GS1 launches fruit, vegetable traceability guidelines

By Rod Addy

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Fruit Standard

Efforts to improve fresh produce traceability have taken a leap forward with a joint initiative between global supply chain standards body GS1 and the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS).

The two organisations have launched the Global Traceability for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Implementation Guide in an attempt to agree on global standards. The move has been driven by demand from the fresh produce industry, said the bodies.

Practical guide

“Industry asked for it and there is a need for it because there is no common consensus of a standard to use in this sector,”​ said Nora Kaci, GS1 global communications manager.

The guide aims to provide fresh produce growers, packers, exporters, importers and distributors with a practical guide to traceability practices, using GS1’s standards system. It is intended to help firms tackle events such as product recalls more efficiently and effectively.

The document illustrates how to implement effective traceability through best business practice examples and is divided into sections dedicated to the needs of each segment of the fresh produce supply chain.

Crucial need

“Adoption of global standards is crucial for the produce industry and the creation of a guide is another step towards integration of GS1 standards into the global produce supply chain,”​ said Jane Proctor, IFPS chairwoman 2006-2009.

Gary Lynch, chief executive of GS1 UK, said: “Businesses today are under increasing pressure to quickly and accurately identify any implicated or contaminated products during product recalls and to provide consumers with more product information.

“It is vital that a practical GS1 traceability guide is available to help businesses with their implementations and to ensure that they comply with the GS1 system of standards.”

Mike McGee of L&M Companies, project chairman for the guidelines, added: “When we began our journey we knew success would be defined by the combination of an understanding of GS1 standards balanced with industry knowledg0e of the unique nuances of the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain.

“The result is an implementation guide that serves companies of all sizes, anywhere in the world, and allows the produce industry to implement a traceability capability that meets the requirements of industry and the expectations of consumers.”

The guide is available to download on the GS1 website via the following link​ and is based on GS1’s overall Global Traceability Standard, which is developed by industry. GS1 global supply chain standards are used by business in more than 100 countries.

Related topics Processing & Packaging

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