The Uelzena Group offers its customers a consistently high product quality. This is made possible by systematic monitoring of the entire production chain from the sourcing of raw materials to the end product.
Risk-based quality control plans with defined sampling schedules and tests are in place for all raw materials, intermediate and finished products. These plans ensure that the defined microbiological, chemical-physical and sensory product properties as well as Uelzena’s quality parameters are complied with.
Certified high-end laboratories
Our laboratories are well equipped for fulfilling these tasks. The chemical-physical laboratory offers special analytical methods for particle size measurement as well as analytical methods using gas chromatography, NIR and NMR. We also carry out the classic reference methods for fat, protein, dry matter, ash and sugar determinations in-house.
We have our own risk class 2 laboratory for the testing of pathogenic microorganisms and a bacteriological laboratory for general microbiology. The monitoring of drinking water, air, cleaning, and personal hygiene is a further component of our personal responsibility for self-monitoring.
Our microbiology labs in Uelzen are frequently audited according to the requirements of ISO 17025 for certified laboratories. On a regular basis, all laboratories participate in interlaboratory comparison tests in order to have their mode of operation monitored. At a technical level, we collaborate with laboratories of large food companies and providers of interlaboratory comparisons.
Focusing on allergens
All products manufactured in the Uelzena Group are labelled based on Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers. Before new raw materials can be used, information on allergens based on the above-mentioned regulation must be available. This is the only way to plan and implements safe production processes and effective cleaning schedules. In order to prevent unwanted cross-contamination, we work according to the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and have installed an allergen management system. The effective functioning of the system is checked by frequent allergen validations.
Computer-assisted maintenance management
Perfectly functioning systems are important for the production of high-quality products. We have an IT-supported continuous maintenance management system in place that ensures regular and preventive maintenance. Our hygiene guidelines for internal employees and external contractors define the way maintenance and repair work is conducted in our production areas. Further food safety measures are defined individually in order to avoid any risk.
Only food grade lubricants are used for all possible food contact areas and the compressed air is water- and oil-free. All technical materials used in the company, which could come into contact with the product are suitable for the purpose and of food-grade quality. Corresponding certificates and material safety data sheets are available. Our technical staff and external contractors are aware of and familiar with the use of food grade materials.
No foreign body should be present in our products
Within the scope of HACCP analyses, the hazards from foreign matter (e.g. metal, wood, glass, plastic) are also considered and subjected to a risk assessment. Resulting measures such as the use of sieves, detectors or magnets have been implemented. Bringing personal belongings into the production area is not permitted. Furthermore, only metal detectable ballpoint pens issued by the Uelzena Group are to be used. The use of glass or hard plastic is also not permitted in the production area. Objects where the use (e.g. inspection glasses) cannot be avoided are recorded in a glass register and are checked regularly. Wherever possible, unbreakable materials are used.
Our hygiene zone concept
A high standard of hygiene is indispensable for the production of high-quality food. This is why Uelzena has established hygiene rules that apply to all employees, external contractors and visitors. Apart from the hygiene rules, there is also a risk-based zoning system that must be followed by all persons entering the production area. Our employees are continuously trained on personal and plant hygiene measures and those measures regarding the Infection Control Act. External contractors are also trained to all necessary measures.
Regular and targeted pest control
A pest control system has been established at all Uelzena Group sites in cooperation with an external service provider. This includes the installation of gauze windows, pheromone traps, UV light traps and rodent traps. We do not use poison baits. For all measures, the respective documentation and regular evaluations are available.
Sustainability to us means constantly improving services and products. This ensures that our customers are completely satisfied and that our business enjoys sustainable success.
The food industry places high demands on the products from its suppliers: They should be of high quality, safe and innovative and deliver taste experiences. New customers are regularly adding a wide range of requirements. We are meeting these demands with our expertise and reliability. It is through constant exchanges with our customers that we identify their expectations. Added to that, surveys and quality indicators provide important information that enables us to continuously align ourselves with growing customer expectations.
We meet these expectations reliably and with expertise
The food products we produce require ingredients with defined properties and quality attributes. This may be the precisely defined solubility of a milk powder or the precisely defined melting point of milk fats. The production of such specific ingredients is technically demanding.
Uelzena is a specialist in tailor-made food and thus well prepared to meet these demands. We are able to adjust our production processes precisely to the individual demands of our customers and produce individual ingredients and food products precisely to specification.
More than just a supplier
We are able to easily implement even complex product requirements with specific individual quality parameters for our customers. And this is why renowned and long-term customers often call us a co-producer instead of simply a supplier. For us this is a vote of confidence and proof that our sustainable and successful corporate policy is held in high esteem.
Milk raw materials from Germany and the EU
We source the largest part of the processed raw milk from member dairies and member dairy farms in Lower Saxony, Sachsen-Anhalt and Schleswig-Holstein. Uelzena produces its milk-based ingredients and products exclusively from dairy raw materials from Germany or the European Union. Moreover, only VLOG-certified milk is used for cheese production at the Bismark site.
Approved suppliers
All raw materials and primary packaging materials are only purchased from previously qualified suppliers. A supplier qualification includes a manufacturer's self-disclosure, the submission of various confirmations of compliance with relevant regulations and, if necessary, an audit. Regular supplier evaluations under consideration of the results from incoming goods inspections and adherence to delivery dates and service are an integral part of the procurement process. In addition to supplier approval, every raw material and every primary packaging material must also be approved. In general, raw materials and primary packaging materials are procured exclusively based on agreed specifications. This process guarantees compliance with the quality requirements of the Uelzena Group.
No irradiation of our products
None of the products manufactured and sold by the Uelzena Group and none of the raw materials used are treated with ionizing radiation. Within the scope of the approval process, the raw materials we use are verified for compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1169/2011. Respective labelling is therefore not required.
No genetic engineering
The Uelzena Group does not use any genetically modified raw materials in the production of our products. We use only raw materials for which corresponding supplier declarations under Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed and Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 on the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms are available.
No nanotechnology in the production
We do not make use of nanotechnology in our production processes and we also exclude the use of nanotechnology in the raw materials we procure. The Uelzena Group does not have to label its products according to Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.
Quality assurance at all levels
Specifications are agreed with the suppliers for all raw materials used, primary packaging materials, packaging aids and consumer goods. The specifications are frequently reviewed, released and filed so that all relevant departments can access them easily.
Declarations of non-objection according to Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 on food contact materials and Regulation (EC) No 10/2001 (on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food) are available for primary packaging materials, packaging aids and food contact materials.
Updated recipes and specifications are available for all products produced by Uelzena. They will be adjusted in the case of modifications and reviewed and updated at frequent intervals.