Findings, recommendations and conclusion

Abstract

The main conclusion is that the Codex guidelines (i.e. use of GMPs/GAPs/GHPs and adherence to HACCP plans) should be adopted by each VC-entity involved in food production—from “the farm to the fork”. However, as the research showed, not all producers at each stage of the VC have voluntarily adopted the Codex guidelines; primary producers being the main exception. Nor have all governments adopted and implemented policies, including sufficient oversight, to adequately protect consumers. Products coming from the bread VC in France are much more likely to represent ‘good protein’ quality characteristics than those from the U.S. In both countries, though, the wheat growers share greatest likelihood of responsibility for the final product’s impact on GI/GL levels. This raises the possibility of alternative supply chains for secondary producers who want to be sure that their own wheat-based products will not be impacted by poor quality management of upstream suppliers in the U.S. However, there are few alternatives for U.S. wheat growers: e.g. partially become a contract producer; shift a portion of wheat crop to higher quality; form cooperatives with neighbours. The advantages and risks of the various alternatives are discussed. At the same time it becomes the responsibility of the consumer to only purchase products known to comply with safety standards and codes of good management practices.