4.9.1 "Constructional requirements"

Hi,

I have a doubt about the IFS clause 4.9.1 "Constructional requirements"

"Rooms where food products are prepared, treated,  processed and stored shall be designed and  constructed so that food safety is ensured"

¿what kind of criteria would the auditor follow in this case? ¿would there be like BRC zoning or maybe with a separations areas by risk between "clean" an "dirty" zones would be enough? ¿is there any decision tree to classify this zones for IFS instead of using the BRC decision tree?

at first sight, IFS seems to be less stric than BRC in zoning requeriments.

thanks in advance

FerranFlo

While I have not worked with IFS I have been with SQF & BRC when I hear your 4.9.1 clause I think: 
1) are the materials "easily cleanable" and non absorbent ? (surfaces made of proper material, no groves, niches, hollow spots) that could cause harborage/growth of bacteria

2) are the materials suitable? Ie wood tables vs stainless steel, no mild steel that rusts, no painted surfaces

3) is there anything the could cause foreign material contamination? dripping water/leaks, paint chips from ceiling. 

4) is machinery or permanent fixtures adequate distance from the walls, floors, ceiling 

5) does water move freely to the drain or is there pooling, are drains adequately spaced away from open production. 

I do not know of separate zone chart but someone here may

IMPO yes FSSC/IFS are a bit more free than SQF/BRC

G

Hi FerranFlo,

Just a thought, on the IFS website, from memory, there is a freely downloadable "auditorial advice" document aligned  to the IFS6 (later version?)  standard.

May be worth a look.

PS - see attached -

IFS6 Guidelines 2013.pdf   564.74KB   56 downloads

Hi MIFSQN and Charles,

I have already seen the Guideline for IFS audit, but I have some doubts about the interpretation of this clause. I don't know if zoning requirements must be applicable in practice for BRC like in IFS (following exactly the same criteria and decision tree).

Hi MIFSQN and Charles,

I have already seen the Guideline for IFS audit, but I have some doubts about the interpretation of this clause. I don't know if zoning requirements must be applicable in practice for BRC like in IFS (following exactly the same criteria and decision tree).

I think it is safe to assume that BRC's  zoning rules are specific to BRC.

actually i thought the IFS Guidelines were rather specific already.

Then, I deduce that in case to identify a high care area in a company which makes for example ready to eat products, in IFS the control measures related to the area must be based on a risk assessment:

Structural segregation
Access control with requirements to change into required workwear (specially designed changing facility)
Traffic patterns or equipment segregation
Air pressure differential

In BRC the control measures are imposed depending on the identified zone

I don't know if IFS v7 will have zoning requirement like the BRC scheme

Hello, the 4.9.1 relates to general issues, something such as if you see a potential cross contamination issue during elaboration, it is a very general clause.

The "zoning"//BRC high risk/care, is the 4.8.3, between others

hope this helps

:)

Leila