IFS Local is a new food safety check system from IFS, developed for local and small-scale food businesses such as micro-enterprises, family businesses and artisan producers. The system offers a feasible and practical framework to structurally strengthen the basics of food safety, without the complexity of a full certification system.
IFS Local: practical food safety for small-scale food businesses
IFS Local is a new food safety check system from IFS, developed for local and small-scale food businesses such as micro-enterprises, family businesses and artisanal producers. The system offers a feasible and practical framework to structurally strengthen the basics of food safety, without the complexity of a full certification system.
IFS Local focuses on the essentials: good hygiene and production practices, risk control and product safety. This gives companies a solid footing to work in a food-safe way, meet legal expectations and build trust with customers and partners.
IFS Local takes effect from 2026 and forms a low-threshold first step towards further professionalisation or later certification.
What does IFS Local mean in practice?
- 44 basic requirements on hygiene, production and risks
- optional HACCP-based and additional requirements
- an on-site assessment of 2 to 6 hours by an accredited auditor
- an action plan, report and confirmation letter via the IFS database
The goal isn't "perfect paperwork", but insight, structure and improvement in practice.
AMNorman's support for IFS Local
At AMNorman, we support food businesses in Flanders with implementing IFS Local, fully tailored to the scale and reality of their organisation.
We support you with, among other things:
- interpretation of the IFS Local requirements
- translating them into workable procedures and instructions on the shop floor
- strengthening hygiene and control measures in practice
- preparation for the IFS Local check
- approaching and selecting an accredited CB (certification/inspection body)
IFS Local as a logical first step
We see IFS Local as a realistic entry point for companies who want to structure their food safety, without immediately embarking on a heavy certification process. It's a solid foundation to build further on. At your own pace, with clear choices.
Our approach is pragmatic, human and sector-focused. No standard templates.
No paper-based compliance. Just solutions that hold up in audits and in day-to-day work.
