The Brazilian Association of Supermarkets (Abras) announced on Monday, December 7, the Abras Program for Certification of Responsible Beef Production Chain, an initiative that aims to contribute to the improvement of production practices in the industry, addressing environmental, social and health issues.
"The idea is to meet consumers’ wish of buying a product that does not originate in areas of deforestation and is not committed to other social issues, still part of the country.
Brazilian consumers that appreciate a good barbecue can be sure that the meat found in supermarkets is produced with environmental responsibility," said the president of Abras, Sussumu Honda.
The Abras Program is impartial and independent and will operate under a comprehensive and gradual process. "Our goal is to help the chain to largely evolve in the adoption of good manufacturing practices," said Honda.
"The expansion process is important in several aspects of the program. It starts with raw meat to be extended to processed meat and other derivatives. We know that this program may undergo minor adjustments, depending on the results of pilot audits, suggestions of other links in the supply chain and partner organizations such as ministries, "said the president of Abras.
According to the country's Minister of Environment, Carlos Minc, who attended the event, this is a significant day for the consumer.
"The Abras’ initiative, which is being released on the same date of the Copenhagen Summit, is the Brazilian society’s response to the importance of sustainability.
This is a serious and comprehensive certification, which will guarantee to consumers that the meat does not come from areas of destruction of the Amazon and any other biome.
“It is an example of how one end of a productive chain such as retail can help change the ways of production in search of a better country,” stated Minister Carlos Minc.
The Abras Program’s basic principles considered the reality of the sector and economic impacts with the intention of not spoiling its implementation neither generating a supply crisis.
The program is about the certification of slaughterhouses and the qualification of rural properties after being accurately audited. In order to complete the program a few standard procedures were developed to guide the entire qualification process to be performed by authorized certifying companies.
To enhance the performance of the productive sector Abras will promote the program through visual marketing at points of sale, and also through a seal displayed on the meat package itself - with the intention of having such efforts recognized by consumers.
"The customer is increasingly demanding. This stamp will be crucial at the time of their purchase decision," said Honda.
The program is possible with the participation of both supermarket chains and slaughterhouses. Once implemented, the supermarket chains are committed to purchase only products of participating companies. This initiative came as the sector’s positive response to the demands of the society.
In June 2009, the supermarket sector came together to seek a solution, and through conversations with slaughterhouses, a program was created to bring a quick and effective answer to the consumer.
"We made a great effort and we know that there is still much to be done throughout the chain. I am sure that by working together we will build a good solution for the entire production chain, and especially for the consumer," concluded Sussumu Honda.
Source: foodbizdaily.com
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