Food Product Tracing
Food product tracing is critical at all levels of the food system to protect public health by isolating products early to help contain a food incident. The safety of the food supply requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort among all stakeholders throughout the supply chain from farm to fork. Effective product tracing would improve the efficiency and speed of response time following a food safety triggering event, and would greatly contribute to the protection of the public health and maintain consumer confidence following such an incident.
Call for Comments
IFT has already received great feedback on the White Paper released in January 2011. We are opening this document for comments until March 1 and will issue a second version shortly thereafter. IFT will also submit comments to FDA in response to their notice in the Federal Register on the burden of recordkeeping (http://www.ift.org/public-policy-and-regulations/advocacy/positions-and-comments/call-for-comments.aspx). Individuals interested in commenting on the white paper or in assisting IFT with developing comments for FDA should contact Dr. Jennifer McEntire (jmcentire@ift.org)
New for 2011: White Paper Expands on CTE and KDE Concepts
IFT continues to lead efforts in the area of product tracing, and in January 2011 released a white paper clarifying the concepts of Critical Tracking Events and Key Data Elements. The paper provides examples and an analogy to HACCP, and has very practical applications for those looking to build their product tracing plans.
IFT and GS1 US Announce Educational Series to Develop Product Tracing Plans
An effective product tracing system can help save lives and protect companies from financial ruin. However, developing one, particularly without a complete understanding of the requirements and critical considerations, can be a complex and time-consuming process. In recognition of these challenges, GS1 US and IFT have built a program designed to help food safety and supply chain professionals develop traceability programs for their organizations. The series consists of three components: 2 webcasts and a workshop.
For more information about these events, visit http://www.ift.org/meetings-and-events/education-series.aspx
IFT Report Findings and Recommendations to FDA: Traceability (Product Tracing) in Food Systems
A new technical study commissioned by FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and released by the Institute of Food Technologists that recommends guidelines to establish a comprehensive product tracing system to track the movement of food products effectively from farm to table.
Traceability (Product Tracing) in Food Systems: An IFT Report Submitted to the FDA, Volume 1: Technical Aspects and Recommendations
Traceability (Product Tracing) in Food Systems: An IFT Report Submitted to the FDA, Volume 2: Cost Considerations and Implications
This report also is available in the January 2010 issue of Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, Vol. 9, Issue 1.
IFT Report Findings to FDA: Tracing Systems: An Exercise Exploring Data Needs and Design
A report summarizing the findings of a mock trace-back/trace forward exercise commissioned by FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition was released by the Institute of Food Technologists. The mock trace-back/trace forward exercise was able to show there is potential to expedite trace-backs by visualizing supply chains to find points of commonality based on data availability, capture, and readiness. The exercise also showed the value of collaboration to reach a shared goal and the need for standardization of data elements and interoperability necessary for trace-back/trace forward investigations.
Report
(pdf)
IFT Food Product Tracing Webcasts
The Challenges of Traceability
In this interactive session, you'll get to hear from industry experts about traceability, including technologies available, relationship with country of origin labeling, and cost. You will also learn what your peers think and are doing about traceability. Background will be provided on the key outbreaks and issues that have brought this topic to the public and under the regulatory spotlight, and which regulations relate to traceability. You will also learn how IFT is involved in the issue of traceability with the Food and Drug Administration, and how you and your organization can become involved.
Product Traceability - How Far Is Enough in Today's Marketplace?
What are the first steps involved in developing a traceability system? How can manufacturers comply with the regulations? Will a traceability system minimize risk? Examples of good record-keeping procedures will be shared, as will procedures for the tracking and tracing of products within a standardized format. Food manufacturers have three main objectives in using traceability systems: improve supply management, facilitate trace back for food safety and quality, and differentiate foods with subtle quality attributes. The benefits associated with these objectives include lower cost distribution systems, reduced recall expenses, and increased sales of products with attributes that are difficult to discern. In every case, the benefits of traceability translate into larger net revenues for the manufacturer. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to develop, implement, and sustain a successful and cost-effective product traceability system.
Additional IFT Traceability Offerings
IFT 2009 Global Food Safety and Quality Conference
June 10, 2009, Anaheim CA
This conference focused on Traceability in Food Systems: Technology vs. Reality and highlighted the need for traceability, current solutions and advances in traceability, and future research needs.
Food Product Traceability: New Challenges, New Solutions
Recent food safety crises highlight the need for better traceability in the supply chain. New software options offer affordable tracking systems, even for small companies.
David Miller. Food Technology. January 2009, Volume 63, No. 1
Traceability in Food Systems
IFT’s Global Food Safety and Quality Conference focused on the challenges to and opportunities for implementing traceability technologies and programs in the supply chain.
IFT Presentations (PDF)
In the News