Wijs in Vers
The necessity of quality controllers
Quality controllers and quality inspectors play an important role in the fruit, vegetable and potato (FVP) sector. They assess whether produce meets quality requirements for freshness, safety, taste, and appearance. By doing so, they make a direct contribution to reliable deliveries to customers.
Besides that, they contribute to reducing food loss. By identifying irregularities or quality-related problems early, they can advise on optimal storage conditions, transport, processing or alternative sales opportunities. That way, a product is more often suitable for consumption, and less is wasted.
The sector is continuously developing. New techniques, changing laws and regulations, and stricter quality demands from consumers require up-to-date knowledge and craftsmanship. The work of a quality controller is therefore a specialised profession that requires education, practical experience, and ongoing training to stay up to date.
Quality controls in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is an important exporter of fruit, vegetables, and potato products. At various stages in the supply chain, Quality checks take place at growers, trading companies, and retail organisations. Skilled quality inspectors and quality assurance staff ensure that quality is safeguarded throughout the entire chain.
Access to up-to-date, easy-to-find and practically applicable product knowledge is essential to maintain a professional and efficient work environment.
Het project
Our partners for this project are: Handel Groeit, Kiwa, Normec Food Care, Frankort&Koning, Smeding, Lentiz MBO Barendrecht, HAS & GroentenFruit Huis
The “Wijs in Vers” consortium aims to further invest in making research-based knowledge more visible and accessible to its target groups. It does so by developing and sharing materials that closely align with the daily work and experience of quality inspectors and quality assurance staff — such as practical online tools, videos, and animated resources. There is a particular need for in‑depth knowledge about specific product groups, as well as about disorders and diseases.
The Quality Control Bureau (KCB) has developed a knowledge base where inspectors can easily find information about disorders, diseases, and quality requirements: Kennisbank | KCB.
As part of the project, promotional films were created to highlight the work of quality inspectors. These were shared by all project partners and are collected below.
This project receives financial support from the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda Agriculture, Water, and Food. Within the KIA, the business community, knowledge institutions, and the government collaborate on innovations to deliver safe, healthy food (and a green living environment) for 9 billion people in a resilient world.