Integrated quality assurance
Bögel, K.; Stöhr, K.
Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 101(7): 258-261
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-6593 PMID: 7924958 Document Number: 424449
The definition of terms and connotation of 'Quality", "Quality Assurance" and "Integration" lead to an analysis and understanding of inhibiting and fostering factors of the 'Health Triad" of people, animals and environment. Although "Quality' is largely or ultimately determined by the consumer, there are considerable differences as this term is applied by (a) the individual consumer, (b) the dynamic producer defending or gaining markets (c) those engaged in traditional product manufacturing, or (d) governments setting (minimum) requirements for the sake of free trade. "Quality Assurance" offers cooperation of partners all along the food chain from "pasture to table". The managerial process turned into a continuum of responsibility and agreement on processes and product characteristics. This overcomes the disadvantages of strategies stressing distinct defense barriers. In practice this philosophy of a predominant role of defence barriers proved largely partnership destructive, in that it permitted to shift responsibilities for failures and to claim administrative competence according to momentary situations and interests. "Integrated Quality Assurance" means mutua agreement of two or more partners along the food chain (e.g. feed producers, farmers animal health industry, veterinarians and food processors) on product characteristics and production methods. It involves essential system elements including facilities materials, manpower, information, transport, management etc. Different principles and procedures of quality assurance have been introduced in practice, including agriculture and food processing. These different approaches are not mutually exclusive but largely of complementary nature. The peculiarities are described for HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) system, for the ISO 9000 Standard Series, for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), and traditional manufacturing of specifically labeled products. Examples are presented of large scale, country wide "Integrations" of quality assurance for production and/or products of food of animal origin, as well as "Integrations" initiated and controlled by individual enterprises. "Integrations" ones established are subject to steady improvement of methods and products under rules of market economies. The widening range of objectives and quality characteristics of products covered by integrated quality assurance supports philosophical as well as practical models of recognition of an "Overall Quality" adding to product characteristics essential components of conservation of nature and agricultural resources as well as human health and ethics including animal protection.