27 replies to this topic

[laurimer]

Whilst I may sympathise with the good General, the link between 'selling the Royal Navy' down the line and the setting of common food standards is in my opinion somewhat tenuous. Debates about the spelling of Tomato, or tomayto, tomahto, or (as I thought) tomaydo are surely much more relevant - and more fun! Lets keep to the subject matter please.

[Simon]

Here here Mr Potato, or Potatoe, Potahto or (as I thought) Potaydo. let's get back to fruit and vegetables or at least their safety and quality and certification thereof.

Who thinks GFSI will succeed in their quest to harmonise global food safety standards?

[laurimer]

The evidence I have collected so far suggests there is a big questionmark over this. I guess it will depend largely on what the big US food retailers actually do, and unless I am very much mistaken just at the moment they 'support', but do not 'endorse'. My take is that until there is a serious change in practise, there can be no change to the current muddle with everyone doing their own thing. Moves to support GFSI have been dismissed as mere publicity stunts - read the excellent article submitted by Charles about recent steps at WalMart (see http://www.perishabl...?...08&pundit=1).

In my experience, what normally prompts a change isn't just the promise of something better, but a catastrophe of some sort. Is there anyone who looks in on this forum from the retail trade who has a valid opinion here? Or anyone from GFSI who would care to comment?

Edited by laurimer, 28 June 2008 - 10:14 AM.