Technology and innovation are taking center stage as the FDA gets set to issue its long-awaited blueprint detailing additional standards under the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act. While focused on food safety and traceability, the benefits for food manufacturers will reach beyond that, by minimizing risk and increasing efficiency. This is a long-overdue step towards modernizing and strengthening the food safety system in the United States and bringing technology and innovation to an industry that desperately needs a cost-effective solution to help manage the business and an ever-growing global supply chain.
Whether manufacturers are relying on domestic trade partners or international suppliers, once an ingredient enters the supply chain, maintaining cradle-to-grave traceability is essential. Companies need to track where the product came from, the SKUs and lots that those ingredients go into, and where those products are distributed. This documentation enables companies to track down the root cause and quickly recall products to safeguard consumers. This is a key reason why large distribution channels require proof that manufacturers have traceability in place as part of their agreements.