39. (HACCP) system is mandatory for all suppliers of these goods. In order to assure the quality of raw materials and packaging materials, all our breweries have their own laboratories, in which entry checks are conducted in a systematic manner. In accordance with Heineken's product integrity policy, appropriate measures are taken throughout our brewing and packaging process to prevent any product contamination. These measures include process controls such as our HACCP systems. All of our breweries are required to implement a coherent HACCP system regardless of whether or not this is mandatory under national law. Other process controls include the continuous monitoring of primary packaging during cleaning and filling, for example on leakage. We work with farmers to minimise their pesticide usage and we pursue a biotechnology policy that prohibits the use of genetically modified raw materials. Adherence to this policy is regularly monitored in the context of our entry control. In addition, consumables must present no product safety hazard and we conduct audits throughout the total supply chain to identify and minimise risks. The water used by our breweries must comply with all EU or WHO drinking-water standards. To ensure that our beer reaches the consumer in perfect condition, we operate a freshness policy, which relates mainly to our distribution channels. All products are coded so that they can be traced throughout the supply chain, allowing us to identify the source of any problems that arise. The effectiveness with which these policy measures are implemented at local level is monitored centrally. Beer samples are analysed and tasted in a systematic manner by our local laboratories. For the Corporate (Heineken® and Amstel®) and non- Corporate brands additional sensory and analytical testing takes place in our central laboratory in Zoeterwoude, the Netherlands. The 'best before' dates on samples of products offered for sale are also checked to ensure that the product delivered to the consumer is both safe and fresh. Every batch produced is subject to a monitoring of its taste characteristics over time. Consumer complaints are recorded and dealt with in accordance with our complaints procedure. A recall is ordered if, despite all our efforts, a defective product finds its way to the market. In 2005, a total of nine recalls took place. These all concerned locally produced brands. The exception was a recall for the Amstel brand in Burundi, where, after receiving a complaint from a consumer, several hundred Amstel 65 cl. bottles were recalled. Other recalls took place in St. Lucia, where a batch of sub-standard local, branded beer was recalled following a technical defect in the brewery. Heineken N.V. - 2004/2005 Sustainability Report

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Heineken - Milieuverslag | 2004 | | pagina 41