Modernisation of the Public Food Inspection System

The project supported food producers and processors as well as food inspection services and consumer protection organizations in enhancing their capacities towards a quality-oriented supply with food products.

Services included:

• Preparation of a quality management guideline (manual, practical guidebook, toolbox)
• Training of more than 30 auditors for assessing the conformity of quality management systems adopted by the food industry
• Set-up of an effective partnership between private sector, public services and professional organizations
• Development of a legal framework for food safety
• Involvement of consumer groups in activities and decision making processes related to food quality enhancement
• Introduction of pilot quality management systems to 12 representative companies in the food sector
• Application of an observation system for food safety regulations and norms by approximately one hundred private companies
• Analysis of major obstacles of the private sector for adopting food quality principles (e.g. financing, informal sector)
• Introduction of systems for contract farming
• Preparation of a guidebook for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and related quality norms
• Support to the restructuring and internal organisation of consumer protection associations
• Introduction of advisory counters on the level of four consumer protection associations