Quality control
Lutosa's ground rules mean constant endeavour to improve food quality, traceability and safety. Our objective: to do everything in our power to satisfy the requirements determined and agreed with our customers in strict compliance with food ethics. Quality monitoring begins even before the potatoes reach the factory. Not only do we select the seedlings ourselves but we also monitor the potato plants throughout their growing cycle.
As soon as they arrive at the factory, the potatoes are checked for variety, size, damage, dry matter (for crispiness) and reducing sugars (for colour).
All our production facilities are entirely GMO-free (no genetically modified organisms). The oils used to precook our products (palm and sunflower oil) are chosen with the greatest care. As of the new season (September 2007), only non-hydrogenated oils will be used at all our production facilities without exception. Currently, only a small minority of our products (Baby Roast potatoes, some Potato Cubes and chilled chips) still contain hydrogenated oils. Remember that non-hydrogenated oils do not contain trans-fatty acids and are therefore healthier.
Each production site has its own laboratory. During the production process, the products are both physically inspected and tested for their chemical and bacteriological properties.
Belac accredits the laboratory on the Leuze site as conforming to Standard ISO/IEC 17025:2005, which very few food companies are able to boast. Obviously, this enhances the credibility of the laboratory's test results.
At each of its production facilities, the company also holds IFS (International Food Standard) & BRC (British Retail Consortium) certificates issued by AIB Vinçotte/ISA Belgium (International Supplier Auditing). These certificates provide additional proof of our superior quality.