CSQA is the new certification body of the DOP
Thirdness, strengthening and effectiveness of the control system and product characterization to protect the consumer with the support of a dedicated task force
The Parma Ham Consortium and its producers redefine the strategy to relaunch the sector by focusing on four pillars : absolute impartiality of controls, a task force of experts dedicated to certification, modification and strengthening of the control system, revision of the production regulations. Four strategic choices that the board of directors of the Consortium resolved on 4 July, with the aim of improving the identity and quality of Parma Ham DOP to protect the product itself and consumers.
After twenty years of collaboration with the Parma Quality Institute (IPQ), the Consortium turns the page and entrusts CSQA Certificazioni with the certification and control system of the PDO Parma Ham. CSQA is a leading body in the sector, with proven experience and professionalism, able to ensure absolute impartiality and impartiality by putting an end to the critical issues that have recently emerged within the certification system and on the possible conflict of interest. The extensive and undisputed skills of the new body - both in the PDO PGI sector and in voluntary certifications - will also stimulate the sector to define strategies for strengthening the denomination also through the development of initiatives on the most topical issues: environment, animal welfare, sustainability.
In this transitional period, the IPQ will continue to carry out its task of control and certification under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Tourism. CSQA - through a dedicated task force of experts - will immediately start work to define the new control plan pending official authorization from the Central Inspectorate for Quality Protection and Fraud Repression of Mipaaft agri-food products (ICQRF).
After a long preparatory work that lasted several months, the Consortium has also formally started the process of amending the Regulations which provides for the consultation of the entire production chain in the next few days. The changes will affect all aspects of production, from the characteristics of the raw material - including genetics, weight and feeding of the pigs, animal welfare, weight and characteristics of the fresh legs - up to the finished product such as processing method, weight and curing of the ham, methods of sale, pre-sliced product, etc.
But not only. In order to further strengthen the fraud prevention system and guarantee the consumer a safer product, the new Regulations will also contain specific elements for the tracking and tracing of the product throughout the production chain.
Thirdness, more effective controls, product distinctiveness and greater guarantees for consumers, these are the fundamental pillars on which the plan to relaunch Parma Ham PDO is based, which looks to the future with optimism and with concrete actions to continue to support the entire national pig production chain and employ over 50,000 people.
THE STATEMENTS |
Vittorio Capanna , President of the Parma Ham Consortium
It is the first strong sign of renewal that starts from one of the most important areas for a PDO, the control system, with a view to offering greater transparency and the maximum guarantee to consumers, assuring them of the quality they expect from Parma Ham . We have chosen an independent body capable of ensuring an organizational structure based on the culture of product certification and on consolidated principles of impartiality and impartiality.
Pietro Bonato , CEO and General Manager of CSQA Certifications
CSQA takes up an important challenge by making available all the professionalism and skills of a third-party, independent body that has always had as its mission the enhancement of the true quality agri-food made in Italy. For over 30 years we have focused on the certification of national excellence in the sector to support the development of businesses and territories around the world. Our goal is to do things in the best way, in a timely manner, by dedicating a task force to deal with the issue exclusively and immediately.
Phew. Press Chiara Iasiuolo DOP Parma Ham Consortium Chiara.Iasiuolo@prosciuttodiparma.com
Phew. Print CSQA – Qualivita Foundation Comunicazione@csqa.it