Retail Trade
In consideration of the requirements of Regulation (EEC) No.2092/91, the verifications of surveillance Authorities (i.e. Fraud Repression Unit and the Anti-Adulteration Unit - NAS, in Italy) and, most of all, 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.
ICEA has developed appropriate procedures for the inspection of these activities to certify 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 consumers and boost their confidence in certified products.
All this is verified by ICEA Inspectors, who ensure 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 sales points, 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 sales point in its entirety.
Certification to Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91
This certification places sales points 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 certification of products entering the salespoint (e.g.: fruit and vegetables, bread, cheese, etc.), their clear identification and labelling at the salespoint and the correspondence between quantities purchased and sold (of course, after subtracting any rejects or waste).
For further clarification, 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 further qualifying salespoints. These standards require the conformity of loose and pre-packaged products, the observance of environmental rules in the selection and management of packaging materials, relaying transparent information to customers and maintenaining close relationships with 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 availability of information material at the salespoint.
Only if all the above requirements are satisfied, will it 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