The National Quality Control Office (ONCQ) in Guinea's N'Zérékoré region has issued a stern warning to coffee and cocoa operators against certain practices deemed contrary to quality requirements. With the official launch of the coffee and cocoa production campaign just days away, the ONCQ is taking a firm stance on issues such as mixing products of different qualities and transfer operations without prior inspection.
Moussa Sacko, head of the quality control service at ONCQ N'Zérékoré, expressed concerns over the practice of mixing high-quality coffee or cocoa with lower-quality products to mask defects. This practice, according to Sacko, is not acceptable and can compromise the overall quality of the products. He made these remarks during a meeting with economic operators in the coffee-cocoa sector at the N'Zérékoré prefectural office of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Artisanal.
Sacko emphasized the need for operators to notify the quality control service before any transfer or shipment of products. He stressed that the presence of control agents is crucial to verify the goods, check quantities, and take necessary samples. This is particularly important for products coming from Côte d'Ivoire, where transfers between trucks must be done in the presence of control agents to ensure conformity.
The ONCQ official denounced the issuance of inspection certificates without actual verification of the truck's contents. Sacko questioned the validity of such practices, asking if it was acceptable to issue inspection certificates without knowing the product's quality or contents. He vowed to no longer sign off on products that do not meet quality standards.
Sacko also targeted the transportation of substandard products to Conakry, where they may be processed or improved. He reiterated that products leaving N'Zérékoré must meet quality requirements and be accompanied by the necessary documents. The ONCQ will intensify its control operations in production areas to ensure compliance with regulations.
To improve collaboration, Sacko invited economic operators to facilitate access to their warehouses and products for inspection. He believes that better cooperation between control services and sector actors is essential to enhance the quality of coffee and cocoa produced in the N'Zérékoré region. The ONCQ aims to work closely with operators to ensure that products meet quality standards.
The ONCQ's warnings come as the new production season is about to begin. Sacko's statements signal a tougher stance on quality control, with potential consequences for operators who fail to comply. The goal is to improve the quality of Guinea's coffee and cocoa exports, and the ONCQ is determined to play a key role in achieving this objective.
Key points
- The ONCQ has warned coffee and cocoa operators in Guinea's N'Zérékoré region against mixing products of different qualities and transfer operations without prior inspection.
- Moussa Sacko, head of the quality control service, has vowed to no longer sign off on products that do not meet quality standards.
- The ONCQ aims to improve collaboration with economic operators to enhance the quality of coffee and cocoa produced in the region.
