Implementation of voluntary regulatory systems (IFS, BRC, FSSC22000....)
Voluntary standards in food: simplifying compliance, creating value
In the food sector, voluntary standards are a key pillar for ensuring quality, safety, competitiveness and access to major domestic and foreign markets. In a context where Big Distribution, international retailers and supply chain partners are demanding ever higher levels of reliability, voluntary certifications - such as IFS Food, BRCGS Food Safety, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, GlobalG.A.P. and many others - have become a real market requirement.
We at Lifeanalytics support companies in the complete implementation</b> of systems based on voluntary standards, accompanying them through every step of the way: from initial analysis to system definition, from preparation to certification audit to maintenance over time. Our goal is to turn these standards into an opportunity for growth by simplifying complexity and building systems that are truly applicable, effective and aligned with the business' operational needs.
Why certify to voluntary standards?
Obtaining an internationally recognised certification offers a number of strategic advantages:
- immediate access to domestic and foreign markets, in particular the GDO;
- increased brand credibility and reputation.
- risk control and improvement of internal processes;
- increased confidence from customers and supply chain partners;
- reduction of non-conformities and waste;
- raising the level of food safety.
Our method of implementing voluntary standards
We have developed a structured, clear and fully customized approach that allows you to implement high performance, sustainable systems that are perfectly aligned with the requirements of the reference standard.
1. Gap analysis and initial assessment
The first stage consists of an in-depth analysis of the company’s situation. We assess:
- production and organisational processes;
- layout, hygiene-structural prerequisites and operating flows;
- Systems already in use (HACCP, traceability, quality management...);
- skills and training of staff;
- Existing documentation;
- Level of compliance with IFS, BRCGS, FSSC 22000 or others.
At the end, we provide a detailed report of non-conformities and operational priorities to be addressed.
2. Design and implementation of the management system
Based on the initial assessment, we build a complete system that includes:
- HACCP structured according to the requirements of the standard;
- standard operating procedures (SOPs);
- Standard-specific prerequisite programmes (PRPs);
- Risk analysis (food safety and food fraud, if required);
- food defence and intentional threat management;
- management of allergens and cross contamination;
- sanitisation, maintenance and weed control plans;
- Microbiological and chemical sampling plan;
- Monitoring, recording and KPIs.
All documents are written by our experts to ensure perfect compliance with the standard and, above all, maximum operability.
3. Structural, plant and organisational adjustment
Voluntary standards also have high structural requirements.
Our consultants support the company in:
- improvement of hygiene prerequisites;
- Optimisation of production flows and areas;
- MOCA suitability assessment;
- Improving traceability and traceability systems;
- Management of non-conformities and corrective actions.
We intervene in a practical and concrete way, proposing applicable and sustainable solutions.
4. Staff training and building a quality culture
Voluntary standards attach great importance to food safety culture.
This is why we develop targeted training courses on:
- Advanced HACCP;
- management of CCPs and OPRPs;
- staff hygiene;
- allergens;
- food fraud e food defence;
- Internal procedures and correct behaviour.
Training is a key element in making the system alive, effective and shared at all levels of the company.
5. Internal audits and simulation tests
Before certification, we produce:
- Comprehensive internal audits according to the standard;
- simulations of the certification audit;
- mock recall to verify traceability and crisis management.
This phase allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of the system, correct any critical issues and get prepared for the audit of the certification body.
6. Support for certification audits
We accompany the client throughout the audit:
- Lifeanalytics experts to provide technical support;
- Management of auditor requests;
- Clarification and explanation of processes.
Our role is to ensure that all evidence is presented in a clear and complete manner.
7. Annual maintenance and updating of the standard
Voluntary standards require:
- Continuous updates;
- Annual audits;
- Monitoring regulatory changes;
- Maintenance of documentation.
We offer ongoing support to ensure that the system remains up-to-date and fully compliant.
The voluntary standards we work with
Our experts have extensive experience in the main internationally recognized standards:
IFS Food
Standard required by a large part of the European GDO, focusing on product safety and supplier control.
BRCGS Food Safety
One of the most popular standards in the world, particularly required in the UK and Northern Europe, with a strong focus on contamination prevention.
FSSC 22000
Recognised GFSI scheme based on ISO 22000, ideal for companies wanting a system that can be integrated with other ISO standards.
ISO 22000
International standard for food safety management, flexible and applicable across the supply chain.
GlobalG.A.P.
Voluntary standard specific for primary productions, fundamental for modern distribution.
We can follow every standard from A to Z, ensuring implementation, adaptation, training and maintenance.
Why choose Lifeanalytics as a partner for the implementation of voluntary standards
Choosing us means accessing:
- Up-to-date regulatory and technical expertise;
- experts with direct experience in certification audits;
- Integration with accredited laboratories for microbiological, chemical and nutritional analysis;
- presence on the national territory;
- Practical, immediate and problem-solving support.
Our mission is to provide a complete, concrete and targeted service that allows companies to obtain and maintain certifications in the simplest and most effective way possible
A voluntary system is not just a requirement: it is a competitive advantage
Implementing systems according to voluntary legislation means:
- Raising internal standards;
- Improve production efficiency;
- Reduce risks and non-compliance;
- access to new markets;
- Building customer confidence.
We transform this path into a secure investment for the company’s growth.
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