Food Quality Assurance Schemes in the European Union: Approaches and Importance

The importance of food quality assurance schemes (FQAS) and their influence on the food supply chain are increasing all over the EU. FQAS can be divided into two main groups: in-chain quality management schemes and market differentiation schemes. The in-chain quality management schemes focus on the standardisation of production processes to enable the easier exchange of goods between different stakeholders and market differentiation schemes focus on the quality differentiation according to intrinsic product attributes. The first group has a considerable influence on the food supply chain, whereas the second group is large in numbers. This paper discussed the functioning of selected schemes based on an economic analysis of eight case studies, and elaborates the major concerns regarding FQAS in the European food supply chain. The study identified four major concerns regarding FQAS: origin might be used as a proxy for quality; there are too many FQAS; retailer transfer quality control to participation in FQAS; FQAS form entry barriers for markets. Analysing of these concerns shows that FQAS are an important part of the European food sector and perform vital roles.

GIRAY Fatma Handan;  GAY Stephan; 

2011-03-30

NATIONAL ACAD MANAGEMENT

JRC62617

1993-6788,   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC62617,