Retail Trade
In consideration of the requirements of Regulation (EEC) No.2092/91, the verifications of surveillance Authorities (i.e. Fraud Repression Unit and NAS Anti-Adulteration Unit, in Italy) and, most of all, the consumers’ growing demand for guarantees, it is advisable that all retailers selling loose organic products and, in particular, fruit and vegetables, be subject to a specifically authorized inspection and certification body.
The recently issued European Regulation
No. 392/2004 of 24 February 2004, amending Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91, lays down specific provisions on that matter, to be observed by all Member States as from 2005. So, it is better to get ready!
ICEA has developed appropriate procedures for inspecting these activities and certifying compliance to rules and regulations. These procedures take into account:
- the particular characteristics of the activity;
- the information supplied to consumers by the retailer;
- the retailer’s assurance that the products are really from organic farming;
- the necessity to guarantee the consumers and boost their confidence in certified products.
All this is verified by ICEA Inspectors, who give an assurance that records are correctly kept and the quality of products meets law and consumers’ requirements.
Besides reassuring consumers, certification is a guarantee for retailers against mismanagement and unfair competition. Moreover, the sampling and testing activity provided by certification procedures also for the points of sale, takes care of a long neglected link in the chain.
The inspection and certification system proposed by ICEA presents two distinct but complementary levels:
1) Certification to Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91, which is compulsory for all producers and processors handling and selling loose and/or pre-packaged products.
and, on request (not compulsory):
2) Verification of Compliance to AIAB Standards, covering the management of the point of sale in its entirety.
Certification to Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91
This certification places the points of sale at the same level as any other subject in the organic chain. A certification body (ICEA), recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, verifies the origin and the certification of the products entering the point of sale (e.g.: fruit and vegetables, bread, cheese, etc.), their clear identification and labelling at the point of sale and the correspondence between quantities purchased and sold (of course, after subtracting any rejects or waste).
To find answers to doubts and perplexities, consumers and public authorities may click on: How to Apply for This Certification
For more information:
- Retail Trade Guidelines (L.0204)
- Article of “Informatore Agrario” No.12/2004
Verification of Compliance to AIAB Standards
AIAB has elaborated specific standards aimed at furtherly qualifying the points of sale. These standards require the conformity of loose and pre-packaged products, the observance of environmental rules in the selection and management of packaging materials, transparent information to customers and close relation to the territory emphasized by the obligation to include at least some regional products in the range of products offered for sale.
Moreover, adequate training of staff is required, as well as the availability of information material at the point of sale.
Only if all the above requirements are satisfied, it will be possible to use the Association’s guarantee mark.
Click here to read the complete texts of AIAB Standards:
http://www.aiab.it/nuovosito/campo/disciplinari/italiano/pdf/pt1100.pdf
How to Apply for This Certification
Download: Reg. (EC) 392/2004