Implemention and
Development of
Certification
and QA-Systems
We support you in all topics related to certification and quality assurance systems.
In recent decades, certification standards and seals have become more important for food companies. Increasingly, internationally recognised standards are used to verify quality and safety and to establish and maintain them in global value chains (GFSI).
Often, certification is initiated by retailers, but in many cases it is also based on the companies' own initiative. Certification according to the appropriate standards not only fulfils the wishes of existing customers, but also provides a general market advantage.
Through a practice-oriented and successful implementation of the requirements, company processes can also be made more efficient and the safety and quality of the products can be increased in general.
Our Repertoire
Quant supports and accompanies you in the introduction and implementation of various certification standards. We advise you on the selection of the right standard and the implementation of new requirements. In addition, we are also at your side after the introduction when it comes to evaluating, maintaining and extending the certification.
Some of the main standards we are specialised in:
- IFS Food/Broker/Logistics
- BRC
- IFS Progress Food & IFS Progress Logistics
- We are an IFS approved assessment provider for Global Markets
- IFS Local Check
- VLOG
- we are the exclusive provider of the official VLOG training courses
- FSSC 22000
- ISO 9001/ISO 22000
- QS
- MSC/ASC
- Internal standards of retailers
- a.o.
In addition to consultancy, we also offer training and conduct audits for various certifications. You can find more information here:
Questions and Answers on Certification and IFS
Are certifications required?
No, there are no legal requirements for companies to be certified. However, many customers in the food industry require their suppliers to be certified in order to ensure food quality and safety (e.g., food retailers).
What is the GFSI?
The Global Food Safety Initiative is a private-sector organization founded in 2000 that consists primarily of food manufacturers and food retailers.
The organization benchmarks and recognizes various food safety standards. Its goal is to establish uniform and comparable standards and thereby promote globally harmonized food safety.
What is the IFS Local Check?
The IFS Local Check is an inspection for small food businesses that focuses on two key areas:
1. Food safety and
2. Compliance with legal requirements.
The check is designed to ensure that basic customer requirements are met. At the same time, the administrative burden is kept to a minimum so that certification is also possible for small businesses. In addition to verifying basic hygiene requirements, HACCP-based requirements can also be included in the certification.
For which companies is the IFS local Check suitable?
The certification was developed for local micro-enterprises such as craft businesses and family-run businesses. It is particularly suited for companies that sell directly to local retailers. The IFS local Check is therefore designed for companies that lack the organizational resources to handle the effort involved in regular IFS certification but still want to have the safety and quality of their products independently certified.
What is the IFS Progress Food Program?
It is a preparatory program for full IFS Food certification. Smaller and artisanal companies, in particular, benefit from the opportunity to gradually prepare for IFS certification over a period of up to 3 years, rather than having to meet 100% of the requirements right away. The company has the option to start at the basic level (with HACCP, if applicable) or directly at the intermediate level. After the third year, the company can then transition to full IFS Food certification (though this is not mandatory).
What is the difference between IFS local and IFS Food or IFS Progress?
IFS local does not include some of the requirements that are necessary for IFS Progress. In addition, the IFS local audit does not lead to full IFS Food certification, whereas with IFS Progress, this is the stated goal to be achieved within 3 years.
Is it possible to switch from IFS or IFS Progress to IFS local?
The IFS local Check is intended exclusively for companies that do not currently hold IFS Food or IFS Progress Food certification. The standards body does not provide for a switch back to IFS local.
How can I apply for the IFS local Check or the IFS Progress Food program?
The certifications are conducted by service providers authorized by the IFS. Quant Quality Assurance is authorized to perform both certifications. If you are interested in an audit or have any questions, please feel free to contact us.