The aim of the Albert Heijn protocol is as follows:

  • Guidance and support for suppliers.
  • Full transparency as regards traceability and use of pesticides.
  • A good analysis of risks to properly reflect the possibilities of overcoming these and the control measures used
  • Systematic verification through GLOBALG.A.P
  • A system for taking samples which vouches for compliance of the standards required.
  • The cost of the system is met by suppliers and producers and they are jointly responsible for guaranteeing levels of residues.

The Albert Heijn protocol enables the levels of residues allowed in fresh produce to be guaranteed, providing added value and security in the products to be exported.

The Albert Heijn protocol is based on an analysis of risks with the control measures and the quantities of samples depending on the risks identified and will be performed along with the GLOBALGAP audit.

The process starts with the registration of the producer and their fields in the Albert Heijn protocol in the GLOBALGAP database. For the entry in the Registration to be complete, the specific Albert Heijn sublicensing agreement must be signed by KIWA and the producer. KIWA will contact the customer in order to plan the date of the audit several days in advance. This enables the producer to obtain a declaration from the supplier before the audit is carried out. The producer or supplier will be audited with the full verification list.

The Albert Heijn audit protocol for option 2 is preferably carried out with the same regularity and structure as the option 2 audit of GLOBALG.A.P. In this option packing activities are also reviewed, including any post-harvest treatments. In the case of the Albert Heijn protocol all the requisites are considered as major items and 100% compliance is demanded. The customer will be allowed at most 28 days for overcoming any non-conformities detected in the audit. The certification decision will be updated in the database of GLOBALG.A.P.