Since 1987, Gestion Qualiterra has monitored the quality of apples by applying the Quality Quebec standard. Every year, from September to June, technician inspectors visit all the apple packaging stations. The frequency of inspection varies and visits are unannounced. During the inspections in these packaging stations, inspectors conduct an audit of the quality of the apples that are ready for shipment. All packaged apples are likely to be sampled and tested through inspection sampling. Since January 2016, inspectors also check the quality of the packaging material with respect to the protection of apples. This program is associated with statistical quality monitoring. Moreover, compliance with the standard is ensured by issuing demerit points for plants that exceed the established tolerance level.