The Agricultural and Food Quality Inspection (IJHARS) conducted nationwide control of the commercial quality of dairy products available in stores. The analysis covered 127 entities – producers and retailers. The results show one important thing: accurate labeling of dairy products is not just a legal requirement – it's an element of building customer trust.
? Key audit findings
- In more than 1/3 of the audited entities irregularities detected in the commercial quality of dairy products.
- Organoleptic quality (taste, smell) in most cases was in line with the standards.
- Laboratory tests revealed errors in the declared fat content in 13.4% products. In two batches even signs of counterfeiting, including the presence of foreign fat and undeclared gelatin.
- Labeling errors occurred in 15.1% cases - from incorrect names, through incomplete compositions, to inconsistent expiration dates and storage conditions.
What does this mean for manufacturers and retailers?
Signage and labeling aren't just decorative—they're primarily information that customers interpret literally. Errors can lead to:
- non-compliance with food law,
- potential sanctions,
- decline in consumer confidence.
The audit also showed how easy it is to encounter non-compliance: incorrect name, lack of information about the production processes used, incorrect data
about ingredients or allergens are just some examples.
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