Microgreen producers were checked in the Supermint program

By: STA Date: 2023. 05. 25. 09:00

The experts of the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) examined microgreens in the latest test of the Süpermenta program. The microgreens of peas and radishes were collected from 11 production sites by official inspectors in conjunction with an on-site inspection. In addition, of course, the micro-vegetables had to prove themselves in the laboratory and in the popularity test. In terms of food safety and quality, everything was found to be in order, however, due to objections regarding labeling and records, the inspectors initiated proceedings in two cases.

(Photo: Pixabay)

This time, Nébih’s experts tested microgreens that are increasingly popular in gastronomy and households. Small-sized vegetables that can be grown even without a garden can be perfect additions to various salads and sandwiches. In the Süpermenta product test, a total of 16 microgreens, nine peas and seven radishes in terms of variety, were examined. According to their presentation, they were typically cut, but there were also some of both types that were available with planting medium. Two organic products were also included among the pea microgreens. Among other things, microbiological and GMO tests were carried out in the laboratory. In addition, the experts checked the possible presence of nitrates and heavy metals, as well as measured the vitamin and mineral content of the products. In general, it can be said that the examined microgreens met the regulations.

Official inspectors collected samples from 11 locations and carried out on-site inspections at all producers – five primary producers, two sole traders and four companies

They checked whether the production conditions met the relevant hygiene regulations, and also examined the seeds, packaging materials, information on the label, traceability and the existence of mandatory registration (e.g. FELIR). In two cases, proceedings were initiated due to objections to labeling and registration. The identified errors must be corrected by the producers concerned within the specified deadline.

Expert and lay tasters scored the products in the popularity test

In addition, the specialists evaluated the individual producers during the on-site inspection, so the final order was formed based on the aggregated results of the popularity test and the producer evaluation. In terms of the ranking of pea microgreens, Bioháló4you Bt. Bio pea sprout was on the top step of the podium, Smallies pea microgreen took second place, while VargaKert Mór salad pea microgreen earned third place. Mikrozöldség Kft.’s radish microgreen mix took first place in the radish microgreens competition, MikroManna radish microgreens came second, and VargaKert Mór pink radish microgreens won third place.

Nébih

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