
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach with traceability tests
- Minimum 50% audit time in production areas
- Annual full audits with unannounced option
- Risk-based HACCP and KO critical requirements
- GFSI-benchmarked for retailer supply chain trust
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0
Key Features
- Five-level impact-based system classification
- Mandatory for all China network operators
- Enforced by Public Security Bureaus inspections
- Graded technical and governance controls
- Third-party audits for Level 2+ systems
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 focuses on food safety, quality, legality, authenticity, and customer requirements using a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA).
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 principles, prerequisite programs, and integrity topics like food fraud/defense.
- Annual certification via accredited bodies with scoring (Higher/Foundation levels).
Why Organizations Use It
- Enables European retailer market access and reduces duplicate audits.
- Enhances supply chain trust, operational resilience, and due diligence.
- Manages risks like recalls, fraud, and contamination.
- Provides competitive edge through Star status for unannounced audits.
Implementation Overview
- Phased gap analysis, FSMS development, training, internal audits.
- Involves validation, traceability tests, management reviews.
- Applies to food processing sites globally; requires on-site audits (50% production time).
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) Details
What It Is
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme 2.0) is China's mandatory cybersecurity regulation mandated by the 2017 Cybersecurity Law (Article 21). It requires network operators to classify information systems into five protection levels based on potential harm to national security, social order, and public interests, implementing commensurate technical, governance, and organizational controls.
Key Components
- Core domains: physical security, network protection, data security, access control, monitoring, and governance.
- Standards like GB/T 22239-2019 (baseline), GB/T 25070-2019 (technical), GB/T 28448-2019 (evaluation).
- Common controls for all levels plus extended requirements for cloud, IoT, big data, ICS.
- Compliance via self-classification, third-party audits (Level 2+), PSB approval.
Why Organizations Use It
- Legal obligation for China-based networks to avoid fines, suspensions.
- Enhances resilience, supports market access, aligns with data laws.
- Builds regulator trust, reduces enforcement risks.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, classification, gap analysis, remediation, audits, ongoing monitoring.
- Applies to all network operators in China; intensive for multinationals.
- Mandatory external reviews, periodic re-evaluations.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IFS Food | MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food manufacturing safety, quality, processes | Cybersecurity for all networks, systems |
| Industry | Food processing, global retailers | All sectors in China, mandatory |
| Nature | GFSI certification, voluntary audits | Legal mandate, PSB enforcement |
| Testing | Annual product/process audits, 50% on-site | Graded external reviews, re-evaluations |
| Penalties | Certification loss, no fines | Fines, suspensions, inspections |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IFS Food and MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme)
IFS Food FAQ
MLPS 2.0 (Multi-Level Protection Scheme) FAQ
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