Have you been in a situation whereby a consultant and an auditor can review the same process and reach different conclusions? These differences are not unusual, but they can create uncertainty for companies preparing for certification and pressure for those responsible for implementation.
To support greater alignment, Certima is bringing together the consultant community in dedicated sessions with IFS and BRCGS scheme owners for a structured dialogue on how risk is understood, interpreted, and applied within contemporary food safety standards.
Managing Risk – The Key Objective of Contemporary Food Safety Standards
A dialogue with IFS and BRCGS scheme owners, facilitated by Certima
27 February 2026, Utrecht | Hybrid format
This session opens Transparency in Action, Certima’s new event series focused on strengthening shared understanding and consistency across the food safety sector.
The discussion will focus on:
• How IFS and BRCGS approach risk management within their standards
• Interpretation topics that repeatedly generate questions in audits
• Practical “gray areas” identified by consultants in real manufacturing environments
• Exchange of perspectives aimed at reducing ambiguity in daily decision-making
Agenda highlights include:
IFS perspective
• Risk management within HACCP
• Differentiating and justifying control measures (PRPs vs. CCPs)
• Risk assessments outside the HACCP plan
• Supplier and external service providers risk assessment
BRCGS perspective
• Risk zoning as a core element of Issue 9
• How zoning influences operational risk decisions
• Structured discussion on recurring interpretation challenges
Participants are welcome to bring one or two anonymized examples where interpretation has been challenging.
Event details
Date: 27 February 2026
Venue: Van der Valk Hotel Utrecht
Registration: https://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=E953DA81884A3867
Deadline to confirm attendance: 1 February 2026
On-site participation is limited and confirmed individually.
Every audit uncovers something.
As an impartial certification body, Certima assesses compliance with international food safety measures. While Certima does not provide operational guidance, audits serve as a valuable reference point for evaluating risk management, fraud prevention strategies, and supply chain integrity.
Disclaimer:
Certima remains fully impartial as an accredited certification body. This session is designed for open dialogue and improved understanding. It does not include consultancy or implementation guidance.
If interpretation, risk-based decisions, and consistency matter in your daily work, this discussion may be relevant to you.