The world of fruits and vegetables is constantly changing. Quality and availability fluctuate from day to day and from season to season. New sources of supply, the introduction of new products, and innovative cultivation techniques also contribute to this dynamic environment. That’s why continuing to learn and train is essential. With Normec Foodcare’s Inspector Modules and other produce training courses, you’ll always stay ahead of the curve.
The popularity of the sweet potato has grown tremendously in recent years. The product has been part of Module P16 Exotics since 2015. In 2024, a UNECE standard for sweet potatoes was even established. It’s clear: we can no longer ignore this product. That’s why the sweet potato is now getting a permanent spot in the P5 inspector module. The first start date is May 13, followed by a second opportunity on September 4. Two great opportunities to further expand your knowledge.
The module combines theory with practice. You’ll complete the course with two exams. If you score at least 70%, you’ll receive the certificate. Expect a study load of about 3 hours per exam.
You’ll receive a certificate recognized within the produce wholesale industry. Expand your expertise and actively contribute to quality assurance in the sector.
This module is perfect for quality control staff and inspectors who want to further specialize in fruit and vegetable inspection.
The P5 inspector module will be held twice more this year in Den Bosch. Start dates are May 13 and September 4. The module lasts four days.
Our experts are happy to work with you and get you started quickly.
A Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs from a Belgian poultry farm has now made at least 300 people ill. The incident once again shows the importance of systematic monitoring and timely laboratory testing throughout the egg supply chain.
LIÈGE – Normec Sensory is further expanding its presence in Belgium with the opening of a new sensory testing center in Liège. With this expansion, Normec Sensory now has its own testing infrastructure in both Flanders and Wallonia. This enables organizations to rely on in-depth consumer insights from across Belgium, supported by local expertise and a broad network of respondents.
The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has applied since 12 August 2026. This marks the start of an important new phase for every organisation that manufactures, imports, uses or places packaging on the European market. The Regulation introduces stricter requirements covering substances of concern, recyclability, material use, reuse and the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance. For food businesses, this is no longer a distant development. The first obligations already apply, with further requirements being introduced in phases over the coming years. It is therefore essential to understand your packaging portfolio and determine in good time where changes are needed.
WIERINGERWERF – Normec Foodcare is reminding customers of the applicable European regulations for animal by-products (ABP) and derived products. This is in response to increased scrutiny by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) regarding the correct application of this legislation within the chain of sample submission, analysis, and processing. The regulations are set forth in Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009 and the accompanying implementing provisions in Regulation (EU) No. 142/2011. The purpose of these regulations is to protect public health, animal health, and the safety of the food and feed chains.
Normec Maas Goodacre, the knowledge partner in AGF world launches a new form of training in 2026 in the field of product knowledge and product quality. A training that fits in with the latest new developments in the market and treats the most important highlights per product group; a refresher course in AGF, which we are marketing under the name "AGF Refreshed".
Normec Foodcare is proud to introduce its new Commercial Manager AGF: Robert Schut. Robert recently joined the commercial team, where he focuses on strengthening existing customer relationships and expanding the customer base in the dynamic AGF sector. His ambition? To build a lasting partnership with every customer - large or small.
"This is only the beginning," says trainer Peter van der Veeken with satisfaction. With these words he looks back on the very first Normec Foodcare inspection master module in Belgium. In March 2025, he kicked off module P2: Pepper, Tomato and Pepper to 20 enthusiastic participants. A first, because no comparable training program for inspectors in the AGF sector existed in Belgium yet.
