Build food safety and QM lean — before the chaos gets expensive.
You produce or distribute food — as manufacturer, private-label brand, broker. The first listing in retail brings the question of IFS Food, FSSC 22000 or at least a robust HACCP concept. We build that with you — in sprints.
Six topics food startups should clarify early.
HACCP concept
Hazard analysis, CCPs and oPRPs cleanly defined. Not as an 80-page tome, but as a usable concept that passes the audit and is actually used in operations.
Hygiene basics (PRPs)
Cleaning schedules, personal hygiene, pest monitoring, maintenance — the pre-requisite programs must be in place before IFS or FSSC becomes realistic.
Traceability
Forward and backward traceability across all batches. From finished product to raw material in four hours maximum — that is the standard auditors test.
Supplier evaluation
Self-assessment, certificate check, risk evaluation. Working without structured supplier release creates a systemic findings risk in the IFS or FSSC audit.
Allergen management
Cross-contact risks, cleaning validation, label control. FSSC 22000 v6 tightened the requirements significantly — startups should set this up right from the start.
Complaint and recall management
Capture customer complaints structurally, spot trends, have a recall process ready — even if it is hopefully never triggered. Authorities and retailers ask for the proof.
From HACCP baseline to certification.
Which standard first — IFS Food, IFS Broker or FSSC 22000? It depends on your role in the value chain. Here is a typical path for food startups.
Step 1: HACCP concept
Robust HACCP per Codex Alimentarius. Mandatory in the EU and the basis for all further standards. Effort: 4-8 sprints, depending on product complexity.
Step 2: Choose standard
Private label in retail → IFS Food. Broker / private-label distributor without own production → IFS Broker. International distribution → typically FSSC 22000. We help you decide.
Step 3: Build the MVQ
Minimum Viable QMS for the chosen standard. Policy, processes, documentation, responsibilities — lean but complete. 6-9 months in sprints.
Step 4: Audit and maintain
Stage 1, Stage 2, certification. Then: annual internal audit, surveillance audit prep, continuous improvement in CIP rhythm.
IFS or FSSC coming up?
30 minutes of initial conversation — we frame your situation and show the fastest path.