The designation QS refers to quality assurance at all stages in the production of foodstuffs, from the farm to the retail outlet. This was first introduced in Germany for meat and meat products and was expanded in 2004 to include the entire production chain for fresh fruit and vegetables and for potatoes.
QS is based on documentation and monitoring of the various stages in the production process. Growers can learn about participation in the QS system and about the training in QS offered by the CMA during FRUIT LOGISTICA. A special attraction to coincide with the fair is being provided for Deutsche Bahn rail passengers on the Sprinter route between Frankfurt and Berlin, who can sample fresh, QS-certified fruit during their journey thanks to the CMA, which will be distributing tasty, QS-tested apples from 1 to 3 February 2006.
Manfred Keil, Trade Fair and Exhibition Co-ordinator for the CMA, describes the main objectives of Centrale Marketing-Gesellschaft at the fair: �Above all, at FRUIT LOGISTICA we want to create a platform for German fruit and vegetable growers, where they can make contacts to develop their exports and domestic sales. The continuing, good response to our services shows that growers attach great importance to the opportunities for discussions.�
(Hall 2.1, Stand C-11, contact: Andrea Dederichs, telephone: +49/(0)228/847316)
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