International trade in herbs and spices is showing steady growth. This may contribute to the deterioration of their quality (complex supply chains) and the search for alternative, cheaper sources (adulteration). This paper presents the results of quality control of culinary herbs available on the European markets. Eight spices were evaluated: savory, lovage, basil, thyme, marjoram, oregano, fennel, mustard. The tests were performed (from January 2022 till January 2023) for three production batches from five different suppliers, and analyzed such parameters as aroma, overall appearance, impurity content, net weight, moisture content, ash content and essential oils. The analyzed parameters are the basic quality characteristics controlled by institutions overseeing the quality of foodstuffs. The determinations were made on the basis of European standards. The results show deviations from the standards especially in the content of essential oils. Slight exceedances of the standards were also recorded for water and total ash content. On the other hand, for such parameters as net weight, impurity content, general appearance or odor, no overstepping of acceptable standards was recorded.

It is vital to remember that there are numerous kinds of standards compliant with the ISO 9001 standard. ISO 9001 standard is one of many pro-quality solutions adopted in companies worldwide. Starting to apply pro-quality solutions in an organization, in particular the ISO 9001 standard implementation, is up to the decision making body. The analyses also show that the ISO 9001 standard meets the requirements of decision-making body. This trend is positive and continues to increase. Therefore, it is likely to forecast that the implementation dynamics will still be increasing in the near future.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify the threats resulting from the use of food supplements by individual consumers. Design/methodology/approach: I conducted a literature review of documented cases describing potential threats associated with the consumption of food supplements. The analysis of these cases allowed me to propose a preliminary classification of the identified risks. Findings: The study indicates that there is a broad spectrum of potential threats for consumers of food supplements. Preliminary findings suggest that these risks are universal and align with conclusions drawn by researchers examining their national markets. However, the current knowledge remains fragmented and dispersed, which highlights the need for its further systematisation. Research limitations/implications: As this is an exploratory study based on literature review, the findings are limited by the scope and quality of the available publications. Further empirical research is necessary to validate and expand the proposed classification of threats. Practical implications: The study underlines the importance of strengthening legal regulations concerning food supplements in order to reduce risks to consumers’ health and safety. It also encourages international dialogue on harmonising standards across markets. Originality/value: This paper provides a structured classification of threats associated with food supplements based on existing literature. It contributes to the discussion on consumer safety and highlights the need for more detailed and coherent legal frameworks regulating the food supplements market.

In the present study, we discuss the role of private label (PL) in the context of the development of the independent automotive market (IAM) in Poland. We also seek to define a structural model for PLs, with regard to the IAM market in Poland. The article presents the results of the analysis of the literature on the subject as well as of interactive pilot research conducted among 80% of the IAM market in Poland. The research was conducted on 28 November 2013, during the 8th conference organised by the Association of Automotive Parts Distributors and Producers in Warsaw. In Poland, private labels are used most of all by trading companies. Independent aftermarket companies represent the sector of production and distribution. This difference is the result of decisions concerning the implementation of private labels in the automotive industry. Although the notion of private labels is known in the automotive industry there are barriers to introducing them nationally. The article presents the challenges and limitations of developing PL among Polish IAM entrepreneurs and proposes a PL strategy model. The overview and research results will allow IAM decision-makers to analyse the possibilities and threats that implementing private labels into their structures carries. As far as we know, the analysis and research presented here are among the first empirical explorations aimed at filling the IAM knowledge gap. Moreover, there is no comparative international research in this field, suggesting the need for further in-depth research. The analysis and research material makes the paper an original contribution to the development in this field. In the present study, we discuss the role of private label (PL) in the context of the development of the independent automotive market (IAM) in Poland. We also seek to define a structural model for PLs, with regard to the IAM market in Poland. The article presents the results of the analysis of the literature on the subject as well as of interactive pilot research conducted among 80% of the IAM market in Poland. The research was conducted on 28 November 2013, during the 8th conference organised by the Association of Automotive Parts Distributors and Producers in Warsaw. In Poland, private labels are used most of all by trading companies. Independent aftermarket companies represent the sector of production and distribution. This difference is the result of decisions concerning the implementation of private labels in the automotive industry. Although the notion of private labels is known in the automotive industry there are barriers to introducing them nationally. The article presents the challenges and limitations of developing PL among Polish IAM entrepreneurs and proposes a PL strategy model. The overview and research results will allow IAM decision-makers to analyse the possibilities and threats that implementing private labels into their structures carries. As far as we know, the analysis and research presented here are among the first empirical explorations aimed at filling the IAM knowledge gap. Moreover, there is no comparative international research in this field, suggesting the need for further in-depth research. The analysis and research material makes the paper an original contribution to the development in this field.