Factors to Consider When Automating Food Traceability Systems

May 25, 2010 in Food & Beverage Industry Information

 

 

Today’s food supply chains are undeniably complex.  And in recent years, factors such as manufacturing efficiency improvements, increased product diversity and sheer volume have contributed to an increased risk for large scale food safety incidents, which can reach across countries and even continental boundaries.

I recently read a fantastic whitepaper entitled “Ensuring Food Safety and Brand Protection Through Supply Chain Traceability” which covers, among other things, the importance of developing an automated approach to traceability to ensure food safety.

Here are a few of the whitepaper’s guidelines for food processors to implement effective product traceability practices:

  • define and apply consistent product and process standards across facilties and departments;
  • document all supply chain activities that involve the handling, processing and storage of food products, ingredients, packaging, processing equipment, etc.;
  • implement a system that facilitates transparent, rapid and complete “source to sale” auditability;
  • consistently collect activity reporting information, and be able to quickly retrieve quality information after-the-fact for up to two years after a product is sold;
  • create processes that fit well with existing supply chain business operations.

When it comes to ensuring the success of your food safety and traceability initiatives, having the right professionals on your team can make all the difference.  Kinsa is here to help.  We can deliver the talented food and beverage professionals your business needs.  Contact us today.