Saint-Charles International and the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) have renewed their self-monitoring agreement for the fruit and vegetable sector for a further three years, within the framework of the Saint-Charles Quality Scheme (Démarche Qualité Saint-Charles). The signing took place during the 16th edition of Medfel in Perpignan.
The agreement, developed in collaboration with SNIFL (French National Union of Fruit and Vegetable Importers/Exporters), reinforces the scheme’s role as a key tool to ensure product quality, food safety and transparency in the marketing of fresh produce.
A consolidated model for control and continuous improvement
The Saint-Charles Quality Scheme was launched during the 2000/2001 marketing season with the aim of guaranteeing safe, high-quality products properly handled within the Saint-Charles platform. Based on HACCP principles, the system establishes a comprehensive self-monitoring framework covering all stages from product reception to dispatch.
Currently, 64 companies are part of the scheme, which combines continuous training, internal audits and independent inspections. The latest external assessment reported an overall compliance rate of 94.88%, improving on results recorded three years ago and confirming the effectiveness of the model.
During the 2024/2025 campaign, a total of 196 pre-audits were carried out, alongside 2,427 analyses conducted by independent laboratories. In addition, 174 employees received training in areas such as quality, food safety, food fraud and food defence.
New requirements on fair trading practices
One of the key updates in the new agreement is the introduction of an eighth control category focused on fair commercial practices, in line with the evolving responsibilities of the DGCCRF.
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This new section strengthens the verification of information provided to consumers, including labelling, product presentation, advertising and commercial documentation. The aim is to ensure accuracy and compliance with marketing standards across the entire supply chain.
Greater control and transparency
With this renewal, the Saint-Charles Quality Scheme marks its 27th year and reinforces its position as a benchmark for quality control and traceability in the fruit and vegetable sector.
The agreement will enable participating companies to further enhance their processes, ensuring products meet market requirements and consumer expectations in terms of both safety and commercial transparency.
