Embed Doc
Copy Link
Readcast
Collections

CommentGo Back

Download

Module: Food Biotechnology

Technical Applications of Food Traceability

Dwiyitno

Abstract

Traceability is the ability to trace and follow a food, feed, food-producing animal orsubstance intended to be or expected to be incorporated into a food or feed, through all stagesof production, processing and distribution (Regulation EC No. 178/2002). The main objectiveof a traceability system is to record the history of a product since the raw materials used inthe production and follows the process through the distribution to the consumer. Basically,there are 2 important aspects regarding the implementation of traceability, which are trackingand tracing system. GS1 (formerly EAN-UCC) is the most code system used world wide fortraceability purposes. In the present time, bar code symbols are used globally as data carriersbut other technologies, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags will be applied inthe future. Nevertheless, DNA-based method, PCR in particular, is the most reliable methodand widely employed in tracing back product origin. Accuracy, speed, completeness,reliability, validation and verification of the systems are important consideration inimplementing traceability system.Keywords: food traceability, barcodes, Radio Frequency Identification,polymerase chain reaction

1. Introduction

Food safety is an important part of food quality as are tracking and tracing systems(traceability). There are several definitions for traceability. European Union (EU) definestraceability as the ability to trace and follow a food, feed, food-producing animal or substanceintended to be or expected to be incorporated into a food or feed, through all stages of production, processing and distribution (Regulation EC No. 178/2002). While in the U.S.traceability is defined as the efficient and rapid tracking of physical product and traits fromand to critical points of origin or destination in the food chain necessary to achieve specificfood safety and, or, assurance goals (Golan

et al

., 2004). On the other hand, ISO 9001/2000defines traceability as the ability to trace the history, application or location of that which isunder consideration. Additionally, labeling and traceability of genetically modified food(GMF) are important issues that are considered in trade and regulation, particularly by EUlegislation (Regulation EC No. 1829 & 1839/2003).The main objective of a traceability system is to record the history of a product sincethe raw materials used in the production and follows the process through the distribution to

MSc

Food

Science,

Technology

and

Nutrition

(SefotechNUT)

Email:

dwiyitno@yahoo.com

2the consumer. Therefore, traceability system basically benefits to both producer andconsumer. Traceability system enables fewer products to be recalled and brings importantcost savings where the aim is to provide consumers with the high quality and safety productswhich are produced in a cost efficient way (

Asensio

et al

., 2007)

. Furthermore, benefits of anefficient traceability system provide feedback on product quality to the supply chain andimprove consumer confidence. Currently, traceability systems can be incorporated intoinformation systems where consumers can get information on any product such as viaelectronic data interchange/EDI (EAN, 2002)

The implementation of traceability has generated a significant amount of interest asthere is no single system accepted globally. Therefore, it is important to distinguish betweenlegal requirements and technologies required for providing a track and trace capability. Thetraceability system should enable efficient food safety management, but it is theresponsibility of individual companies and supply chains to voluntarily take advantage of thecapabilities it provides (EAN, 2002). The aim of this paper is to review the technicalapplication of food traceability, particularly the common tracking techniques as well asanalytical methods availability for tracing back purposes.

2. The implementation of food traceability

Since 1 January 2005, the EU regulations oblige that all food and feed businessoperators to establish traceability systems, even when their customers do not require it.Traceability is also mandatory for beef in Japan, while exported beef in Australia, Argentinaand Brazil is obliged to be traceable. Conversely, up to date traceability is voluntary in theU.S. (Souza-Monteiro & Caswell

Smith

et al

., 2005). In order to be able to trace productsand retrieve related information, producers have to provide information and keep track of products during all stages of production, including primary production, processing,distribution, retailing, and consumer (Schwagele, 2005). Furthermore, traceability requires averifiable method to identify growers, fields and produce in all its packaging andtransport/storage activities at all stages of the supply chain.

Basically, there are 2 important aspects regarding the implementation of traceability,which are tracking and tracing system (Figure 1). Product tracking is the capability to followthe path of a specified unit of a product through the supply chain, whereas product tracing isthe capability to identify the origin of a particular unit and/or batch of product located withinthe supply chain by reference to records held upstream in the supply chain (EAN, 2002). Theimplementation and maintenance of the traceability regulations require an effective and

3efficient system to track and trace back the products. Consequently, methodologies for theanalyses of the food materials combined with information technology systems are essential toestablish a working tracking and tracing system (Schwagele, 2005).Figure 1. Tracking and tracing system along food chainBy the new EU regulation of traceability, the food processor is obliged to ensure thatthe food products meet the requirements of food law in which previously it was sufficient fora processor to be able to identify the source of an ingredient. This implies that the source of all materials involved can be traced and a processor must therefore be able to prove that hissuppliers can provide full traceability. If any problem is suspected, tracking must go as far asthe consumer (Schwagele, 2005). Traceability covers everything that happens to the productsbefore, during and after the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution (Figure 2).Figure 2. Traceability link management (GS1, 2006)

GTIN1Lot BGTIN1Lot ASSCC1SSCC2SSCC3SSCC4SSCC7SSCC5

ProductionGTIN1

GTIN2GTIN2GTIN2GTIN2GTIN2GTIN2SSCC6GLN1GLN2GLN3GLN4GLN6GLN5

Logistic unit of raw materials Production lineTrade item lotsGrouping unit Logistic unit of final productsOriginal location Destinationlocation

ReceptionPackagingStorage orPreparation forshippingProduction

DESTINATIONPRODUCTIONUPSTREAMSUPPLIERS

Tracking

Provision of information downstream

Tracing

Provision of information upstream

PrimaryProducerProcessingCompanyDistributor RetailConsumer

of 00

Food Traceability

Download or Print

2,614 Reads

Info and Rating

Category:	School Work > Essays & Theses
Rating:
Upload Date:	04/11/2009
Copyright:	Attribution Non-commercial
Tags:	Food Biotechnology RFID genomic traceability barcoding dwiyitno sefotechnut (more tags) Food Biotechnology RFID genomic traceability barcoding dwiyitno sefotechnut kaho sint lieven proteomic (fewer)