Holistic approach to quality and neutrality when awarding the seal
We want to give consumers a “plus” in terms of safety. That is why the tests for our quality seal are based on a holistic approach with the following test factors for verifiable quality.
Independence and neutrality are the pillars of our work. We are only committed to the legal regulations and the test criteria accepted by the customer.
This means that we are free from industry interests, regardless of production, sales or financing. We act in the interests of consumer safety.
How do manufacturers obtain the quality seal?
In order to obtain the seal, a preliminary inspection is first carried out. During this process, the selected products are analyzed and the production sites are visited by trained auditors and inspectors.
Subsequently, all documents from the tests are viewed and evaluated. A panel of several scientific experts then decides whether the product can be awarded the quality seal.
We will be happy to provide you with further information in a personal meeting. Please use our contact form for your inquiry.
Would you like to know whether your product can be awarded the quality seal?
We will be happy to provide you with more information in a personal meeting. Get in touch with us!
What factors do we check to assess the quality of the product?
Raw materials
The quality of the end product depends largely on the quality of the raw materials used.
Therefore, we extensively control the value-adding raw materials that are part of the product.
Production and manufacturing plants
A prerequisite for high-quality products are production facilities and manufacturing processes that meet a high standard.
That is why our trained SGS auditors and inspectors check personally and on site whether the companies can demonstrate professional and, above all, seamless quality management. The production facilities can be located in Germany as well as abroad.
Packaging and closures
The examination of product packaging is an essential part of our requirements for the award of our quality seal.
The materials, printing inks and additives used are examined with the aim of ruling out any potential risk to consumers and testing quality parameters.
Depending on the product composition, specially selected analytical test procedures are used to rule out any negative influences of the packaging on the sealed product.
Suppliers and supply
The suppliers of the raw materials as well as the intermediate products are also included in a rotating audit within our seal program, depending on the product.
Depending on the degree of processing of the product, we decide how far back we need to go in auditing the supply chain. In doing so, we take standards into account, even across national borders.
End product
The final product is inspected regularly according to the inspection plan.
The central point of this inspection is the full declaration check – if necessary also according to international standards.
For the end product inspection, we receive, among other things, samples directly from the retailer without the manufacturer’s knowledge (mystery shopping).
OUR TESTING PROCEDURES
The test plan for a product follows both the legal and SGS standards. Depending on the product category, the legal requirements are taken into account in the test plan.
Declaration and test result must match, so declaration testing is a central point of our process, which we also offer for sales abroad.
When creating the test plan, we also take into account NGO assessments of the respective product category (e.g. Stiftung Warentest) in parts.
Depending on the product group, quality-relevant parameters are regularly checked by us. In the process, product properties that are particularly highlighted in the declaration are closely scrutinized. This also applies to product properties that are highlighted by our SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS quality seal.
Microbiological tests
In the context of food, microorganisms can be useful or harmful. They are useful if:
- they are needed for the production of food
- serve as food themselves or
- are used for food analysis.
For example, lactic acid bacteria are needed for the production of yogurt or certain mold bacteria for cheese production.
Microorganisms are harmful if they spoil food or if pathogenic microorganisms are transmitted through food.
Regular microbiological control examinations of raw materials, products and production facilities are aimed at ensuring that only hygienically safe goods reach the market.
Chemical testing
Chemical tests can be used to check the following aspects:
- correct nutritional labeling
- marketability
- use of food additives
- fatty acid spectra in food
- analysis of minerals and trace elements
- vitamin determination
The chemical laboratory tests are used to check the composition of the product and to exclude any risk to the consumer from harmful substances and residues.
Sensory testing
Sensory testing of food is a special quality inspection. Its aim is to evaluate the taste, smell and appearance of food. This test is used to further develop the company’s own products, but also to differentiate them from those of the competition.
For the introduction of new products, it is possible in this way to test in advance which preferences with regard to taste, smell, consistency, etc. are well received by consumers and which are less well received.
Sensory analysis is a specialist field within food analysis. The tests are carried out by specially trained employees who have undergone a proficiency test.
FREQUENCY OF TESTING
Our inspection concept stipulates that we not only inspect a food product at the time the seal is awarded to determine whether it meets our high quality requirements compared with the market.
Our tests do not end with the award of the seal, but are repeated regularly.
Even after the seal has been awarded, compliance with the specified quality criteria is ensured by regular checks in the course of undercover purchases, extensive laboratory tests and expert assessments.
An overview of the frequency of the individual tests can also be found in the test plans of the sealed products.
Our values in the awarding of the seal by the SGS INSTITUT FRESENSIUS
We believe that there must be an orientation anchor for “sustainably tested quality” in the large product selection.
As a renowned laboratory, SGS INSTITUT FRESENIUS has over 170 years of experience in food analysis as well as in the verification of quality management standards.
We bring this expertise to your project to support your quality assurance and to communicate and strengthen the high product quality of your brand to consumers through our name.
We are also a strong partner in times of crisis. Thus we offer brand protection and at the same time orientation for the consumer.
We are the experts for questions about the quality of food.
We support you with all questions relating to food safety and the claiming of quality criteria for your products and services.
