PRODUCT QUALITY CONTROL REPORT

Raw materials are defined as product brought in from a grower or producer normally in an unsorted or partially sorted condition requiring further processing e.g., washing, grading, selection, etc. It is essential that raw material is safe, legal, and meets the standards and specifications laid down. The responsibility for ensuring that growers understand and accept their own responsibilities rests with the buyer of the produce. The point of transfer of responsibility from grower to buyer is normally on entry to the packhouse.

Only raw materials from approved growers should be used and their origins must be traceable throughout the processing chain in so far as this is practical.

Product quality control reports should be prepared covering:

• Product, variety
• Date of receipt, time of receipt and inspection
• Source, grower's code or name
• Total of consignment and total inspected
• Weight (or count) to be recorded
• Temperature on receipt
• Quality and condition of product
• Decision (Accept/Accept with Proviso on Further Sorting/Reject with explanation of reason)

It is essential to explain the use of this record to smallholders to ensure transparency in the buying process.