Bord Bia provides quality assurance schemes for the following product sectors: beef, lamb, pigmeat, poultry, eggs and horticulture. Bord Bia aims to have all schemes accredited to international norms, specifically EN45011. Quality assurance plays a fundamental role in promoting food and horticulture and provides the platform for consumer promotion of product quality.
The primary work of the quality assurance division is to develop new standards, improve existing standards and ensure the timely and efficient auditing and certification of members to each of the scheme. Safeguarding the integrity of the schemes requires continual review and systems improvement particularly given the increased utilisation and recognition of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance logo.
Quality Assurance Scheme – Edible Horticulture
The promotion of quality standards within the edible horticulture sectors is a key activity for Bord Bia. This programme assists the horticultural industry establish, maintain and develop quality assurance standards in order to sustain consumer confidence in fresh produce and satisfy the requirements of the various market outlets. Quality standards have been developed and inspection and certification systems established for producers, packers and preparers of produce. Quality schemes have also been established for mushroom compost and casing manufacturers. The quality assurance programme activities for edible horticulture include the development of standards (including benchmarking against other standards), training programmes for participants and the annual quality awards scheme.