Product Standards Research Articles

Changing the rules of the game: how firms respond to the revision of responsible product standards

Abstract While voluntary responsible business standards are more flexible than regulation and thus more responsive to changes in society, revising standards can have negative effects on compliance rates. We hypothesize that when non-compliance is visible to external stakeholders and participating firms receive a clear signal that their products are non-compliant, the firms will respond by re-certifying their products, which will raise their certification rates. We tested our hypothesis by conducting a multi-level regression on the certification rates before and after the revision of a voluntary label for healthier food products, active in the Dutch market from 2006 until 2015 in the Dutch market (76 firms, 22 product categories, 1354 firm-category-year observations). Our results show the opposite effect than hypothesized: after standards’ revision, firms with decertified products significantly decrease their certification rates compared to firms without decertified products. We conclude that making standards stricter over time is not always a successful strategy to maintain compliance. We argue that this decrease in compliance after standards’ revisions can be explained by the low behavioural visibility of non-compliance, restricting stakeholder pressure both at the product level by consumers as well as at the firm level by other stakeholders.

Fresh Agricultural Products Cold Chain Logistics Development Status and Countermeasures Research

With the improvement of the living standard of consumers in China, people are more and more concerned about the demand and quality of fresh agricultural products, and the market scale of cold chain logistics of fresh agricultural products is growing explosively. However, China's cold chain logistics still exists such as insufficient cold chain logistics infrastructure, low level of information technology, high cost, low degree of standardization of fresh agricultural products production and other problems, resulting in China's fresh agricultural products cold chain logistics is facing serious challenges. This paper analyzes the development status quo of cold chain logistics and puts forward some solutions to provide some references for subsequent research.

Analisis Kehalalan Produk Makanan dalam Upaya Perlindungan Konsumen Bagi Umat Muslim: Studi Kasus Pasar Kiaracondong

This study discusses the analysis of halal food products in an effort to protect consumers for Muslim in the Kiaracondong market. The objectives of this study are: 1) to further examine the halalness of food products as an effort to protect consumers in the Muslim community in Kiaracondong Market, Bandung City, West Java. 2) to find out the form of Muslim consumer protection in Kiaracondong Market, Bandung City, West Java. In running their business, most processed meat food traders do not fully understand the halal food products and consumer protection. This study used interview data collection techniques and documentation, interviews were conducted to traders of processed food products and consumers who purchased these food products. Documentation is used to obtain data regarding the description of Kiaracondong Market, Bandung City, West Java. Based on data analysis by conducting interviews and documentation at Kiaracondong Market, Bandung City, West Java, researchers can conclude that both food traders and consumers have not implemented halal product standards as an effort to protect consumers. This is due to the lack of understanding and knowledge as well as awareness of traders of sellers about halal food standards to ensure the protection of Muslim consumers.

Tariffs, product standards, and national treatment at the WTO

AbstractThis paper develops an oligopolistic model with consumption externalities to study (i) the policy interaction between tariffs and product standards; (ii) how such interaction may affect the welfare justification of national treatment (NT) in product standards. Absent NT, tariff reductions can lead to more discriminatory standards against foreign firms. Imposing NT eliminates discrimination but can induce higher tariffs which tend to undermine efficiency. As a result, the welfare justification of NT is stronger when tariffs are constrained. These findings suggest that the World Trade Organization's success in tariff liberalization can strengthen the case for its NT‐based approach to product standards.

Study on the technical management practice of rock burst prevention and control - Case study of Yankuang Energy Group Company Limited

To ensure the on-site implementation of regulations and technical measures for rock burst prevention and control, taking Yankuang Energy Group Company Limited. as an example, an on-site technical management system for preventing and controlling rock burst in coal mines is established. This on-site technical management system is based on the principles of “zero rock burst accident”, “graded management and control”, “general manager and chief engineer responsibility”, and “scientific, systematic, streamlined, and efficient management”. This system includes a technical management system and an on-site management mode, among which the former includes an organizational system, an institutional system, a technical data management system, and a comprehensive supervision and management system. Each system is interrelated, mutually promoting and supporting the other system. The on-site management mode includes five aspects and six links. These “five aspects” refer to the standardization of safe production, normalization of on-site operations, processization of system operation, quantification of antirisk ability, and demonstration of mine management. The “six links” on-site management mode includes the management system, source risk management and control, dynamic risk analysis, monitoring and control, on-site implementation and management, and emergency management. The construction of an on-site technical management system for rock burst prevention and control can ensure the timely detection and rectification of problems, remove management loopholes, and prevent the occurrence of rock burst disasters.

The EU’s pesticides MRLs harmonization: effect on trade, prices and quality

In September 2008, the European Commission harmonized Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) in pesticides across EU Member States. We examine the effect of this policy change on trade, prices and quality via two alternative channels — the relative restrictiveness of a food standard imposed by an EU importer vis-a-vis trading partners from both within and outside the Common Market; and regulatory heterogeneity across EU Member States. We find strong evidence for adverse effects of both dyadic restrictiveness and within-EU regulatory heterogeneity on intra- and extra-EU trade at the extensive and intensive margins in the pre-harmonization period. Our findings further suggest that the EU’s MRL harmonization increased intra-EU trade; the probability and value of exports of its non-EU (both OECD and developing country) partners; and led to quality upgrading and lower prices of the traded products. The harmonization-induced rise in non-EU OECD exports to the EU also underlines the need for UK product standards to be closely aligned with those of EU27 post-Brexit.

乡村振兴战略下农产品跨境电商赋能乡村特色产业的研究

China is an agriculture-based country with vast rural areas, a wealth of agricultural products, and a large market. Cross-border e-commerce offers support for the export of agricultural products, which can break through the limitations of time and space, shorten the trade process of agricultural products, enhance the export efficiency of agricultural products, stabilize agricultural product trade, and promote the transformation and upgrading of China’s e-commerce. It also aids in the construction of a long-term mechanism for e-commerce poverty alleviation and agricultural revitalization. However, research has found that despite the rapid development of China’s crossborder e-commerce for agricultural products, there are still some issues, such as non-uniform quality standards for export agricultural products, information asymmetry, an inadequate cross-national logistics system and level of logistics technology, low levels of after-sales service, and a lack of corresponding professional and technical personnel. To address these issues, this article first introduces the current situation of China’s agricultural product export via cross-border e-commerce, then analyzes the development opportunities, and finally proposes the following solutions: aligning with international standards by establishing strict quality control mechanisms; creating a favorable policy environment, including policy support, resource allocation, and organizational guarantees; continuously improving product quality; focusing on the training of professional talent; and strengthening quality supervision and risk prevention. The aim is to promote the development of cross-border ecommerce for agricultural products, empower rural specialty industries, and support the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy.

Development and Standardization of Protein Mix Products for Enhancing Nutritional Recovery and Performance

Protein is an essential macronutrient for body function and to improve athletic performance by enhancing the right muscle mass in the athlete. Protein and amino acid supplements are popularly known for sports personalities and active individuals as muscle-boosting, performance-intensifying products, and high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets are traditionally applied for weight-loss purposes.

Peningkatan Keterampilan Produksi dan Pemasaran Produk Unggulan Madu di Desa Margacinta, Kabupaten Pangandaran, Jawa Barat

Margacinta Village has abundant tourism potential, one of which is natural honey bee cultivation. Honey farmers in Margacinta Village are organized into the Taruna Karya Honey Farmer Group. During the harvest season, the honey produced by farmers is abundant (60 to 80 liters, but during the rainy season, honey farmers in Margacinta Village have the potential to experience crop failure, this clearly threatens the economy of honey farmers in Margaacinta Village. The implementation of this service is to develop tourism with the concept of agro-eduwisata. Development is carried out in several stages, starting from education, training, and practice for honey farmers, establishing mini ecosystems as a source of bee feed and agro-educational destinations, and marketing on various platforms. The service was carried out in response to community problems in Margacinta Village, so that the purpose of this service was to improve the economy of the community in general, the Taruna Karya Farmer Group in particular. The targeted outputs are the formation of honey village agro-tourism, the publication of the Apiscerana honey bee cultivation module, the existence of standard packaging standards for raw products, marketing of local products and honey village agro-tourism packages, the formation of mini bee ecosystems, and honey extraction using machine extractors so that the honey obtained is of higher quality.

ANALYSIS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF QUALITY CONTROL DEFECT PRODUCT IN SUGAR PRODUCTION OF PT SINERGI GULA NUSANTARA – PG GLENMORE, BANYUWANGI REGENCY

This research explores the causes of defects (reprocessing) in sugar production at PT Sinergi Gula Nusantara using a fishbone diagram approach. The critical factors identified include the lack of discipline and accuracy of employees (human factors), old and damage-prone machines (machine factors), unfavorable working environment conditions, such as hot air temperature and machine noise (work environment factors), and the absence of product standards in the winnowing process (work method factors). This study describes the implications of each factor on the quality of sugar products, proposes improvement solutions, and emphasizes the importance of increased discipline, machine maintenance, improved work environment conditions, and the establishment of product standards to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of sugar production in the company. The results of this study provide a holistic view of the dynamics of sugar production.

Correlation of Job Satisfaction of Poultry Farm Workers and Product Compliance Sustainability

The study aimed to scrutinize the relationships between Job Satisfaction and Product Compliance indicators such as Supervisor's Relations, Co-workers' Relations, Nature of Work, Working Conditions, Pay and promotions, Product Attributes, Product Standards, and Product Disclosure. The samples were poultry farm workers from the province of Bulacan, Philippines. In addition to employing random sampling, the research instruments comprised rating scale-equipped questionnaires. The research utilized Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis to test the significant difference, Spearman's Rho to test the relationship, and SEM to analyze the structural relationship. The results showed that pay and promotion have significant differences when grouped according to sex, family size, and length of service. Co-worker relations significantly differ when grouped according to average monthly income and educational attainment. Product disclosure has significant differences when grouped according to age and educational attainment. Product attributes significantly differ when grouped according to average monthly income, educational attainment, length of service, and number of training attended. Product standards have significant differences when grouped according to the number of training attended. Product disclosures have significant differences when grouped according to average monthly income, length of service, and number of training attended. Co-workers’ relations have a significant relationship with product attributes. SEM shows that supervisor relations, product attributes, and product disclosures are correlated. Job satisfaction can be enhanced through the provision of higher pay, training, and good working conditions. Future research should be qualitative for a richer qualitative interpretation.

Modelling of salt uptake for salt content standardization in dry-cured ham

Salt content standardization in dry-cured ham production is complex as there are many factors that influence salt uptake. The aim of this work was to study and model salt uptake as a function of salting time and the characteristics of green ham in two different ham types using a large amount of data obtained from an inline non-invasive characterization technology. The usefulness of these models to standardize the salt content of the industrial production was also evaluated. Magnetic induction technology was used to characterize lean and fatty hams in order to further model the salt uptake using different statistical methods. Salt content increased with the salting time showing an asymptotic behaviour which was lower in fatty hams. The best models were those that considered the salting time, weight, and fat content of hams as model independent variables. These models are helpful for salt content standardization within the industry and can be used to simulate process modifications and avoid the time-consuming and costly trial and error tests.

Organic dairy farming in Bangladesh: current status, challenges and prospects

Organic dairy farming (ODF) is a method of dairy production that emphasizes the use of natural and sustainable practices, aiming to minimize synthetic inputs, promote animal welfare, and protect the environment. The aim of this review is to elucidate the current status, challenges and prospects of the ODF in Bangladesh. Starting from the current situation, the challenges and future potential of the ODF are presented, as well as strategies to overcome the difficulties are also highlighted. The ODF has the great potential, challenges and opportunities in Bangladesh. This involves the production of milk, meat and dairy products using sustainable and organic practices. Farmers need certification, and challenges include limited awareness, access to organic inputs, and market demand. Government initiatives, training programs, and cooperative models can support the growth of the ODF. Market opportunities and ongoing research are essential considerations. Animals raised in the ODF systems are provided access to pasture or outdoor areas and are fed organic feed, which is free from synthetic additives, antibiotics and hormones. The transition to the ODF is driven by a combination of economic, environmental, and health-related motivations, aiming to produce dairy products in a more sustainable, economically viable and environmentally friendly manner. Organic dairy farmers prioritize the well-being of their animals and advocate for a natural environment, which is integral to animal welfare. The popularity of organic products, including meat, dairy, and value-added items, from these producers continues to rise, driven by the expanding organic market, higher prices for organic milk, and consumer preferences for products from more sustainable production systems. Despite a mammoth of challenges exist in the ODF, farmers need to implement and adhere to strict standards for organic products, animal welfare and the use of organic inputs to gain the full benefits of this sustainable farming system. This review article examines the present status of the ODF industry, emphasizing key considerations, management practices, challenges, and future prospects. It also provides insights into the relevant regulatory authorities, aiming to inform farmers and stakeholders in Bangladesh and beyond about ODF. However, there is a need for future research to concentrate on improving sustainability and efficiency within the ODF sector. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2024, 8(1), 13-26

Pemenuhan Kewajiban Perpajakan Apoteker Pemilik Usaha Apotik Pasca Diundangkanya UU Cipta Kerja

In 2021 the government issued Minister of Health Regulation Number 14 of 2021 concerning Standards for Business Activities and Products in the Implementation of Risk-Based Business Licensing in the Health Sector (hereinafter abbreviated as Minister of Health Regulation No. 14 of 2021). In this regulation there are several changes, one of which is that the pharmacy must be owned by a pharmacist. If the pharmacy is not owned by a pharmacist, the capital owner may collaborate with the pharmacist by agreement before a notary. With this provision, there have been several changes for a pharmacist, one of which is regarding the fulfillment of tax obligations. Tax obligations for pharmacists who work only as pharmaceutical technical personnel, their tax obligations that must be fulfilled are only based on the KUP Law and Article 21 of the Income Tax Law Number 36 in 2008, which was most recently refined by Law Number 7 of 2021 concerning Harmonization of Tax Regulations. namely tax deductions by third parties, in this case by pharmacies. Meanwhile, with the Pharmacist's status as a Pharmacy owner, the fulfillment of his tax obligations will increase in accordance with Tax regulations, namely Business Entities. The problem is what if, during the course of the pharmacy business, the pharmacist who owns the pharmacy which was established based on the agreement resigns, what happens to fulfilling his tax obligations. In this regard, there are three problems that the researcher raises, first, what is the description of pharmacy ownership by pharmacists in West Sumatra, second, how to fulfill tax obligations for pharmacists as pharmaceutical workers and pharmacy owners in West Sumatra. third, problems encountered in fulfilling tax obligations by pharmacists who own pharmacies. In West Sumatra, the research uses research methods with an empirical juridical approach, descriptive research type, the data required is primary and secondary data as well as data collection techniques, interviews and document studies, data processing is carried out using qualitative analysis methods. The results of research on pharmacy ownership in West Sumatra are currently in various forms of business, namely Limited Liability Companies and Individual Businesses such as CVs and Firms so that ownership of Pharmacies is still owned by investors and currently there are 5 Pharmacies which are processing the extension of their Pharmacy Business Licenses and some have transferred their ownership to Children of financiers because they have completed their pharmacy studies, and there are also those who are currently processing business permits in the form of individual PT. Meanwhile, the tax obligations carried out by pharmacists as pharmacy business owners have not yet been implemented because currently pharmacies that use pharmacists as pharmacy owners with non-legal entity business forms are still in the process of processing their permits and legal entities. Problems encountered in fulfilling the tax obligations of pharmacists as business owners Pharmacies are still not visible, because the current status of Pharmacists still has the status of a Pharmaceutical Personnel, so their tax obligations are only limited to Income Tax Article 21.

The effect of kweni mango and randu honey addition on the characteristics of synbiotic etawa goat milk

Abstract. Rizal S, Suharyono AS, Astuti S, Dewanti AS, Nugroho YB. 2024. The effect of kweni mango and randu honey addition on the characteristics of synbiotic etawa goat milk. Biodiversitas 25: 1580-1587. The addition of kweni mango and randu honey as ingredients for producing synbiotic etawa goat milk is widely known to have a significant effect on the characteristics of the product. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the best formulation of kweni mango and randu honey in producing synbiotic etawa goat milk. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design with 4 replications. A single factor with six levels of formulations of kweni mango extract and randu honey was used in producing synbiotic etawa goat milk. These formulations included F1 (0%:25%), F2 (5%:20%), F3 (10%:15%), F4 (15%:10%), F5 (20%:5%), and F6 (25%:0%). Subsequently, the microbiological, chemical, and sensory properties, as well as antimicrobial activity of the product were evaluated. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at a 5% significance level. The results showed that formulation (F4) containing 15% kweni mango extract and 10% randu honey produced the best synbiotic Etawa goat milk beverage. In addition, F4 formulation showed higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus than Escherichia coli. The optimal beverage met the standards for lactic fermentation products from a chemical perspective and was favored by the panelists.

Integrating Ayurveda with Modern Medicine for Enhanced Patient Care

Modern or Western medicine is often the first-line healthcare option due to a strong evidence base, a scientific, systematic approach, and well-defined generalizability of therapies to certain populations. However, this disease-focused model has several limitations, such as no cure for all diseases and the high cost of care. On the other hand, Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine originating in India, has a holistic approach that emphasizes prevention and lifestyle modification, offers a low-cost model, encourages patient empowerment, and promises significant benefits for generalized healthcare. The integration of the two systems can lead to better patient care. However, Ayurveda also has limitations, and the integration with modern medicine faces barriers such as a lack of rigorous scientific research, standardisation and quality control issues, regulatory hurdles, cultural differences or prejudices, and a paucity of trained practitioners in the West. To overcome these barriers, this paper proposes strategies such as promoting rigorous research, developing stringent standards for Ayurvedic practices and products, regulatory reforms, education and training, and promoting integrative medicine. These strategies aim to bring together the best of both worlds for enhanced patient care.

Tobacco endgame measures and their adaptation in selected European countries: A narrative review synthesis.

Due to the continued detrimental effects of tobacco use, a growing number of countries are embracing the idea of tobacco endgame, meaning ending the tobacco epidemic instead of controlling it. This narrative review aims to synthesize and update the evidence from earlier scientific reviews on effective tobacco endgame measures, as well as to assess their integration to current national strategies among European countries with official tobacco endgame goals. The synthesis of the prior scientific literature found most evidence on product-focused and some evidence for supply-focused policies. Little evidence was detected for user- and institutional-focused measures. An update for the tobacco-free generation measure showed uncertainty in reducing smoking prevalence, especially for adolescents' reactions to age-restrictive laws. All the countries that established a tobacco endgame strategy have included product standards in their measures, predominantly based on European Union regulations on conventional tobacco products, yet standards above this level and considering other products were also common. Cessation measures were given strong emphasis in strategies, yet none of the countries linked these to specific endgame measures. Despite commonly mentioning vulnerable groups, such as youth and pregnant women, adoption of measures to reduce tobacco use among these groups was scarce. Lastly, the decline in tobacco use seems to be modest, implying challenges in meeting the endgame goals. To meet these goals, European countries should reinforce the implementation of known effective tobacco control measures such as tax increases. Furthermore, new innovative strategies and measures to meet the objective of an endgame should be explored.

PHARMACEUTICO ANALYTICAL STUDY ON GUNJA -ASHWAGANDHA DENTAL GEL – A MODIFIED FORMULATION FROM HARAMEKHALA

Dental caries is a chronic infectious condition caused by tooth-adherent cariogenic bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans. A common oral disease hinders achieving and maintaining oral health in all age groups. Because of dental caries, teeth lose their strength and may form cavities if not controlled. Ayurveda explains many Krimighna Dravyas, which will help provide a solution for all Krimija Vyadhis. Haramekhala is one of the ancient Ayurvedic texts written by Mahuka between the 6th and 11th centuries AD. This book explains different formulations for the diseases of oral cavities in the form of Kavala, Gandoosha, Dhoopana and Danta Dhavana. Chewing the roots of Gunja and Ashwagandha is mentioned in the text as an easy remedy to cure Krimidanta, thereby reducing the pain. Many preparations, like toothpaste, powders, dental gels, etc., are used for curing dental diseases and prevention. Chewing the roots is not feasible for the patient and is not user-friendly. Hence, the formulation is modified into a dental gel form and subjected to an analytical study for product standardisation. The results of the drug design and product development and its analytical study are encouraging.

Impact assessment of mandatory safety device installation for gas stoves.

Numerous fire accidents have occurred in Japan owing to food overheating when cooking on gas stoves because users left the cooking area unattended. In response, authorities enacted a legal revision mandating temperature sensor installation on gas stove burners. Nevertheless, the actual effectiveness of this measure remains uncertain. Furthermore, prior studies have raised concerns about the efficacy of specific safety standards for consumer products owing to insufficient evidence of reduction in accidents. Consequently, this study seeks to assess the impact of the standards revision implemented in 2008, requiring the placement of safety devices on all gas stove burners. Through a comprehensive analysis, it was aimed to ascertain how these measures have precisely influenced safety outcomes in cooking-related incidents. The data in this study were subdivided to mitigate potential bias from user attributes during data collection. The analysis employed the difference-in-differences method, specifically utilizing one-burner gas stoves unaffected by the standards revision. The data used in this study include accidents associated with gas stoves, spanning the period 2007-2019. To estimate the likelihood of overheating accidents, a binomial distribution model that utilized the Markov chain Monte Carlo methods was applied. For gas stoves with two or more burners, which were affected by the standards revision, the estimated probability of overheating accidents decreased by approximately 80%. In contrast, no decreasing trend was observed for one-burner gas stoves. The analysis suggests that the mandatory installation of safety devices on gas stoves has indeed resulted in a significant reduction in overheating accidents.

The impact of incorporating waste materials on the mechanical and physical characteristics of tile adhesive materials

Abstract The goal of the investigation is to produce a cement mortar for building units and a high-performance ceramic tile adhesive by using V autoclaved aerated concrete as a partial substitute for cement. The combination consists of sand, crushed limestone, and polymeric additives. The experimental procedures were conducted utilizing contemporary laboratory equipment to facilitate the manufacturing of the product and the subsequent investigation of its characteristics, in accordance with the standards outlined in EN12004 and ASTM C1660. The laboratory tests carried out, which included splitting tensile strength, bonding strength, and open application duration, have demonstrated conformity to the product standards. The raw materials undergo many examinations prior to their utilization in the preparation process. The conducted tests encompassed chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, and viscosity evaluation. These experiments aimed to ascertain the mixing ratios and determine the optimal quantity of water required for the preparation procedure. A thickness of 3 mm was employed, rendering it very cost-effective and environmentally sustainable due to the utilization of recycled resources. This particular adhesive possesses supplementary characteristics, such as its self-sufficiency on the site, since it is readily used without the need for extra materials, requiring only the addition of the necessary amount of water. Extensive research has been conducted on a range of mix designs and particle sizes for raw materials, together with varying proportions of additives, to determine the optimal ratio that satisfies both criteria and cost considerations. The adhesion strength of the building units was determined to be 7 N/mm2, surpassing the specified value in ASTM C1660. This indicates that the material is deemed successful and meets the required specifications for its application as a mortar for building units, as per the standard stating that an adhesion strength test exceeding 5 N/mm2 is necessary. The evaluation of the characteristics of the material employed as tile adhesive mortar was conducted in accordance with the EN1348 standard, revealing satisfactory compliance with all specified criteria. The application duration of the tile adhesive exceeds 25 min, while its tensile strength surpasses 10 N/mm2, thereby meeting the criteria for classification as a Class A tile adhesive.