On July 23, 2025, a new, fourth version of the IFS Food 8 doctrine was published. It is a normative document that complements the requirements of the IFS Food standard and contains answers to frequently asked technical questions as well as additional clarifications regarding audits.

According to the IFS rules, the doctrine comes into force two months after its publication; therefore, as of September 23, 2025, it will be a binding document that must be taken into account during IFS Food audits.

The key areas clarified in version 4 include, among others:

• situations where a remote follow-up audit is acceptable,
• situations where a follow-up audit can be performed in less than 6 weeks,
• missing audit time due to missing scopes,
• situations where an audit is considered cancelled,
• clarification about head office/central management information on the certificate,
• clarification on the definitions of dates on the certificate.

The document is available exclusively in English on the IFS website.

Zachęcamy do zapoznania się z naszą ofertą certyfikacji IFS Food.

EVOCERT team