GS1 US® has introduced a new structure for the Foodservice GS1 US Standards Initiative workgroups for 2017 focused on transitioning from basic standards adoption to establishing and sharing GS1 Standards implementation best practices for the foodservice industry. The new workgroups were developed to support the industry’s goals designed to increase efficiencies in the supply chain, enhance food safety and traceability, and improve product information through the use of GS1 standards.

The new workgroups include:        

• Operational Efficiencies Workgroup – Established to improve operational efficiencies by identifying gaps and opportunities where leveraging GS1 Standards can lead to reduced costs and business growth.
• Joint Foodservice and Retail Grocery Data Quality Workgroup – Established jointly with GS1 US Retail Grocery Initiative members, the workgroup will collaborate to drive best practices for achieving complete and accurate product data across both channels to support emerging e-commerce needs.

While the Global Trade Item Number®, Global Location Number and User workgroups have sunset, the Global Data Synchronization Network™ (GDSN®) Implementation Workgroup, the Marketing Workgroup and the Traceability Workgroup will remain active in serving their respective purposes:

• GDSN Implementation Workgroup – Provides guidance and education for product information and attributes used for data exchange through the GDSN in the foodservice supply chain.
• Marketing Workgroup – Facilitates marketing and communication programs and strategies to help promote and accelerate voluntary adoption of GS1 Standards.
• Traceability Workgroup – Develops industry-specific guidance and recommendations to support enhanced traceability, including the adoption of GS1-128 barcodes.

For additional information about the Foodservice GS1 US Standards Initiative, visit www.gs1us.org/foodservice.