IFS Local Check: How Quant Helps Small Food Businesses Enter the Retail Market

The IFS Local Check now offers small food producers, family businesses, and artisanal manufacturers a valuable opportunity to implement the fundamentals of food safety and product safety in a structured way.

Although the check is not a formal certification, it is recognized by most retailers and can serve as a gateway to the food retail sector. Quant supports companies throughout this process to ensure a successful outcome.

What is the IFS Local Check?

The IFS Local Check is a practical assessment process specifically designed to meet the needs of smaller food businesses. It was developed in collaboration with retailers to provide a fast, straightforward, yet meaningful evaluation of food safety standards.

The check covers all key areas, including hygiene, storage, production processes, labeling, and documentation. It is divided into three levels:

• Basic Check
• HACCP
• Supplementary Check

Its objective is to enable companies to demonstrate compliance and product quality without the effort required for full certification. A new feature is that the assessment also includes recommendations from the assessors.

Quant’s Role and the IFS Local Check Process

As an approved IFS Local Provider, Quant actively guides companies through the entire IFS Local process.

How does the process work?

1. Contact Quant at: info.fra@tentamus.com
   2. Receive a tailored and competitive offer for the audit (pre-audit, certification audit, extension audit; typically 2–8 hours on-site plus preparation and follow-up)
   3. After accepting the offer, you will receive a proposed date for the IFS Local Check
   4. On the day of the check:
   4.1 Opening meeting to align on the process
   4.2 Site inspection and document review, including traceability checks depending on the level
   4.3 Closing meeting with explanation of findings
   5. Preparation and delivery of a corrective action plan
   6. Quant reviews submitted corrections and corrective actions
   7. Upon successful completion, Quant issues an IFS Local Check confirmation, which can be shared with your customers
   8. The IFS Local report and confirmation are uploaded by Quant to the IFS database

Benefits of the IFS Local Check for Small Businesses

For small enterprises, family businesses, and artisanal producers, the IFS Local Check offers clear advantages:

• Improved product safety: Risks are identified and addressed early
• Retail recognition: Many retailers accept the IFS Local Check as proof of safe production processes
• Easier market access: The check can serve as a “ticket” into food retail
• Practical implementation: Quant ensures that requirements are clear, feasible, and supported by recommendations

A Stepping Stone into Food Retail

For small and local producers, the IFS Local Check is an ideal starting point to build trust with retail partners. With Quant’s support, companies benefit from professional guidance throughout preparation, implementation, and documentation.

This enables businesses to confidently bring their products to market, increase visibility, and build long-term retail partnerships.

Get Started with Quant Today

Small food businesses, family companies, and artisanal producers benefit from Quant’s expertise in successfully completing the IFS Local Check.

Get in touch today to plan your participation and sustainably improve the safety, quality, and market potential of your products.

Do you require help or further information?
Contact us! We are happy to advise you:

Beate Heidorn and Torsten Michalski
info.fra@tentamus.com
+49 89 413 253 55 800