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Elaboration of the Guide for quality own control and good handling practices for stone & pome fruit
Published on 26 January 2021
Spain
Cataluña
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About this good practice
At the end of 2017, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, jointly with the Catalan fruit sector implemented the Sweet Fruit Action Plan.
One of the actions of this plan was the implementation of the Quality Improvement Program along the fruit sector. Within the framework of this program and with the aim of improving production and handling practices and distribution in the fruit sector, both guides were elaborated:
- Guide for points of sale: own control of quality and good handling practices for stone and pome fruit.
- Guide for the production and handling: Guide for quality own control and good practices in the production and handling of stone and pome fruit.
Fresh fruit is a healthy food that has not been transformed in any way, but is perishable and is often sold in bulk. Naturally we want consumers to receive the highest quality products, plus we want them to have the necessary information so they can be aware about what they are buying and are doing so responsibly. To do so, we need to adopt good practices for handling the product and in informing them about the product(s) in the points of sale.
All food companies which take part in production and marketing, and also the public authorities, must be committed to work towards guaranteeing fruit quality and ensuring that it meets appropriate standards. Food quality is a crucial factor across the entire food chain, from producers to consumers.
One of the actions of this plan was the implementation of the Quality Improvement Program along the fruit sector. Within the framework of this program and with the aim of improving production and handling practices and distribution in the fruit sector, both guides were elaborated:
- Guide for points of sale: own control of quality and good handling practices for stone and pome fruit.
- Guide for the production and handling: Guide for quality own control and good practices in the production and handling of stone and pome fruit.
Fresh fruit is a healthy food that has not been transformed in any way, but is perishable and is often sold in bulk. Naturally we want consumers to receive the highest quality products, plus we want them to have the necessary information so they can be aware about what they are buying and are doing so responsibly. To do so, we need to adopt good practices for handling the product and in informing them about the product(s) in the points of sale.
All food companies which take part in production and marketing, and also the public authorities, must be committed to work towards guaranteeing fruit quality and ensuring that it meets appropriate standards. Food quality is a crucial factor across the entire food chain, from producers to consumers.
Resources needed
Human resources required: Professionals and experts of the sweet fruits quality field. Food fraud and quality inspectors participated in the review and coordination of both guides.
12.500 euros for publication of the guides and other information material
12.500 euros for publication of the guides and other information material
Evidence of success
Catalonia is one of the main producers of sweet fruit in southern Europe. Despite this large production capacity, there is currently a downward trend in fruit consumption in Catalan households. That is why the Government of Catalonia is working on the Sweet Fruit Plan; these guides are two of the 32 actions that GENCAT is promoting as part of this Plan.
The participation of stakeholders of the fruit sector and their associations demonstrates the interest and need for this information.
The participation of stakeholders of the fruit sector and their associations demonstrates the interest and need for this information.
Potential for learning or transfer
The preparation of both guides has been considered a good practice within the framework of the Qualify project since they are a practical tool that is offered to any operator, company or professional who directly or indirectly participates in the agri-food chain and, specifically, in the Sweet Fruit sector.
Likewise, it intends to promote improvements in:
- The compliance with the requirements of current regulations on commercial quality in the sweet fruit sector and Law 14/2003 on agri-food quality (DOGC 3915 of 07/01/2003).
- To give guarantees to consumers and customers of the quality of the products that are made and marketed.
- To be more competitive.
- To continuously improve, for example: detect errors and correct their causes; define improvement objectives based on the indicators, and put the necessary means to get it; improve internal organization and get to know better the raw material, the fruit, and everything what may affect it.
Likewise, it intends to promote improvements in:
- The compliance with the requirements of current regulations on commercial quality in the sweet fruit sector and Law 14/2003 on agri-food quality (DOGC 3915 of 07/01/2003).
- To give guarantees to consumers and customers of the quality of the products that are made and marketed.
- To be more competitive.
- To continuously improve, for example: detect errors and correct their causes; define improvement objectives based on the indicators, and put the necessary means to get it; improve internal organization and get to know better the raw material, the fruit, and everything what may affect it.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Regional Government of Cataluña
Spain
Cataluña
Contact
Agrifood inspector