A single, practical and streamlined framework for day-to-day world food safety has been launched for airline caterers at the IFSA Global Expo in Dallas.
The 2026 IFSA World Food Safety Guidelines bring together the association’s previously separate guidelines and its Implementation Guide to strengthen food safety management across airline catering operations worldwide.
Developed over the last two years, the updated guidelines establish minimum and fundamental requirements for developing, implementing, maintaining and continuously improving food safety management procedures.
They were developed collaboratively by IFSA members and informed by internationally-recognised food safety management standards.
“The launch of the 2026 IFSA World Food Safety Guidelines reflects IFSA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the global onboard services industry with practical resources that promote food safety, operational consistency, and continuous improvement,” said Allison Cooke, IFSA Director of Government Affairs.
“We are grateful to the IFSA members and industry leaders whose expertise helped shape this important resource for caterers, airlines, and suppliers around the world.”
Speaking on a panel on airline food safety at the IFSA Global Expo, Fabien Malbranque, Group QHSSE (Quality, Health & Safety, Security, Environment) Direct at Newrest, said said the new user-friendly guidelines will make a big difference to IFSA members.
“Members should use these guidelines as a base line,” he said. “We know they’re not perfect and they will continue to evolve as the science makes progress and technical and regulatory standards are changing, but instead of reinventing everything, members should use these guidelines as a baseline, as a strong foundation, and then they can focus on how to build safety culture, impact leadership, and spend more time on the shop floor where it’s important to ensure consistency.”
The Guidelines incorporate elements from ISO 22000:2018, ISO/TS 22002-1:2025, ISO/TS 22002-100:2025, and FSSC 22000 Version 7.
The framework is designed to serve as a preparatory tool for organisations pursuing ISO 22000:2018 or certification through Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-recognised schemes.
IFSA will also host a series of training webinars later this year and into 2027 to provide additional guidance on key elements of the updated resource.
