Guarantee of Confidence
The National Edible Oil Distributors’ Association
NEODA’s central principle is adherence to the "Guarantee of Confidence" scheme
The scheme ensures that all packs of edible oil and fat sold and distributed by members, adhere to a strict set of requirements concerning product contents, labelling and pack sizes. Only products that meet the stringent set of criteria can carry a ‘Guarantee of Confidence’ logo. This label assures the quality of products, so consumers can purchase them with complete confidence.
As part of the scheme the association carries out an Oil Monitoring Programme; independently analysing packs of oils and fats from members and non-members to ensure customers and consumers are not misled as to the nature, quality or quantity of oils being sold in the market. Misleading or illegal products that show signs of adulteration, display false claims or are underweight are brought to the attention of both the manufacturer and the Trading Standards Authorities so further action can be taken.
All processor members of NEODA are BRC (British Retail Consortium) accredited to Grade A standard, or recognised equivalent, in order to use the NEODA logo ono their products. Non-processor members are encouraged to work towards achieving a recognised quality standard such as ISO, EFSIS or BRC.
WHAT IS THE OIL MONITORING PROGRAMME?
WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Members of NEODA all operate under, and are signatories to the NEODA Guarantee of Confidence scheme. As part of the scheme, NEODA members participate in the Oil Monitoring Programme, designed to monitor the quality of products supplied to the food service industry.
Specific packs of vegetable oils and animal fats are collected throughout the UK. The samples, packed by both NEODA and non-NEODA members, are then sent for independent analysis to an accredited laboratory to check that what is in the product matches the ingredient label and the specified volume is accurate.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?
The NEODA Oil Monitoring Programme is in place to ensure customers and consumers are not misled as to the nature or quantity of oils being sold.
If you are a caterer purchasing Sunflower Oil how do you know if you are getting the oil you are paying for, and not a cheaper vegetable oil alternative? Without the sophisticated chemical analysis it is virtually impossible for wholesalers, retailers or end-users to check the specification of the product against the product delivered, which creates opportunities for fraud.
The NEODA Oil Monitoring Programme has exposed multiple adulterations, such as genetically modified soyabean oil sold as rapeseed oil; groundnut oil which was in fact blended with cheaper soyabean oil, and palm oil containing an additive not permitted in the UK.
By eliminating the cases of misleading and fraudulent products, NEODA’s programme raises standards across the edible oils trade.
WHY BUY FROM NEODA MEMBERS?
All NEODA members produce high quality products that are labelled accurately and legally.
Potential fraudulent activities arise when these products are sold to a small minority of unscrupulous independent oil packers who then commit deliberate fraud.
The NEODA logo ensures what it says on the box, bottle, or drum, is what is in the box, bottle or drum.
Only buy edible oils and fats that display the NEODA Guarantee of Confidence Logo to ensure the highest quality.
YOU SHOULD ONLY BUY EDIBLE OILS AND FATS THAT DISPLAY THE NEODA GUARANTEE OF CONFIDENCE LOGO.