SAN DIEGO, Calif. – QAI (Quality Assurance International), a leading certifier of organic and gluten-free products, has added Quick Response (QR) codes to its certified product certificates as an added layer of security for QAI-certified companies. The QR codes are being added to ensure authenticity and guard against fraudulent certificates, a problem experienced by other certification organizations, which is now being addressed by the National Organic Program. Falsely representing products as certified USDA organic violates the law and federal organic regulations and is punishable by fines.
Each certificate that QAI issues now includes a QR code that is unique to a certified company’s certificate. QR codes are similar to the barcodes used by retailers to track inventory and price products.
To validate a QAI-issued certificate, regulators, inspectors, consumers and supply chain members can use their smart phone to scan the QR code. The user will immediately be linked to the certified company’s listing and product information on QAI’s website, providing instant validation of the company’s product certification.
Products that are certified by QAI may also display the QR code on their product labels and packaging, providing additional assurance to consumers that the product they are purchasing is indeed certified organic. Of the 91 USDA-accredited certifying agencies, QAI is the first to utilize QR codes to ensure the authenticity of the organic products its clients produce.
“Utilizing QR code technology will help clients and suppliers provide an additional level of assurance and transparency when it comes to the integrity of QAI certified products, which they in turn can provide to consumers,” said QAI General Manager Jaclyn Bowen.
Many other industries, including the produce industry, have used this technology to streamline traceability programs and increase safety in the food supply chain. By using bar code labeling for produce, food retailers can trace produce all the way back to the field where the item was picked providing suppliers, retailers and consumers more information on the food’s origin.
If you have questions or would like more information about the new QR code technology, contact Jonathan Lackie at 858-200-9708 or jlackie@qai-inc.com.
About QAI (Quality Assurance International): Founded in 1989, QAI is the leading provider of organic certification services verifying organic integrity throughout the supply chain (qai-inc.com). Additional certification services include gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO, natural personal care, social responsibility and food safety through its parent company NSF International. QAI remains dedicated to the environment, while providing educational outreach to the organic community, customers and consumers. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., the company has grown to include operations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Japan and the European Union.
About NSF International: NSF International is an independent organization that writes standards, tests and certifies products for the food, water and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment (nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment.
The NSF Global Food Division provides experienced and accredited services across all supply chain sectors, from agriculture, produce, processing, distribution and dairy to seafood, retail and restaurants. Services include Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification (SQF, BRC, GLOBALG.A.P., FSSC, IFS, Aquaculture Certification Council (ACC)), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, plus expert auditing, consulting and technical services, and HACCP validation and inspection.
Source: Quality Assurance International