Quality systems in the fresh fruit export industry

Abstract

The fresh fruit export industry has traditionally relied heavily on end point inspection to achieve quality. In response to several changes in international markets and concerns over the inability of end point inspection to ensure product safety and quality, many codes of practice and quality standard have been developed specifically for the food industry. This article reviews the principles and practicalities of implementation of the standards which have achieved international recognition. Producers and packers face technical challenges integrating these systems into a holistic management system while this may also present a significant entry barrier for smaller producers who lack the resources and expertise.

Die varsvrugteuitvoerbedryf maak tradisioneel gebruik van eindpuntinspeksie vir die handhawing van gehalte. Twyfel oor die doeltreffendheid van hierdie vorm van inspeksie ten opsigte van veiligheid en gehalte in die konteks van internasionale markte het tot gevolg gehad dat verskeie gebruikskodes vir die voedselbedryf tot stand gekom het. Die beginsels en praktiese implementering van hierdie standaarde wat internasionale erkenning geniet, word hierin behandel. Produsente en verpakkers ondervind tegniese uitdagings oor hoe die standaarde in ’n holistiese bestuurstelsel geïntegreer kan word, gesien die problematiek van marktoetrede vir klein produsente sonder kundigheid en voldoende bronne.