Jane Proctor

Jane Proctor

The International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) has released its first official deliverable since being incorporated in September.

The Produce PLU Users’ Guide is designed to assist users in implementation of the internationally standardised PLUs for produce, and includes general information, best practices and frequently asked questions.

“Over the course of the past few years, the international community involved in harmonisation of produce PLUs has worked to develop a document which assists new and existing users as they implement the IFPS PLUs in their operations,” said Jane Proctor, IFPS chair. “This is a comprehensive tool for users and represents the evolution of the PLU to an international numbering system available to anyone engaged in the produce sector.”

Vice-chairman Stuart Johnston added: “As a founding member of the IFPS, I am pleased that we are moving forward to develop information that will assist all of us involved in the international produce supply chain.”

As IFPS efforts evolve, the goal is to work with industry experts and stakeholders from around the globe in the development of other standardised solutions and user tools to assist the global industry.

• The IFPS provides an international forum to address issues which require international harmonization or standardization for the produce sectors and creates the first incorporated body constituted of national organizations providing direct representation of their respective countries’ constituents.

The guide is available on the IFPS website at www.plucodes.com.