Importance of Food Traceability

The food supply chain has become incredibly extensive as manufacturers constantly look to reduce their costs and find ways to manufacture their products by using different ingredients supplied by different regions of the world. This complex nature of the food chain has made it incredibly important for manufacturers to be able to go back to the origin of a particular food product in case there is a public health crisis at hand. In the case of a public health crisis, by using traceability, the manufacturers can re-call their products without facing serious consequences.

Traceability allows the manufacturers to keep track of the location at every step of the food chain. Traceability has two main directions; Tracking and Tracing. Tracking refers to the forward movement and hence enables a manufacturer to figure out who the end customer is going to be for a particular product. Tracing, on the other hand, enables the manufacturer to go back in the food supply chain and figure out the source of a particular product. Both these processes are important as they can help you eliminate the chances of a public health crisis arising. So, why is traceability so important? Let’s find out.

Why is it Important?

Food Traceability is an extremely important phenomenon which cannot be limited to its use in case of product withdrawal only. While the most important use of food traceability can be deduced to be in withdrawal and re-call cases, it is important to understand that food traceability has some other benefits as well.

– For The Consumer

Let’s first talk about how food traceability can affect a consumer. Because of food traceability, the first effect on the consumer is the confidence that the consumer feels in the product because of not “being in the dark” regarding the supply chain. Food traceability also enables the consumer to choose the product that comes from the origin of interest of the consumer. For example, consumers might prefer buying products that are locally made or wish to avoid products linked to certain areas of the world.

– For The Manufacturer

There are also benefits associated with food traceability for the business itself. First, it gives the business the satisfaction of knowing its product in a complete manner. Other than this, in the case of a public health scare, it is easy for the manufacturer to decrease the effect of bad publicity in the case of a withdrawal by putting the real country of origin in the limelight.

– For The Public

Because food traceability brings transparency into the food supply chain, it prevents the public from becoming victims of food fraud and decreases the chance of frequent outbreaks of serious diseases. Knowing that every ingredient can be traced back to its source causes the suppliers to be more vigilant and cautious.

The importance of food traceability hence cannot be undermined as it prevents all the stakeholders from damaging consequences. Considering the extensive food supply chains that are in effect these days, food traceability gives incredible satisfaction and confidence to all parties involved.

How Can Food Traceability become Easier

Because of the extensive food supply chain that exists these days, tracing each and every ingredient back to the supplier can become a daunting task. Herbst Software has come up with an incredibly easy solution to this giant problem. By using our food traceability feature you can enable your business to have an efficient and effective batch allocation system and manage inspection dates. Herbst Software helps you track the ingredients and gives you an easier and convenient platform to improve batch management and business proceses.