2 replies to this topic

[Simon]

By the end of the year, food manufacturers in the EU will be required by law to prove that they can trace all their processes along the supply chain, writes Anthony Fletcher. This could have a dramatic impact on the industry. Escalating costs could drive some out of business, force some smaller companies to merge with larger ones and complicate the issue of EU accession for those countries whose systems are not yet up to scratch. But despite this, Mark Baillache, a partner at consultancy firm KPMG responsible for the UK food sector, believes that the move towards greater traceability in the food chain is something that, by in large, should and will be welcomed by the industry.

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Foodies, packaging folks, what are your customers saying to you? Are they asking questions? Is pressure being applied? Are your traceability systems up to scratch?

Regards,
Simon

[Charles Chew]

Hi Simon,

Whether the sudden desire to push for product traceability is aimed towards food terrorism is not relevant. In fact, the sheer need of a good product recovery / traceability system itself is pertinent.

Taking the cue from the core issues mentioned in the article, it appears necessary to have a fully functional traceability plan (a system) versus the methods used in ensuring the effectiveness of a recovery when ensued (i.e. radio frequency tagging is only but a hardware)

How do we know that we have an effective traceability system? Does our mock recall exercises really allows us to penetrate stock recovery right down to the trade levels or are we doing just enough to please the food auditor's requirements for recertification.

Can some one share with us a good hazard assessment program / method to justify a stock recovery and if justified, how best the traceability approach be taken to have maximum effectiveness.

Cheers!

Charles Chew

[Simon]

Whether the sudden desire to push for product traceability is aimed towards food terrorism is not relevant. In fact, the sheer need of a good product recovery / traceability system itself is pertinent.

Like you say it's not relevant. An effective traceability system simply makes good business sense.

Simon