Scope and current rules

IFS Food assesses food products and production processes against safety, authenticity, quality, legal and customer requirements. Read Version 8 with its current doctrine, including the April 2026 update. Food is not automatically the appropriate scope for a business providing only logistics.

Activity information for the application

Describe product and technology scopes, production sites and customer specifications in the application. Heat processing and chilled preparation can require different process evidence. Use the official IFS search to check an approved certification body’s scope and suitable auditor competence.

Connect preparation to real production

Relate preparation to the characteristics promised to the customer. Ingredient approval, recipe, allergen information, process controls and label should refer to the same product version. Internal auditing should identify gaps between site practice and product specifications rather than merely complete a checklist.

Scope discussion and responsibilities

Kayra Patent consultancy supports scope definition, record organisation and tracking unfinished preparation work. The relevant authorised or scheme approved body performs the audit and makes the certification decision. Separate consultancy and that body’s services in the quotation.

Official sources

Content checked: 3 October 2026. Scheme rules rely on official sources; record structures and work plans are editorial recommendations. Check the complete requirements and the body’s current scope separately.