Produce traceability
Because traceability systems can provide information on the source, location, movement and storage conditions of produce, they also allow growers, packers, processors and distributors to identify factors affecting quality and delivery.
[5] Tracing of an item through various stages of production, manufacturing, processing, handling, transportation, sales and consumption is a widespread practice in today's world.
Manufacturers may require purchasers to register ownership of a product to facilitate possible future recall for safety reasons or warranty fulfillment.
The Post Office and package delivery companies make widespread use of tracking packages from pickup to delivery, even to destinations on the other side of the world.Some often-recognized benefits of traceability include:[citation needed] In 1930, produce industry leaders sponsored legislation to require an internal trail of accounting between buyers and sellers along the entire produce marketing chain.
[9] Based on these records, many organizations in the fresh produce distribution chain have long maintained the ability to trace products inside their enterprise.
In simple terms, they know where they got it and where they sent it, but with products that may move through multiple parties who may transform or comingle them, trying to connect many links quickly in time of crisis is a challenge.
[citation needed] Some 30 years ago, manufacturers and retailers created an organization called GS1 to improve the efficiency of the distribution of food and consumer goods to supermarkets.
Traceability of food is legally required in the European Union (Regulation 178/2002) with dedicated initiatives in EU countries and the UK[13] and Northern Ireland.
[15][16] The EU sustainable product policy was renewed in function of the European Green Deal and the new Circular Economy Action Plan.
[citation needed] In the United States, various government agencies have oversight or regulatory control over different aspects of fresh fruit and produce production, processing and distribution.
It would expand FDA authority, require registration of food manufacturers and processors, regulate crop cultivation and harvesting and other measures.
HR2749 does not specifically endorse the PTI, or prescribe a traceability method or methodology, but instead Section 107 calls for regulations establishing a tracing system that includes: with a goal of identifying each person who grows, produces, manufactures, processes, packs, transports, holds, or sells food in as short a timeframe as practicable but no longer than 2 business days.
Product orientation, packing density and materials (in particular water, which is predominant in produce) can have a significant detrimental effect on read reliability of passive tags.
