Duynie stands for quality. It is with good reason that we are GMP+ (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified. Every day we are committed to create plant-based petfood ingredients of the highest quality. All our professionals play a key role in that, from our Nutritionist to our Procurement Manager. Our Quality team makes sure that the production process and products comply with strict regulations and customer requirements. How does that exactly work? Our Quality Manager Amber Lookermans talks you through it.

Translating legislation for the production process 

Amber Lookermans has several years of experience as a QA Manager in the food sector. She has been working at Duynie for almost a year now. The quality team makes sure that Duynie complies with all necessary legislation. Amber: “Legislation is quite rigid, while reality is fluid. How do you combine the two? I enjoy that challenge.” It is important to stay on top of things, because legislation changes often. Furthermore, certain events in the market can have an impact too. The Quality team makes sure that they are aware of the latest updates and that documentation is always up to date. Audits are conducted annually, for example to validate the GMP+ certification, as well as other certificates.  

From incoming goods to high-quality petfood ingredients

It is a long journey from incoming goods to finished petfood ingredients. Amber and her team play a key role in the whole process. 

1. Incoming goods. It all starts with the incoming co-products from our suppliers. For example, potatoes from a fries or chips factory. Production checks these incoming co-products according to a QA-approved checklist. When in doubt, Amber and her team prove decisive. The co-products can only proceed when all boxes are checked.
2. The production process. The potatoes are made into natural petfood ingredients. The QC employee collects various samples, which are studied within 24 hours at the company, or else at an external lab. Certain parameters are important, such as colour and nutritional value. Once again, the products can proceed only when everything is in order.
3. The end product. After many steps, the end product is ready. For example, the potatoes are made into native potato starch, which is a perfect basis for any petfood. The final check is done by Quality. Is there a green light? Then the petfood ingredient can continue its journey towards the buyer.
   
   

Quality in all layers of the organization 

Amber has a clear goal at Duynie: to increase awareness about protocols throughout the organization. She does that among others by providing training. “People need to feel the urgency. Otherwise, they start to do checklists for the sake of it. I need them to understand the reasons behind it and to support that.” Amber works closely with each team in the organization. One day she checks with Procurement if all certificates are in order, and another she creates a new cleaning plan with Production.

Amber and her team play a key role in the organization. It is therefore that the quality department is placed right underneath the management in an organogram. They have an advisory role towards the management and the rest of the organization. After all, quality is incredibly important, certainly in the petfood sector. Amber’s team ensures that Duynie’ products are always of the very best quality. Do you have any questions about our policy? More information can be found on our Quality Assurance page or feel free to contact us.