Vion Food Group, a Netherlands-based meat supplier, has faced a suspension of its export license outside of the EU by the country’s food standards regulator. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) declined to comment on specific cases.
The suspension, deemed “temporary” by Vion Food Group, applies to its processing plant in Boxtel, imposed by NVWA on 3 July. In response to the situation, Vion expressed surprise and stated that they immediately took corrective actions to address the issues identified during a routine inspection on 27 June.
“We are very surprised by this,” the company said in a statement. “We need to focus on production and sourcing in the Benelux region.” Vion emphasized their commitment to meeting all standards and ensuring product quality and animal welfare.
CEO Ronald Lotgerink leads Vion Food Group, which supplies retail, foodservice, and B2B customers. The company recently announced plans to exit the German market and concentrate on the Benelux countries to enhance sustainability and competitiveness in the evolving market landscape.
“We see a clear opportunity to improve our position by leveraging our heritage with farmers and existing networks,” stated Lotgerink. Vion Food Group’s strategic decision aligns with their goal of becoming the leading sustainable meat company in Europe.
In the larger context, the NVWA highlighted that companies failing to meet EU and third-country export requirements could face suspensions. The NVWA assesses company plans to rectify shortcomings before reinstating export privileges.
Vion Food Group’s commitment to quality and sustainability remains steadfast amidst the challenges posed by the export license suspension. The company’s proactive approach to corrective measures showcases their dedication to maintaining high standards in all operations.
