Hi fellow members of IFSQN!
Our company is gearing to produce products for Costco Canada, and we seem to be a little stuck on their date/ lot coding requirements.
We usually use a XXXX Ln JJJ format for Batch coding, where XXXX is the Product Code, Ln is the Line Number, and JJJ is the Julian Code for the date of production, and also a Best Before date. The indicated batch coding system relates directly to our traceability procedure as well.
We came across the Costco Requirement in Food Safety & Quality Audit Expectations for Costco Suppliers, which says:
"Julian code dating is not acceptable for any Costco product."
This has now put us in a bit of a fix as to what can be better implemented that solves the current and long term supply to US and Canada. Any suggestion regarding this would be of great help.
Also for the date coding, we know the MMDDYYYY format for the US & Canada, but is there a particular Costco preferred Best Before Date Coding system?
Thank you ever so much!
Regards,
Urmi