Quality assurance in the graft businesses

It is justified to apply the distinguishing mark "quality" in accordance with the DIN ISO 8402 standard if the requirements, established and assumed, regarding the suitability of a product are met. This includes compliance with legal requirements. This definition has to be applied both by industrial and craft businesses. Quality assurance has a tradition in the craft sector. Food production in the craft sector distinguishes itself by a synthesis of direct responsability of the owner of the firm, short intervals between buying, production and sale, continuous supervision and quality controls, quick sales turnover and also manufacture and sale by qualified staff. Quality control of the finished product in effective, because faulty products or those that do not meet quality criteria are removed either after production or when being prepared for sale. Consumer information and consumer advice during buying are cultivated in order to satisfy customers and maintain goodwill. Any raw materials, ingredients or additives that are bought in are tested either when received or before being used to ensure their suitability. Trends and developments in quality assurance in craft businesses are the consequence of the fact that bulk buyers partly demand proof of an HACCP concept, an EC licence or a certified quality management system. Legislation is aiming at the "control for the control". The German Butchers' Association has reached to the demands of the market as well as the legislator by drawing up its own "internal control/quality control" guidelines.