Sensient achieves IFS accreditation

Sensient Food Colors Italy, who produce grape skin extracts and anthocyanins, has been awarded International Food Standards (IFS) accreditation version 5, higher level, for the production of food grade natural colours and vegetable concentrates.

“This is an important professional recognition of the way in which we operate and further demonstrates Sensient's commitment to seek the highest standards of product quality and performance for all its customers,” said Imerio Bortot, general manager of Sensient Food Colors Italy.

The International Food Standards (IFS) programme exists to allow food retailers and wholesalers to verify the quality of manufacturers and their products, and is appropriate for suppliers who process foods and foodstuffs, handle food products or pack food products.

Its objectives are to harmonise standards using uniform evaluation processes, enabling comparability and transparency throughout the supply chain. Its ultimate goal is to reduce expense and time for both suppliers and retailers.

Version 3 of the standard was developed by the German Retail Federation (Hauptverband des Deutschen Einzelhandels - HDE) and launched in 2003. The standard has been progressively updated, with Version 5 the most current at the beginning of this year. Companies about to undertake accreditation will likely be audited according to Version 6.

HDE’s French counterpart Fédération des entreprises du Commerce et de la Distribution (FCD), and its Italian equivalents (COOP, CONAD, Federdistribuzione) have also been instrumental in the formulation of the ISF standards, which are widely recognised.

Adherence to the standard is verified by independent auditors.