QS
Basic information about the QS system
The QS system was born in 2001 with the definition of guidelines for the meat sector, but the program has gradually expanded to include certification of the fruit and vegetable and animal feed sectors as well.
QS certification is required by German distribution networks to guarantee product quality and ensure a production base capable of meeting Distribution's needs.
It is a type of B2C (business to consumer) certification that is communicated to the consumer through a logo that can be seen directly on the label.
Membership in the QS program requires producers to undergo inspection by a recognized certification body.
The key elements of the QS standard are:
- A vertical quality assurance system (from the agricultural phase to the sale/distribution of the finished product);
- Use of the QS logo to uniquely identify the certified product;
- Inspection of the entire production process;
- A central database in which all companies subject to inspection and all results of inspections by various certification bodies are recorded;
- Sanctions system;
- Monitoring program
- Independent audits conducted by certification bodies recognized by QS;
- Crisis management system;
- Documentation system for traceability and control of the production process of each phase.
The heart of QS certification is the quality assurance activities carried out at all stages of the production chain, with particular attention to:
- Food safety and livestock feed safety;
- Mandatory requirements (European food regulations, hygiene regulations, animal welfare, etc.);
- Additional requirements to those established by law;
- Salmonella monitoring program (poultry and swine);
- Antibiotic monitoring,
- The presence of undesirable substances in feed;
- Monitoring of plant protection product residues.
We encourage you to check out the standards page, where you will find additional informational materials:
.The standard is dedicated to meat, animal feed and fruit and vegetable companies throughout the supply chain, i.e. producers, wholesalers, processors, transporters, coordinators.
.Benefits of QS certification:
- Access to new markets - mainly the German market;
- Ensuring the expected quality of food products from farm to distribution;
- The ability to display the QS logo on product packaging translates into increased consumer confidence;
- Meeting the expectations of large retail chains.
1. Contact the Processing Standards Department The first step is to contact the Processing Standards Department staff to properly select a standard or system from our offerings. For this purpose, please contact us by phone, email or fill out the contact form on Contact. 2. Filling out the application form The application form is available for download on the right side of the page (under the heading "DOWNLOAD FILES"). Please send the completed form by email to an employee of our department. The information provided will allow us to prepare a suitable offer for you. Application forms for other standards are available for download at: http://qasolutions.pl/pl/oferta. 3. Offer and signing of the contract We present you with an individually prepared offer and the rules of cooperation with our unit. After signing the contract, we proceed with the certification process. 4. Scheduling of the audit Audit is conducted in an announced form. The date of the audit is set in consultation with you. 5. Audit Audits are conducted at the production site with the required proportions of time devoted to the audit of the production site and evaluation of documentation. 6. Audit Report and Closure of Nonconformities After the audit, you will receive a list of identified nonconformities with a deadline of up to 28 days from the date of the audit to close them and send the relevant evidence. 7. Certification Decision All audit documentation is subject to technical review at the Certification Body, as a result of which a decision is made on the outcome of the certification process. In case of a positive decision, a certificate is issued. |