FEBO on Normec Audits & Inspections

Ensuring hygiene at all FEBO locations: 243 unannounced hygiene inspections per year, spread across 81 locations. Everything to ensure hygiene at FEBO locations. For Ferry Stevens, Quality Manager at FEBO, hygiene is therefore a key priority. But holding up a mirror to the locations is also a valuable outcome of the inspections.

3 inspections per location per year

Every year, Normec Foodcare’s hygiene auditors conduct 3 unannounced inspections at all 81 locations. Ferry: “We deliberately choose to conduct 3 inspections per year. This way, we can assess all aspects throughout the year. Summer, in particular, poses more risks because temperatures are higher. In the winter, stores are less busy, and in between, we also want to ensure that all locations continue to meet the requirements—and that continuity is maintained. Additionally, by conducting three inspections a year, we give locations the opportunity to improve—if necessary, of course.”

“An inspection is a tool to elevate the location to a higher level.”

— Ferry Stevens, Kwaliteitsmanager FEBO

Hands holding freshly harvested potatoes, straight from the farm.

Holding up a mirror

In addition to ensuring hygiene, holding up a mirror is an important reason for FEBO to conduct unannounced inspections. At the end of each inspection, Normec Foodcare’s hygiene auditors hold a meeting with the owner or franchisee. This meeting highlights the current state of hygiene, but also identifies any areas for improvement. “Fortunately, owners and franchisees don’t view an inspection as a ‘check,’ which is exactly what we want to avoid—but rather as an opportunity to assess the current state of affairs. An inspection is a tool to help elevate the location to a higher level,” says Ferry.

Positive Experiences

Normec Foodcare has been conducting inspections for FEBO for years. Previously, this was handled by Kroonenburg, but since the acquisition, Normec Foodcare has been carrying out the hygiene inspections to everyone’s satisfaction. Ferry: “Normec Foodcare is a professional and highly committed partner. What I appreciate is that we’ve made joint agreements about how we view the hygiene inspections and how Normec Foodcare views them. We’re truly doing this together.”

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A laboratory technician wearing sterile protective clothing performs a pipetting procedure during a laboratory analysis.

Ensure food safety within your company

Want to know if your business is operating in compliance with food safety standards? Our experienced inspectors know exactly what to look for. They conduct hygiene inspections for every industry and are well-versed in the relevant laws and regulations, as well as in operating in accordance with the applicable Hygiene Code.