General Food Inspection Process and Requirements

General Food Inspection Process and Requirements

Food safety and quality control are essential in global trade. Our inspection service ensures that semi-finished food products comply with safety regulations and customer specifications before shipment.

1. Product Scope

We inspect semi-finished food products including:

  • Fish paste / surimi

  • Dehydrated vegetables

  • Canned foods (meat, fish, fruits, vegetables)

  • Frozen or pre-processed ingredients

Inspection requirements may vary depending on the destination market (EU, USA, Australia, etc.).

2. AQL Sampling Standard

Inspection follows international AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) standards.

  • Sampling Method: Random sampling from different cartons and pallets

  • Inspection Level: General Level II (unless otherwise required)

  • AQL Standard:

    • Critical: 0

    • Major: 2.5

    • Minor: 4.0

Final acceptance is based on defect quantity within the approved sample size.

3. Inspection & Testing Items

A. Visual & Packaging Check

  • Packaging integrity (no leakage, swelling, rust, or damage)

  • Label compliance (ingredients, batch number, expiry date)

  • Net weight verification

  • Seal condition (especially for canned food)

B. Sensory Evaluation

  • Appearance and color consistency

  • Odor (no abnormal smell)

  • Texture and overall condition

C. Physical & Chemical Testing

  • Moisture content (for dehydrated vegetables)

  • pH value

  • Salt content

  • Drained weight (for canned products)

  • Solid content and net weight compliance

Testing methods follow applicable ISO or destination country standards.

D. Microbiological Testing

Key microbiological tests include:

  • Total Plate Count (TPC)

  • Coliform

  • E. coli

  • Salmonella

  • Staphylococcus aureus

  • Yeast & Mold

Testing is conducted by qualified third-party laboratories. Results must comply with destination market limits.

4. Defect Classification

Critical Defects

  • Microbiological contamination

  • Swollen/leaking cans

  • Foreign matter

  • Expired or misdeclared products
    → Shipment rejected.

Major Defects

  • Incorrect labeling

  • Weight shortage beyond tolerance

  • Damaged packaging

Minor Defects

  • Minor printing or cosmetic issues

5. Inspection Process

  1. Document review (COA, production records)

  2. Random sampling per AQL

  3. On-site inspection and weight check

  4. Laboratory testing

  5. Final evaluation and report issuance

Conclusion

A structured inspection process, strict AQL sampling, and comprehensive laboratory testing ensure food safety and compliance. Our professional inspection service minimizes risks and protects your supply chain before shipment.