From 2016: Unannounced audits for producers and wholesalers

Unannounced audits are already required for QS-GAP certified companies and supermarkets. From 2016 these audits will be an integral part in the inspection system for wholesalers and producers that are certified according to the QS scheme for fruit, vegetables and potatoes. The unannounced audits will be introduced gradually; the first audits will be conducted from 1 July 2016.

From 1 January 2016, the exact procedure for each stage of the supply chain for fruit, vegetables and potatoes is regulated in detail. The same rules for the organization and implementation of the audits that currently apply for certified producers for QS-GAP will then apply for wholesalers and producers that are certified according the QS scheme for fruit, vegetables and potatoes too. That means that an extra audit per year will take place at 10% of the cooperation companies.

The wholesalers can choose whether the unannounced audits are carried out as unannounced system audits or as an additional unannounced spot audit between two announced system audits. However in the food retail sector only unannounced system audits will be conducted, similar to the successful practice for meat and meat products.

The format of the audits can be seen on the right side of the overview. The unannounced system audits are similar in content and follow-up to the previous system audits. Part of those audits is that all the criteria on the checklists are reviewed. The unannounced spot audits are conducted between the regular, announced system audits. And only selected criteria are checked.

Source: QS Quality scheme for fruit, vegetables and potatoes