May 2020 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
Food safety - a daily task at QS
The United Nations has declared 7 June as World Food Safety Day. Every year since 2019, this day has drawn attention worldwide to the health consequences of contaminated and rotten food. The fact that consumers in Germany can rely on safe fresh food is also the aim of the 150,000 participants in...
QS infoportal on the coronavirus offers important specialist information for...
The slower rate of infection has led to a certain relaxation of the situation in the corona crisis. To ensure that this will remain this way, the consistent implementation of additional hygiene and infection protection measures is still the priority. In order to support its scheme participants...
Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) - resumption of audit work
Due to the spread of the coronavirus, we had strongly recommended to refrain from conducting all QS audits in the past two months. In view of the current slowdown in the incidence of infection and the relaxation that has already taken place in many areas of life, we now consider the conduct of...
April 2020 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
New issue of QS-Report Fruit, Vegetables, Potatoes published
The new issue of the QS Report for the fruit and vegetable industry is now available in our media catalogue on the QS company website .
New FAQ area for laboratories in the Residue, Feed and Salmonella monitoring
In addition to FAQs on the QS scheme, on participation in the scheme and on questions from the individual scheme stages, QS now also offers a separate question-answer area on its company website for laboratories active in the QS scheme.
Fruit, vegetables, potatoes: Supporting documents for labelling of QS...
The supporting document Labelling of QS products serves scheme participants as support for the correct implementation of the labelling of QS products on the accompanying documents. The document is now also available in Italian and Spanish - in addition to a German and English version. ...
March 2020 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
QS information poster on hand and work hygiene - Now also in Spanish,...
In order to support producers in the current corona crisis in the best possible way with regard to hygiene, infection protection and prevention, QS provides in its Infoportal on the coronavirus information posters in seven languages on hand hygiene as well as on the most important general...
Style guide for the QS certification mark - Revised edition published
QS has revised the structure and layout of the style guide for the use of the QS certification mark, further specifying the rules for use on composite products. The new version of the style guide can now be downloaded from the QS website .
QS information poster on hand and work hygiene - download now free of charge!
The fruit, vegetable and potato industry is defying the corona crisis with high flexibility and proven routines in hygiene and quality assurance. On this basis, the production companies raise the level of protection against infection ad hoc and teach decisive quality and hygiene standards to...
Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): Extension of all QS eligibilities of delivery
Due to the current spread of the coronavirus, the eligibility of delivery of all QS certified locations will be extended by two months . According to the extended QS eligibility of delivery, necessary QS audits can be postponed to a later date.
Spread of the coronavirus makes it necessary to dispense with QS audits
Due to the progressive spread of the coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2), QS urgently recommends its system partners to refrain from carrying out all QS audits within the next two months. Prior to this, QS had already pointed out to all partners in the QS network the possibility of postponing upcoming...
February 2020 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
EU sets binding MRL for chlorate
In mid-February 2020, the Standing Committee on Pesticide Residues (SCoPAFF) approved the EU draft regulation (SANTE 10684/2015, Rev.9) setting specific maximum residue levels (MRLs) for chlorate by qualified majority. This provides binding MRL for chlorate in various products and product groups...
QS-Database: New system enables verification of the delivery authorization in...
To enable QS scheme participants to check the eligibility of delivery of their customers at any time, QS has set up a so-called back-up system in the QS Database. In the case that the QS-Database is not accessible - e.g. in the course of maintenance periods - QS scheme participants can use the...
QS laboratory managers' meeting on residue monitoring 2020 with new record...
As a tradition on the opening day of Fruit Logistica, on February 4, 2020, the laboratory managers' meeting on residue monitoring took place in Berlin again this year. The invitation of QS was accepted by a total of 122 responsible employees of the laboratories from 12 countries that are active...
January 2020 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
QS information event in Belgium a complete success
On 28 January 2020, a QS information event was held in Leuven for coordinators, wholesalers, preparation and processing companies and logistics companies in the fruit and vegetable sector. The event, which was organised by QS in cooperation with the Verbond Van Belgische Tuinbouwcoöperaties...
Sector meeting at the Fruit Logistica 2020 - QS is there!
When the entire fresh fruit and vegetable industry meets at Fruit Logistica 2020 in Berlin, QS will of course be there - under the motto: More than the standard - together in the market . The most important trade fair for the fresh fruit and vegetable trade will open its doors in Berlin from...
Successful sampling training in Italy
On 22 January 2020, QS in cooperation with CSO Italy conducted a sampling training course in Italy on QS residue monitoring. The training, which was aimed at wholesalers, coordinators and laboratories active in the QS scheme, was attended by 20 participants. The sampling training, which was...
QS laboratory performance assessment - the results at a glance
In autumn 2019, QS put the analytical competence of the QS-recognized laboratories and those in the recognition process from Germany and abroad to the test for the 27th time. The focus of the autumn test was on analysis, with the raspberry functioning as the test matrix.
QS laboratory performance assessment - International field of participants...
In the course of the last laboratory performance assessment in autumn 2019, the number of participating laboratories from abroad was further increased. The 77 participants included laboratories from 16 countries, including non-EU countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Turkey and Switzerland. This...
Supporting documents now online
As part of the 2020 revision, now all revised and new supporting documents have been published on our QS website since 15 January 2020 and are available for you to download.
December 2019 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
Event Farm at the IGW in Berlin
As the leading standard provider for safe fresh food in Germany and a reliable partner along the value chain, QS supports the active dialogue between society and modern agriculture at the Event Farm at this year's International Green Week (IGW) . Visit us from 17 - 26 January at our joint stand...
QS checklists - Spanish language versions available immediately
In addition to a German and English version, the QS checklists for audits carried out from 1 January 2020 onwards are now also available in Spanish in the document centre of the QS website and in the database. This will further simplify the conduct of audits for Spanish speaking scheme...
QS scheme manual for 2020 published
The revised QS guidelines have been valid since 1 January 2020. They can now be viewed and downloaded in the Documentcenter of the QS company website.
QS wishes a Merry Christmas
Before we start the year 2020 full of optimism, we would like to thank you for the good and successful cooperation in 2019.
Revision 2020: Guidelines and checklists published
From now on, the guidelines valid for the coming year 2020 can be viewed and downloaded in the document centre of the QS company website. You can also download the revised checklists for audits to be carried out from 1 January 2020.
November 2019 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
QS at the ICOP Conference 2019
ICOP 2019, one of the most important international congresses for producer organisations in the fruit and vegetable sector, will take place in Hamburg from 20 to 22 November 2019. As in the previous year, QS is supporting the event as main sponsor and will be represented with an information stand.
October 2019 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
QS Software Platform - Spanish Version Now Online
In addition to the German and English languages, the QS software platform is now also available in a Spanish version. The new version makes the use of the database much easier and more comfortable for Spanish-speaking QS scheme participants, coordinators as well as employees of certification...
QS scheme manual 2020 - Start of the commentary phase
From 21 October to 3 November, all QS scheme participants, auditors and interested parties are invited to participate in the commentary for the QS scheme manual. With immediate effect, you have the opportunity to comment on the QS guidelines valid from January 1, 2020 on the QS company page.
September 2019 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
QS-Report Fruit, Vegetables, Potatoes (02/2019) - New issue published
The new issue of the QS-Report Fruit, Vegetables, Potatoes has been published and is now available in our media catalogue on the QS website.
August 2019 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
QS in international exchange at PROGNOSFRUIT and ICoMST 2019
Last week QS was represented at two congresses, ICoMST and PROGNOSFRUIT. At the ICoMST 2019, which took place from August 4 to 9 in Potsdam, QS appeared for the first time as a sponsor with its own information stand. QS used the congress to present the services of the QS inspection system to a...
QS at Anuga 2019 - Save the Date!
Great events cast their shadows ahead! From 5 to 9 October 2019, Anuga, the world's largest trade fair for the food industry, will open its doors in Cologne. At this year's edition of the food fair, in which more than 7,500 exhibitors from more than 100 countries took part in 2017, QS will of...
July 2019 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
QS at the PROGNOSFRUIT 2019
The 44th PROGNOSFRUIT will take place in Alden-Biesen (Belgium) from 7 to 9 August 2019. This year QS will again be represented with an information stand at the annual congress of the international pome fruit industry and will also act as sponsor of the event. At the QS stand, the conference...
Laboratory performance assessment for QS-residue monitoring – not all...
In spring 2019, QS put the analytical competence of QS-approved laboratories in Germany and abroad to the test for the 26th time. They were faced with the challenge of identifying eight active substances added to the onion test matrix, two of them using individual methods. Of a total of 65...
QS random audits 2019 completely unannounced
This year's random sample audits for the system chains fruit, vegetables, potatoes as well as meat and meat products started at the beginning of this week. As in previous years, the implementation period will range from July to December. New this year is that for the first time all random sample...
OQUALIM recognises VLOG feed as equivalent
For QS-certified feed companies using the VLOG add-on module, it is now much easier to supply French farmers with GMO-free feed. The reason for this trade facilitation is that since 1 June 2019, the French feed standard owner OQUALIM has recognised VLOG certifications as equivalent and vice...
Residue monitoring: QS recognises samples from Food Experts, S.L.
As of now, samples taken within the independent residue monitoring scheme FoodSecuritas are fully recognised in the QS residue monitoring fruit, vegetables and potatoes. The agreement between the Spanish company Food Experts S.L. and QS benefits wholesalers and producers of fruit and...
June 2019 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
May 2019 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
QS international: Information events in Italy
This year QS offered several information events in Italy for scheme participants and interested parties of the value chain fruit, vegetables and potatoes. Among those present were wholesalers, producer organisations, laboratories, certification bodies and auditors. Near Verona and in Salerno,...
New issue QS report fruit, vegetables, potatoes published
A new issue of the QS report fruit, vegetables, potatoes has been published and can now be read and downloaded in the media catalog of the QS website. Cover story of the current issue: In recent months, QS has been able to significantly increase the share of fruit and vegetables with the...
QS wishes a Happy Easter!
No more winter grey - now it's getting colorful again! Our whole team wishes you, your employees and your family a wonderful and relaxing Easter holiday with plenty of sunshine!
March 2019 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
Base de datos QS: Criterios de seguridad más estrictos para la creación de...
QS ha reforzado las normas de seguridad para la creación de contraseñas en la plataforma de software QS y redefinido la política de contraseñas de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de la Oficina Federal Alemana de Seguridad de la Información (BSI por sus iniciales en alemán) .
QS Database: Higher security standards for password creation
QS has tightened the security rules for password creation in the QS software platform and redefined the password policy according to the recommendations of the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI for its initials in German) .
February 2019 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
Fifth part of the QS series published in "Eurofruit"
As part of our media collaboration with the international magazine Eurofruit, the fifth and thus for the time being the last article about the QS requirements for companies in the fruit and vegetable sector has been published. In the current issue, we give an overview of the role of the...
Januar 2019 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
Fourth part of the QS series published in "Eurofruit”
As part of our media cooperation with the international magazine Eurofruit, the fourth of a total of five articles on QS requirements for companies in the fruit and vegetable sector has been published. In the current issue, we provide an overview of the QS scheme in food retailing.
December 2018 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
QS wishes a Merry Christmas!
The year 2018 is coming to an end and 2019 is already knocking on our doors! At this point we would like to thank you for the trusting and constructive cooperation in 2018!
QS scheme manual of 2019 released
Since 17 December 2018, the guidelines valid as of 2019 can be viewed and downloaded on the QS website . In addition, the checklists for audits , which will be carried out from 1st January 2019, will also be available there.
Additional control plan Aflatoxin B1 revised
The additional control plan Aflatoxin B1 was revised with effect from 17 December 2018. The revised version includes new risk ratings for three countries of origin.
November 2018 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
QS Database – Optimised presentation of eligibility of delivery
The way the search results in the scheme participant search function of the QS database are presented, has been further optimised. From now on, the respective location’s eligibility of delivery, which appears in the search results, will be identified with the colours red and green.
QS at the ICOP 2018
From 21 to 23 November 2018 the ICOP (International Conference of Producer Organisations), one of the most important international conferences for the fruit and vegetable industry, will take place in Rotterdam. QS supports the international congress for producer organisations and will be...
Commenting Phase 2019 – Your opinion matters!
As every year, QS invites all scheme participants, auditors and other interested parties to take part in the commenting for the QS scheme manual. Between 15. and 22. November 2018, you have the opportunity of commenting the revised guidelines that become effective as of 1. January 2019.
October 2018 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
Second part of the QS series published in "Eurofruit”
As part of our media cooperation with the international magazine Eurofruit , the second article in our five-part series has been published. In this issue we give an overview of the international cooperation at the level of production in the QS scheme and present the national and international...
September 2018 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
New issue of QS-Report Fruit, Vegetables, Potatoes published
The QS Advisory Board Fruit, Vegetables, Potatoes visited Professor Ulrich Schurr at the Institute of Plant Sciences at the Research Centre Jülich and was given a comprehensive overview of the new technologies in plant research. In the current OS-Report, you can read about the challenges facing...
August 2018 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
Media cooperation with “Eurofruit” starts
As part of a series of five articles in the international magazine Eurofruit, we explain the requirements and advantages of the QS scheme for fruit and vegetables - from the producer via the wholesale to the food retail - stage by stage. In the recently published issue of September, we begin...
July 2018 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
June 2018 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
Participation of GLOBALG.A.P. Option 2 producers now possible
As of today, producers with GLOBALG.A.P. Option 2 certificate have the opportunity to participate in the QS scheme. The prerequisites for this and a step-by-step guide to scheme participation can be found in the information sheet Participate in the QS scheme with GLOBALG.A.P. Option 2...
May 2018 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
April 2018 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
Information sheet on QS scheme participation with GLOBALG.A.P. Option 2...
QS has published an information sheet explaining step by step the QS scheme participation for producers with a GLOBALG.A.P. Option 2 certificate. The information sheet can be viewed and downloaded on the QS website in German , English and Spanish .
QS internationally present
Of the approximately 200,000 QS scheme participants, who are currently participating in the QS scheme either directly or through the recognition of another standard, more than 30,000 are based outside of Germany. In order to ensure a consistent cross-border quality assurance of fresh meat and...
New issue of the QS-Report Fruit Vegetables, Potatoes released
A new issue of the QS-Report Fruit, Vegetables, Potatoes has been published and can now be read and downloaded in the media catalog of the QS website.
March 2018 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
New: Combined checklist for processing
Due to the implementation of the new QS guideline Preparation/Processing Fruit, Vegetables and Potatoes in 2017 the scope of the QS scheme has been expanded by processed fruit, vegetables and potatoes. Until now for companies that process both meat and fruit, vegetables or potatoes, the...
February 2018 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
January 2018 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
Style Guide for the QS certification mark – revised version released
The Style Guide for the use of the QS certification mark was extended by revised regulations for the labelling of composed products with the QS certification mark. The updated version can be viewed and downloaded on the QS website as of now.
December 2017 - Overview of new QS scheme participants
Every month, new companies decide to participate in the QS scheme and thus give a signal to their customers that all their operational processes are checked by independent certification bodies.
Radish leaves and small radish leaves: EC amends requirements for residue...
As of 2018, leaves of radish and small radish have to be analyzed separately from the vegetable fruits. According to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture ( Bundesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit (BVL), this provides an update of EC Regulation RG (EC) 396/2005 (Annex...
Fruit, Vegetables, Potatoes: The most important new features in 2018 at a glance
As a part of the revision 2018, the QS guidelines were editorially and contentually revised as well as further adjusted to common practices and legal requirements. We have summarised the most important modifications from the revision 2017 below.