An international standard that structures our production methods
Since 2021, New Concisa has been working under the IFS Food quality standard, a globally recognized certification that establishes precise criteria to ensure that food products meet the requirements of safety, authenticity, traceability and quality.
This evaluation system is designed to audit production processes in companies that manufacture or handle food, and its purpose is to demonstrate that these companies are capable of producing safe products that are legal and consistently meet customer specifications.
In our case, this certification applies to our entire range of frozen seafood products, especially cephalopods and derivatives, manufactured at our facilities in Murcia (Spain), Chile and the United States.
What is IFS Food certification?
IFS Food (International Featured Standards Food) is a standard developed by European food distributors and manufacturers. Its main objective is to establish a common basis for auditing and controlling food processing operations, with a focus on risk management and continuous improvement.
It is one of the standards recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), and is considered a standard requirement for working with distribution chains, purchasing centers, the Horeca channel and large logistics groups operating internationally.
Key aspects evaluated include:
- Quality and food safety management systems.
- Process control
- Comprehensive traceability of raw materials and finished products.
- Prevention of food fraud and protection of product authenticity.
- Hygiene measures, infrastructure and staff training.
How it was implemented at New Concisa
The implementation process of IFS Food at New Concisa was carried out with technical support from Laber S.L., a firm specializing in management systems and food consulting. Over several phases, procedures were reviewed and optimized, technical documentation was strengthened, and improvements were implemented in the production chain and internal control.
The certification was obtained in March 2021, after passing an external audit that validated compliance with all requirements set by the standard. Since then, we have maintained active certification, with periodic audits and system updates.
Why is this certification important?
For companies operating in the food sector, having a certification such as IFS Food provides real added value, both operationally and commercially. These are some of its most notable benefits:
1. Verified safety and quality
IFS Food enables the establishment of a structured system to ensure that each manufactured batch meets defined standards and current legislation. Risks are minimized and preventive control is improved.
2. Continuous improvement
The standard promotes a philosophy of constant improvement through corrective action plans, analysis of non-conformities and internal reviews. This contributes to optimizing processes and making them more efficient.
3. Access to new markets
Many distribution chains and large buyers require IFS as a minimum requirement for working with suppliers. Having this certification opens commercial opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.
4. Customer confidence
By having IFS Food, an image of control, commitment and reliability is conveyed to the end customer. It is a tool that strengthens corporate reputation and differentiates the company from competitors.
Real application in New Concisa’s operations
At New Concisa, IFS Food certification is not just another formality. It is part of daily operations at our production plants and is integrated into all operational decisions.
- Raw materials are selected and documented following criteria defined by the system.
- Each stage of the process is subject to control and verification.
- Documentary and physical tracking of traceability is carried out, from origin to customer.
- Staff receive continuous training in hygiene, safe handling and quality requirements.
- Critical points are recorded and prevention and contingency plans are reviewed periodically.
A standard maintained over time
Although the certification was obtained over three years ago, it remains fully current. The IFS standard is regularly reviewed and adapted to new challenges in the sector, such as digitalization, the risk of food fraud or environmental requirements.
Each new audit is an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and strengthen our position as reliable manufacturers in an increasingly regulated and demanding environment.
