Security Solutions for the Food Industry
In a dynamic world, safety in the food sector is of critical importance. Our comprehensive access control solutions provide reliable protection for businesses in the food industry.
Secure critical infrastructure now!
Companies in the food sector play a vital role as part of critical infrastructure. Through production, processing, and distribution, they ensure the supply of food. They also safeguard the quality and safety of food products to minimize health risks for the population. Security measures such as access control are essential for complying with regulatory requirements and hygiene standards.
Why Security Matters for the Food Industry
Each year, approximately 54.5 million tons of food are produced or processed in Germany by around 5,600 companies, generating a total revenue of roughly €228 billion. Many production and logistics processes are now highly interconnected and digitized. An IT incident typically leads to supply disruptions and financial losses. Cybersecurity threats will continue to pose risks such as data theft, supply chain interruptions, and quality issues in the years ahead.
Food safety also plays a key role in protecting consumers from health risks. Costly product recalls due to contaminated food damage brand reputation and erode consumer trust in both products and affected companies.
Access control solutions have therefore been an indispensable part of security strategies in the food sector for years. Strict standards require proof of reliable access control to food-sensitive areas. The goal is to ensure the integrity, availability, and safety of infrastructure as well as food production and processing operations ultimately helping to prevent economic losses caused by production downtime.
Providers in the Food Sector
| Industry | Services |
|---|---|
| Food Industry | Food Production and Processing |
| Food Retail | Food Retail |
Source: Classification of sectors and critical services according to the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, as of October 2024
How access control supports you
in meeting diverse requirements
We support you with our security and access control solutions to meet the specific requirements of your industry. As an experienced partner and provider, we work with you to analyze your existing security concept and develop tailored measures to ensure optimal protection of your buildings and infrastructure. Our goal is to implement a robust and reliable security network that can flexibly adapt to your current and future needs.
Food Safety
Protecting sensitive production and storage areas from unauthorized access is a top priority. Access control ensures that entry to cleanrooms or temperature-controlled storage areas with hygiene locks is electronically monitored, supervised, and audit-proof documented. It also ensures that all employees comply with required hygiene standards. Software-supported zoning enables the clear definition and separation of areas with particularly high protection requirements.
Regulatory Requirements
Companies in the food sector are subject to numerous safety and hygiene standards. National and EU-wide regulations such as the Food Hygiene Regulation (LMHV), EU Regulations on Food Hygiene (No. 753/2004, No. 862/2004), and standards like ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000), SQF (Safe Quality Food), or IFS Food (International Featured Standards Food) ensure high quality standards throughout the food supply chain. Advanced access control solutions provide a solid foundation for demonstrably meeting these requirements.
Ensuring Efficient Operations
Technical disruptions or unauthorized access can lead to interruptions. Access control systems help ensure efficient and smooth operations. In emergencies, responsible personnel can respond quickly, block access points, and evacuate employees. Misuse of ID media is prevented through transparent and personalized monitoring.
Protection Against Theft and Sabotage
Access control systems protect raw materials and products from unauthorized access and economic damage. Monitored and audit-proof documented access points allow security personnel to trace who had access in the event of an incident. This enables continuous improvement and adaptation of security measures.
Interflex Access Control:
Flexibility and Security for All Use Cases
Ensuring hygiene standards in food manufacturing
Location: Production facilities
Suitable Solutions:
- IF-6040 Access Software System: Centralized control and real-time monitoring of all access points, with rapid adjustment of access permissions. Risk-based zoning of processing areas with time restrictions during and outside production hours.
- IF-6040 Extension with Additional Security Systems: Integration of a control center with enhanced security features such as hygiene locks, video surveillance, alarm and fire detection management.
- Multi-Level Authentication: Advanced ID technologies (LEGIC advant, Mifare DESFire EV3), smartphone-based Key App (3-pass authentication), and PIN codes at access terminals.
- Biometric Scanner Solutions: From fingerprint 2D/3D verification to facial, iris, and hand vein recognition.
- Visitor Management Module: Automated pre-registration process including the capture of visitor and supplier data, along with documented safety briefings.
Your Advantages:
- Greater Transparency: A software-based system like IF-6040 supports audit and recertification processes by logging all access events.
- Compliance with Hygiene Standards: Ensures that only authorized and trained personnel can access sensitive production areas, maintaining hygiene compliance.
- Reduced Risk of Contamination, Theft, and Sabotage: Modern multi-level authentication prevents misuse of ID credentials.
- Biometric solutions further increase the security level while also enabling hygienic access. The ability to combine Interflex access control with hygiene verification functions in a single system streamlines operational processes and helps protect the quality of your products and production workflows.
- Audit-Proof Visitor Management: Documented visitor data ensures compliance and improves operational efficiency.
Protection against theft, burglary, and sabotage in the food industry
Location: Food retail
Suitable Solutions:
- IF-6040 Cloud-Based Access Control: Centralized and scalable management of access permissions across multiple locations.
- Mobile Access Authentication: Using the Key App on smartphones (3-pass authentication) or PIN codes at access terminals for sensitive areas.
- Vandal-Resistant Access Terminals: Especially robust locking components for outdoor use.
- Battery-Powered Locking Components “Opendor”: For fast, wireless retrofitting of access points. Real-time integration of doors and access points into a central monitoring system or security control center.
- License Plate Recognition: For access control in parking and loading areas, and for easy identification of company vehicles.
Your Advantages:
- A cloud-based access control solution (GDPR-compliant) can be flexibly adapted to rapidly changing requirements across multiple locations. Operational processes become more efficient, relieving both security personnel and IT departments.
- Tracking access and inventory movements in the central IF-6040 system simplifies inventory control and supports optimization of warehouse processes.
- Access logging fulfills documentation and traceability requirements for internal and external audits.
- Advanced authentication methods and robust, vandal-proof locking systems reduce the risk of sabotage and theft.
- Mobile access control increases security while being cost-efficient, as fewer physical keys are needed and the risk of key loss is eliminated.
- Full control and traceability of supplier arrivals and departures reduces the risk of theft, financial losses, and unauthorized access to storage areas.
Protecting product quality and brand integrity in warehousing
Location: Storage and cold rooms for perishable goods and high-value raw materials
Suitable Solutions:
- IF-6040 Access System: Enables the definition of security-relevant zones with varying access restrictions and allows for fast, customized adjustments to access permissions.
- Alarm and Emergency Management in IF-6040: Documents unauthorized access and security-related incidents, including automatic notifications to security personnel—for example, via door status monitoring.
- Biometric Authentication Solutions.
Your Advantages:
- Protection of Food Quality and Supply Chain Security: Access control solutions support quality assurance and compliance with storage conditions, contributing to audit-proof documentation of strict regulations and standards.
- Reduced Liability Risks: By ensuring that only authorized and trained personnel access temperature-controlled areas, product shelf life and hygiene regulations are maintained.
- Efficient Operations and Resource Optimization: Combining access control with additional protective measures such as hygiene locks reduces the risk of temperature deviations and helps streamline operational processes.
- Enhanced Security Through Biometrics: Biometric authentication further strengthens protection by reducing the risk of theft and financial losses due to spoilage, while supporting optimal inventory management.
- Safeguarding Brand Integrity: Access control solutions help prevent contamination and spoilage, which can cause lasting reputational and financial damage to your brand.
Secure your business:
5 steps to a reliable access control system
- 1
Analyse
Comprehensive analysis of your security requirements and existing systems
2
Planning
Development of a tailor-made security concept
3
Installation
Installation and configuration of the components relevant to you
4
Handover
Training for safe use of your system
5
Support
Regular and reliable service and support
Why KRITIS companies choose Interflex
Maximum security with minimum effort
With Interflex, KRITIS companies can manage their access and authorization processes digitally, automatically, and efficiently. Whether it's escalations, special approvals, or temporary access, clearly defined workflows ensure smooth processes and maximum security in everyday operations.
Legally compliant and auditable
All accesses, movements, and changes are documented seamlessly and in an audit-proof manner. This means you not only meet internal compliance requirements, but also legal requirements such as NIS2 or the KRITIS regulation – and are ready for audit at any time.
Flexible, scalable – and tailored to KRITIS requirements
KRITIS companies need solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into existing security and IT structures – without compromising availability or compliance. Interflex's modular systems are designed precisely for these requirements: scalable for growing infrastructures, flexible for individual processes, and future-proof with regard to regulatory developments.
- 0,0 Millionen
Our systems manage around 5.8 million employees every day
- > 0 Companies
Many of the top 500 companies in Europe rely on Interflex
Would you like to know how our security solutions perform in practice?
Take a look at our references and find out how companies from a wide range of industries have transformed their access and security processes with Interflex.
Frequently Asked Questions – Food Industry
- Which regulations and industry standards emphasize the importance of access control for companies in the food sector?
Food producers and suppliers must comply with a variety of regulations to ensure both supply security and food quality. Access control measures play a key role in these requirements and are considered an essential component of any security concept. Examples include EU Regulation (EC) No. 862/2004 on food hygiene and EU Regulation (EC) No. 753/2004, both of which set hygiene requirements for production facilities, transport, and personnel hygiene.
Other relevant regulations include the German Food Hygiene Regulation (LMHV), as well as international standards such as IFS (International Featured Standards), FSSC 22000 (including ISO 22000). All of these regulations and standards share a common goal: access control ensures that only authorized personnel can enter sensitive areas, helping to maintain hygiene standards, product safety, and quality. Reliable access control systems are therefore a key requirement in audits.
- What are typical application areas for access control in food production?
In food manufacturing, there are many sensitive areas where access control solutions provide additional protection. These include production zones, storage areas, and cold rooms where perishable goods are stored. In these areas, access control ensures that only authorized personnel can enter, reducing the risk of contamination and preserving food quality.
Laboratories used for testing food samples are also critical zones, as they help maintain the integrity of test results. Protecting products from contamination and theft is especially important in packaging areas. Access control in employee zones ensures compliance with hygiene regulations and prevents individuals in contaminated clothing from entering production areas.
- What are typical security risks faced by companies in the food sector and food production?
Companies in food manufacturing and processing face a wide range of security risks. Advanced electronic access control solutions help ensure audit compliance and maintain consumer trust in product quality. Risks include cybersecurity threats, contamination with microorganisms or chemicals due to unauthorized access to production areas, and incidents that can disrupt production lines and lead to costly recalls and reputational damage.
Theft and sabotage of raw materials and finished products are additional challenges. Supply chain disruptions—such as unexpected breaks in cold chains—also pose risks. Access control ensures that only authorized suppliers can enter storage and loading areas, helping to prevent theft, financial losses, and unauthorized access.