Besides the authenticity controls, SGF/IRMA started in 2000 additional controls at the raw material producers as protection against potential hygiene risks. In these hygiene audits trained inspectors check at site the hygiene conditions in production and storage of raw materials and semi-finished goods for the fruit juice industry. In a second step, critical products are being analyzed for contaminations. Another control point is the proper implementation and running of an in-house HACCP concept (Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points).

The basic controls are being repeated every three years on a routine basis. In case follow-up controls will be required for checking the implementation of additional quality assurance measures, these will be done within the scope of the frequent SGF/IRMA plant inspections.

With the hygiene audits, SGF/IRMA supports not only the controlled companies but also their mostly small and medium sized customers in Europe. Most of them are simply not capable of controlling their suppliers frequently because of organisation and cost reasons.

For downloading our hygiene check list please go to the download area.