Vegetables and fruit

Sampling AGF (potatoes, fruits and vegetables)

To assess whether fresh fruits and vegetables comply with food safety requirements, these products are regularly sampled and analyzed. The focus is on residues of plant protection products, as well as the possible presence of heavy metals, nitrates and microbiological contamination. As an independent inspection body, Kiwa carries out sampling of potatoes, fruits and vegetables (Dutch: aardappelen, groente en fruit (AGF)) within various monitoring and quality systems in the supply chain.

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What is AGF sampling?

AGF sampling is the controlled collection of representative samples of fresh products within the supply chain. This takes place at, among others:

  • Growers and grower associations
  • Sorting and packing stations
  • Trading companies and importers
  • Distribution and marketing cooperatives

The samples are then analyzed for food safety parameters to verify whether products comply with applicable legal and private requirements.

Role of Food Compass

An important client in this domain is Food Compass. Within this sector-wide monitoring program for the Dutch fruit and vegetable sector, more than 250 companies participate in collective food safety monitoring. Kiwa performs the sampling at participating companies. The Food Compass program focuses on:

  • Residue monitoring of plant protection products
  • Microbiological testing
  • Data analysis and sector reporting

Execution of sampling by Kiwa

Kiwa is responsible for the independent execution of sampling on site. Activities include:

  • Selection and collection of representative AGF samples
  • Execution in accordance with European sampling directive 2002/63/EC
  • Careful registration and traceable coding of samples
  • Safe transfer of samples to accredited laboratories

Sampling is carried out by trained and independent samplers, in accordance with established protocols.

Laboratory analysis

Kiwa does not perform the analyses itself, but ensures proper logistical handling toward specialized and accredited laboratories. Clients, such as grower associations, marketing organizations and trading companies, can choose which laboratory will perform the analysis. The results are subsequently used for:

  • Compliance with food safety standards
  • Monitoring within sector programs such as Food Compass
  • Risk assessment and quality assurance within the supply chain

Importance for the AGF sector

AGF sampling plays an important role in ensuring food safety within the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain. It provides insight into:

  • Compliance with legal residue limits
  • Product quality and safety
  • Trends and risks within the sector
  • Areas for improvement in cultivation and supply chain management

Through structured sampling, a reliable picture of product safety in the market is established.

Why Kiwa?

Kiwa is an independent inspection and certification body with extensive experience in the AGF sector and food safety monitoring. We combine practical on-site execution with strict compliance with international sampling guidelines, ensuring reliable and reproducible results.

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