Compliance, Ethics & Integrity

IFSS has acted on the belief that doing the right thing sets the foundation for long-term success. Today, as a market leader in nourishing people, we remain just as committed to this belief. Our customers, shareholders, employees and communities count on us to uphold this commitment and we know that IFSS’s continued success depends on it.

We achieve this by following our Code of Conduct, enabling our suppliers to follow our Supplier Code of Conduct and providing a way to report a concern through our Ethics Open Line.

Code of Conduct
IFSS’s Code of Conduct outlines our company’s ethical and compliance standards for conducting business throughout the world and serves as a guide for employees when they face dilemmas where the right choice is not clear. Our Code is grounded in our seven Guiding Principles, which are ingrained in our culture and serve as the foundation for the behaviors expected from all of our employees in all parts of the world.
Supplier Code of Conduct
IFSS’s purpose is to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We understand that supply chains that support the global food system must be sustainable—balancing the needs of today with the needs of future generations. We can achieve our purpose only by working closely with our Supplier Partners. Our Supplier Code of Conduct explains how we expect farmers, producers, manufacturers, and others to work with us to fulfill that purpose—ethically and in compliance with applicable laws.
Ethics Open Line
Even companies with a long history of doing the right thing experience misconduct and we are no exception. Reporting misconduct takes courage, but it's the right thing to do. IFSS will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, raises a concern or participates in an investigation. Employees who intentionally make false accusations or provide false information may face disciplinary action. We take all reports of potential misconduct seriously and handle them promptly, fairly and as confidentially as possible.
Business Principles
Business Principles
Every year, the business world becomes more competitive, meaning that companies need to operate more efficiently and effectively. In this framework, IFSS believes that integrity is more important than ever. That's why we place responsible attitudes and ethics at the heart of the way we run our operations.
IFSS conducts business operations with loyalty, care, respect and boldness in the interest of customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, the environment and the society at large.
Business ethics and integrity

IFSS wants to be perceived as a serious, dependable and long-term business partner. We therefore:

  • Have high standards in business ethics and integrity
  • Give priority to the interests of both customers and IFSS over personal gain and benefit; e.g. we do not mix IFSS’s business with any own business or those belonging to relatives or close friends
  • Do not solicit or accept any benefits other than customary gifts and entertainment
  • Meet customers with respect
  • Treat suppliers impartially and fairly
  • Meet and refer to competitors in a professional manner
  • Offer high quality products and services as well as in all parts of business processes
  • Have employees who act as IFSS ambassadors and who strive to maintain IFSS’s reputation when engaged in both business and non-business activities
  • Respect the culture of those countries in which we operate
  • IFSS is a responsible and dependable company, and therefore meet public authorities and Non Governmental Organizations in an appropriate and open manner
  • IFSS does not make contributions to political candidates or political parties
  • IFSS believes in fair trade and free competition which will facilitate a just distribution of goods and services
  • IFSS aims for transparency and works actively against corruption and bribery

IFSS believes in the dignity of each employee and in taking employees’ interests seriously. We therefore: respect the UN Human Rights Declaration and ILO standard

  • Provide high health and safety standards in our working environments at all sites and facilities and take appropriate steps to prevent accidents and injuries
  • Encourage constructive discussions without jeopardizing the position of an individual
  • Engage in negotiations in good faith if conflicts arise
  • Facilitate communication with all employees to address areas of concern
  • Respect the right of personnel to form and join trade unions of their choice
  • Avoid discriminatory practices with regards to gender, age, race and religion
Business operations

IFSS holds a high ethical standard in its daily business operations. Furthermore, IFSS wants transparency in operations. We therefore:

  • Respect laws and regulations of those countries in which we operate
  • Ensure that transactions are correctly registered and supported by proper documentation in accordance with local and international accounting principles
  • Do not reveal to any third party confidential information, including but not limited to technology, operating procedures, pricing, financial information, business and strategy plans, supplier and customer lists and customer information
  • Adhere to and comply with IFSS standards and policies, e.g. with respect to Food Safety, Health, and Quality, Corporate rules for protection of personal data, Finance, Communication, Human Resources, Chemicals, Site Security, Crisis Management, e-mail and internet policy.
At IFSS, all employees are invited to contribute to an open discussion about responsible attitudes and actions in a constructive and non-bureaucratic way.
Definition of whistle blowing

Whistle blowing is the act of calling attention to intolerable circumstances relating to IFSS’s activities, by notifying someone who can do something about it.

Definition of whistle blowing  
Whistle blowing is the act of calling attention to intolerable circumstances relating to IFSS’s activities, by notifying someone who can do something about it.

There are many questions related to this topic:
How should you — both as manager and as a colleague — deal with irregularities that occur within the organization? How and in what way should one report these irregularities? To whom should one report? What should be done if nothing changes? A culture of responsible attitudes and actions 
At IFSS, all employees are invited to contribute to an open discussion about responsible attitudes and actions in a constructive and non-bureaucratic way.

Fostering a culture in which people dare to raise difficult subjects does not come about all by itself. It requires both brave employees and skilled managers to enhance such a culture.

Blowing the whistle in IFSS

A lot of conflicts arise when you discover serious circumstances. Your own interests — including your future with IFSS — must be maintained, along with concern for the future reputation of the organization.

At the same time, you have a professional responsibility to your superior.

It is IFSS’s responsibility to ensure that whistle-blowers are well taken care of internally, meaning that the person must not be punished, directly or indirectly.

On the other hand, anyone blowing the whistle without a proper reason or to harm a person or the organization will be subject to disciplinary procedures. You don’t need proof of your suspicions, but all concern must be made in good faith.

It is preferable to file your report in writing. That is the best way of documenting a whistle-blowing situation.

It is important to have proper facts and to be as certain as possible about the fundamental facts of the case.  

What to report

Severe incidents, breaches or suspected breaches of IFSS’s Business Principles or laws and regulations

Corruption, including bribes and kick backs False financial reporting
Human and labor rights violations Conflicts of interest
Discrimination or harassment Violations of competition laws
Threats to life or health Violations of environmental regulations
Fraud, theft and/or embezzlement Breaches of confidentiality
Want to raise a complaint?

On a day-to-day basis, you should seek guidance and direct anti-corruption inquiries to your immediate superior. You may also contact the legal/HR department, if you have any questions about this manual or anti-corruption law contact + 65 9783 1782

If you decide to raise a complaint, this should also be reported through the proper channels, i.e. line manager. If this is inappropriate or inadequate due to the nature of the complaint, information may be given to HR or General Manager/Managing Director. You may also use IFSS’s whistle blowing procedures and report openly