QUALITY ASPECTS OF VEGETABLES AND FRUIT IN POLAND

Abstract

Since accession of Poland to European Union (EU) in 2004 vegetables and fruit produced in Poland and intended for fresh market supply or for export have to meet the EU quality requirements and food safety legislation. Official quality control system of vegetables and fruit in Poland is based on the principle of product quality assurance at all stages of production - from producer to consumer. Producers are responsible for product quality and safety. The Main Inspectorate for Agricultural and Food Quality Inspection - as well as other state control institutions in Poland -control the quality assurance process and are responsible for protection of consumer. Fresh vegetables and fruits produced for consumers in Poland have to meet the quality parameters according to requirements given in European Council Regulation Nr 2200/96. According to nationwide examination conducted in 2005 by state inspection bodies in wholesales, supermarkets and retail, about 31-39 % of total vegetables volume and 24-25 % of total fruit volume did not meet the commercial quality requirements. Commercial quality of horticultural products was found to be lower in retail and supermarkets if compared to wholesales and distribution centers. Product quality can be controlled during the vegetable production process and in supply chain by developing and implementation of food safety and quality standards such as EUREPGAP (Good Agriculture Practices), International Food Standard (IFS), British Retail Consortium (BRC), Good Hygienic Practice (GHP) and others. To improve the quality management in horticultural production local or international projects are introduced in Poland. Since 2004 the 'Qualiman' project has been developed in Poland and in other new EU member countries. It aims at contribution to uniform quality management in onion and apples production chains.