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page 2,858 tests commissioned 26 * clothing is externally chemically tested by Oekotex, quality testing by Hoehenstein Institute and all other non-food categories such as electrical items are mainly tested by TÜV, with a combination of other specialised testers. Lidl is committed to eliminating the emission of harmful chemicals in the production of both clothing and footwear by 2020 in line with the Greenpeace Detox Commitment. Limits for Lidl own-branded products The European Union (EU) has established statutory limits for many undesirable substances. These limits are set based on a number of factors, including the effect on humans and the frequency of consumption. A further safety margin is then factored in so that consumers will not be exposed to any health risk if the limits are complied with. We define a voluntary code as a code of practice that is not legally mandated and issued by a governmental body. brand food specials. In 2018 we had 0 incidents of non-compliance with regulations and/or voluntary codes* resulting in a fine, penalty or warning. This was due to our rigorous internal processes, compliance with relevant standards and overall commitment to our product quality and safety. Pesticides Currently we adhere to the following internal limits which are far stricter than the European Union Regulations. Lidl’s aim is to provide foods free of residue as far as feasibly possible: • Residue levels of any individual active substance may not exceed one third of the statutory maximum level • Residue levels of all active substances may not exceed 80% of the statutory maximum level in total • Residuesofnomorethanfiveidentifiableactivesubstancesare THE HEALTH OF OUR CUSTOMERS IS A TOP PRIORITY, WHICH IS WHY OUR SAFETY ASSURANCE TEAM TAKES GREAT CARE TO ENSURE THAT THE PRODUCTS WE OFFER COMPLY WITH THE STRICTEST STANDARDS. Aoife Noonan, Head of Quality Assurance Audited by EY Customer and Society OQUUALRITYPARNDOSDAFUETCYTS 0 in 2018 Lidl Ireland/Northern Ireland | Sustainability Progress Report 2018/19 WE ARE PARTICULARLY CAREFUL ABOUT SELECTING OUR OWN-BRAND SUPPLIERS, ALL OF WHOM ARE CERTIFIED ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING GLOBALLY RECOGNISED INDEPENDENT FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS: INTERNATIONAL FEATURED STANDARD (IFS), BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM (BRC) AND OR FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM CERTIFICATION (FSSC). ALL OUR SUPPLIER AUDITS ARE UNANNOUNCED AND ARE CONDUCTED BY INDEPENDENT ACCREDITED AUDITORS ON A REGULAR BASIS. Certified quality All our own-brand products undergo extensive quality testing by our quality Our aim is to comply with even stricter requirements than the law. assurance department. In addition to this internal quality control, we One example of this is Lidl’s policy concerning plant protection also work closely with experts in independent, fully accredited testing product residues (also known as pesticides), which indicates that laboratories. In 2018 our quality team based in Ireland commissioned our fruit and vegetables may contain no more than one third of the 2,858 tests of our own-brand products. Our International quality teams maximum level permitted by law. Our suppliers must meet this adhere to the same stringent standard of testing when we purchase requirement and we are diligent in ensuring their compliance. incidents of products from them. Compliance non-compliance Non-food In 2018 we commissioned over 2,858 tests and conducted 81 All our own-brand non-food items (categories such as cosmetics, unannounced audits. From our investigations and tests in 2018 hygiene and cleaning products) are also quality tested to the highest we found the most prevalent issues related to internal chemical or Irish and European standards. To ensure these standards are maintained microbiological limits. Our quality team based in Ireland is responsible across all our categories, we work with reputable third-party institutes: for testing over 950 own-brand listed products and over 200 own- Resources and Agriculture Supply Chain and Processing Agricultural Inputs Cultivation & Harvesting Animal Keeping Production Processing Transportation Operations and Processes permitted Logistics Centre Transportation Stores and Services Purchase Usage Disposal 81 unannounced audits