Food quality inspection

Food quality inspection is a process by which TÜV SÜD experts examine the food in production as a form of quality control. Through this process, our experts assess the standards of the product at multiple points in the production cycle to ensure conformity at every step. 

This food inspection process requires rigorous research, analysis and investigation throughout production by dedicated and impartial food inspectors. Specially trained in relevant food groups, TÜV SÜD experts will follow a standardised best-practice system, taking and examining samples and filling reports tailored to the type of facility and food group that’s being inspected. We will complete each report with the aim of ensuring that each product meets the required quality standards set out by the brand, before, during and after production.

As globalisation and offshore production increase, there is a growing need to ensure a high standard of food quality control across long distances and national borders. Factoring in cultural and language barriers, differing factory facilities across markets, as well as varied and rapidly evolving regulatory frameworks, the challenge posed by this essential component of the food inspection process is clear. 

Without the preventative measures that come with food inspection at every stage of production, businesses risk damage to their brands by falling short of the quality their customers expect. 

Customer assurance and brand integrity aside, the combined cost of paying for food inspection services could be up to 90% less than those faced from producing non-compliant food imports. 

By employing the services of an independent food quality inspector, you draw on years of specialist industry expertise and a deep understanding of relevant rules and regulations to ensure that your products reach your customers with the level of quality your brand demands.

When you partner with TÜV SÜD, you’ll receive advisory expertise, thorough reports and consultation from our team of on-site experts throughout the entire food production process.  

Drawing upon our years of experience within the food industry, we make it our business to monitor your approach to quality control and take preventative measures to consistently ensure quality without compromising on delivery time. 

Finding and correcting any quality issues at the earliest possible stage saves you the time and money that could be spent fixing avoidable errors further along in the chain. 

Our technical professionals are actively involved in international advisory boards and the development of standards, meaning they are always abreast of the latest requirements and trends throughout the industry and across the globe, including those related to the food inspection process. 

TÜV SÜD has an extensive checklist for food quality inspection, covering a wide range of food types such as: 

• Animal feeds 
• Beverages 
• Fish and seafood 
• Fruits, dry fruits and vegetables 
• Meat products 
• Milk and dairy products 
• Processed food 
• Vegetable oil and oil seeds 

 

Our food inspection services include:

• Facility inspection – The inspector takes a tour around the facility, assessing the atmosphere, building and storing conditions, noting anything obvious that can affect safety and quality. 
• Initial Product Check (IPC) – Similar to facility inspection, this involves a check of the product to identify any immediate risks. 
• During Production Check (DUPRO) – This occurs at an early stage of production to assess whether certain processes have been implemented correctly. If necessary, it halts any potential problems before production begins. 
• Final Random Inspection (FRI) or Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) – The inspector will take a statistically relevant number of product samples at random, individually inspect them and mark them with a quality score. Elements assessed include packaging, weight, faults/defects, appearance and taste. 
• Loading Supervision (LS) – The inspector will check the conditions of the containers in which the product is to be shipped, for factors such as temperature, cleanliness and appearance. The inspector will also note the weather on the day of loading, the method used to load the products, container size, load time, the temperature within the container before, during and after loading, and any additional observations or remarks. 

 

Each of these reports is validated with its own result, giving the customer a pass/fail or conform/non-conform outcome. The customer can then be use this outcome to either continue to the next stage of production or fix the problems noted in order to gain a pass in the next inspection. Food quality inspectors will also take photos throughout each stage of production as proof of conduction and evidence of any corrections that need to be made. 

While the core inspection elements are integral to our food inspection services, there are also complementary pre-production services, including: 

• Stock checks and verification 
• Warehouse inspection 
• Sampling and testing (chemical / microbiological)