Produce Traceability: An Overview

The requirement for produce traceability is a reality for the industry. It has been since the Bioterrorism Act law in 2002 mandated "one step forward and one step back" traceability. Until now, this traceability has been done primarily at the pallet level, but that is all about to change. Momentum for case level traceability is building. Understanding and preparing for these new requirements is vital, especially if you're a grower, packer or shipper.

Complete traceability, known as "Whole Chain Traceability," is the ability to accurately track fresh produce from its point of origin in the field through the entire supply chain until it arrives at the retail store or restaurant. By implementing standards-based barcode labeling at the case level, each participant in the produce supply chain has access to important traceability information.

Why So Much Focus on Whole Chain Produce Traceability?

Here are some reasons whole chain traceability has become such a visible and vital issue:

1. Regulatory agencies (including the FDA and CDC) need whole-chain traceability to quickly identify and isolate implicated product when investigating contamination events, allowing for more timely and precise recalls.
   
2. Produce industry leaders understand that whole chain traceability is an effective tool for building consumer confidence in produce safety while minimizing the health and financial fallout associated with produce contamination and recalls.
   
3. Consumer, retailers and food service outlets are demanding stronger traceability in response to well publicized incidents of food borne illness.

Automated Whole Chain Traceability Systems

The key to fast, accurate whole chain traceability is an automated electronic tracking and record keeping system.

These systems use mobile devices and barcodes. This allows you to instantly and accurately track the harvest, processing, storage and shipment of your fresh produce.

Electronic traceability helps you monitor product quality, isolate food safety problems and streamline your business.

Best of all, when your data is stored electronically, it can quickly and easily be transmitted to business partners or regulatory agencies.

Automated traceability systems:

• allow you to meet regulatory and industry "best practices" guidelines
• help make your operation more efficient and control costs
• help you minimize the scope and cost of recalls
• give you the power to rapidly and cost effectively respond to recalls

If you're a grower, packer or shipper, RedLine has practical solutions for you: 

• Harvest traceability solutions
• Packing traceability solutions
• Cooler traceability solutions
• Shipping traceability solutions
• Mobile computers and scanners
• Barcode printers and label applicators
• Produce Traceability Labels

We've delivered practical traceability solutions for over 100 fresh produce companies across North America. We can help you find the right solution for your operation.

Contact us today for a free consultation.