Revolutionary Produce Tracking Network on Track for Completion in 2012

By Mike Rozembajgier

The Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) will revolutionize the way produce growers, packers, processors and sellers track their products from farm field to table.  As previously discussed by ExpertINSIGHTS, this system has the ability to pinpoint tainted batches of produce and thereby make recall management easier, cheaper, and more effective — in turn leading to a safer food supply and a lot less confusion in the event of a recall.

DC Velocity recently checked in on the program’s progress and noted that the PTI plan is on track for its 2012 implementation.  “Earlier this year, a PTI survey of its Leadership Council member companies showed seventy-nine percent of participants throughout the supply chain—growers, packers, shippers, retailers, wholesalers, and food service firms—were on track to hit PTI milestones by next year.”  The first three steps of the plan have been implemented, and the next three are expected to be finished by the end of 2011, according to the PTI website.  Once these six steps are completed, there is only one final step, including testing, that needs to be completed by the end of 2012.

That this initiative has remained on track is a good indication that the trade groups responsible for its implementation are committed to making the system it work.  As with any system of this type, however, it is only effective if it is used properly. A single breakdown in the supply chain could spoil the tracking data for the entire industry.  The commitment these groups have shown to making sure that their members are complying, despite the cost, is commendable.

The PTI will place a bar code on every package of produce that records the location and date the produce was harvested.  As it moves through the supply chain, packers, processors and retailers will be able to monitor previous scans to see where the produce has been and then add their own information to the network so that future scans will include the most up-to-date information.

Technology is currently being developed to enable GPS-driven location data to be added to the bar codes.  Packers are also responsible for having “human-readable information on cases” which will allow even those without a bar code scanner to see the most pertinent information.

Although PTI represents an important breakthrough in food safety oversight, these new and advanced tracking capabilities companies should stick to a policy of over-compliance.  The impact of a recall can go well beyond the recalled product.

Companies must err on the side of caution and closely monitor the supply chain.  PTI is a powerful new tool. But it does not eradicate the threat of a recall. It is not a substitute for careful quality assurance and recall planning.

Stericycle ExpertRECALL™ is the industry leader in recall logistics and regulatory compliance for consumer product, pharmaceutical, medical device, juvenile product, and food and beverage recalls. ExpertRECALL’s professionals are experts in recall management who can help you streamline the entire product recall process.