5 common questions about IFS Logistics 3

The final version of IFS Logistics 3 has been out for quite some time. Audits according to this new version can take place as soon as June 1, 2024. For all certified companies this will be mandatory by December 1, 2024 (except for some specific situations). Together with Tamara Kee, Senior Advisor QA at Normec Foodcare, we cover 5 frequently asked questions our QA Advisors get regarding IFS Logistics version 3.  

Should Food Safety Culture be more clearly incorporated into the quality system? 

In addition to food safety, product quality and Food Safety Culture are now named as requirements for company policy. The focus of company policy is still on the customer and sustainability. In doing so, at a minimum, goals 

are formulated on the following four pillars: 

1. Communication of food safety policies and responsibilities; 
2. Training (demonstrable and measurable in effectiveness); 
3. Employee feedback on food safety issues; 
4. Measurement of performance. 

Must every change be communicated to the controlling authority?  

Just as was added to IFS Food version 8, the circumstances under which the certifying organization must be notified are defined. At a minimum, you are required to report the following within 3 business days: 

• Change in official name and details of the company; 
• Change in location of business; 
• Any product recall/recall caused by the logistics company that owns the affected products; 
• Any visit by authorities that results in mandated actions regarding food safety and fraud. 

Can you get a minor if you have not completed the executive evaluation/management review within 1 year? 

Yes, a board review or management review must be conducted within a 12-month period or upon a change of: 

• Building 
• Storage 
• Machinery and equipment 
• Transport 
• Environmental Conditions 
• For food scopes: workplace change where higher hygiene control is required. 

If you don't own the product, should you include the hazards in the risk analysis? 

It is necessary to know what is being transported and whether it could possibly cause cross-contamination to the other goods that are in the same transport vehicle. Ultimately, as a logistics partner, you are responsible for product safety during transport under conditions you have agreed with the product owner. So you have signed agreements from the customer you are transporting goods for that include the potential hazards and safeguards. 

During crossdocking, are you responsible for the proper delivery/storage and transport temperature of the product? 

For products that may pose a risk to consumers if they are not stored at the right temperature (think, for example, of the growth of pathogens microorganisms), then as a logistics partner you are responsible for ensuring the right temperature. These conditions must be guaranteed during the entire transport time, including during cross-docking. Checks on this must be recorded and the frequency of these checks must be determined through a risk analysis. 

Whitepaper IFS Logistics 3 

Want an overview of all the most important changes to IFS Logistics version 3? In collaboration with the Knowledge Center of Normec Foodcare, a whitepaper has been released containing the main changes from version 2.3. You will also find tips on how to comply with these new requirements. This is how you steamroll your organization ready for the upcoming audits by version 3.  

Our experts at the Normec Foodcare Knowledge Center explain in this white paper. Discover: 

• Key changes; 
• New requirements and concerns; 
• Tips for meeting the new IFS Logistics version 3 standard.