Supermarket Perimeter - May 2024 - 26

Having solid traceability practices gives retailers an
edge, influencing what consumers like and how the
market moves. Retailers should see traceability not
just as a rule-following thing but also as a smart
move for picking out where to get their goods. "
Randy Fields, ReposiTrak
Emerging technologies such as blockchain, Internet
of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) are poised
to revolutionize how we monitor, trace, and ensure
the integrity of food products. These systems offer the
potential for the accurate real-time tracking of food
items, enhancing traceability and facilitating swift
response in case of contamination
outbreaks or recalls.
" Having solid traceability practices
gives retailers an edge, influencing
what consumers like and how the
market moves, " said Randy Fields,
CEO of ReposiTrak, a retail technology
company focused on traceability and
compliance. " Retailers should see
traceability not just as a rule-following
thing but also as a smart move for
picking out where to get their goods.
It's not just about ticking boxes; it's a
strategic tool that builds up trust with
consumers in this shifting regulatory
landscape. "
" Looking forward, more tweaks or
Liz Sertl,
GS1 US
changes to FSMA Section 204 could
throw a curveball at food retailers.
They're getting ready for it by putting
money into more sophisticated digital
traceability systems. This way, they can keep up with the
rules, find their sweet spot in the market, and show off
traceability as a " secret weapon " for earning consumer
trust in the middle of all these rule changes. Simply put,
being ahead of the game and rolling with the punches
in FSMA Section 204 is key for food retailers' long-term
success in this ever-changing rulebook. "
Keeping the lines open
Ensuring food safety in fresh food retailing necessitates
collaborative efforts and partnerships among
stakeholders, including retailers, suppliers, regulators,
and consumers.
26 - MAY 2024
supermarketperimeter.com
By fostering open communication, sharing best
practices, and aligning objectives, these collaborative
initiatives can fortify the resilience of the food supply
chain and mitigate the risks posed by foodborne
illnesses and contamination incidents.
" We're constantly learning about new food/pathogen
associations and the FDA has indicated that it will
update the FTL food list about once every 5 years, " said
Ben Miller, executive vice president of regulatory and
scientific affairs at The Acheson Group, a global food
safety and public health consulting firm. " We've seen an
increase in Cyclospora infections related to fresh berries
in the last few years (fresh berries are not currently an
FTL food), and it's possible that commodities such as
this could be added to the FTL food list. If a commodity
is added to the list, there is a two-year period to prepare
before compliance is required. "
" Conversely, if a food is removed from the FTL list,
the need to trace that food ends immediately. That
said, we're seeing more retailers consider tracing all
foods that they receive - not just FTL foods. Trying to
manage processes by exception can be challenging and
by tracing all food received, this creates one consistent
process. "
Retailers will likely leverage partnerships with
suppliers to implement stringent quality assurance
measures, promote transparency and establish robust
traceability systems.
Engaging with regulatory agencies, standards
organizations and trade groups enables companies to
stay abreast of evolving requirements, seek guidance
on compliance matters, and advocate for policies that
prioritize consumer safety. Additionally, empowering
consumers with knowledge and resources empowers
them to make informed decision on the food they
consume.
" The need to share regulated data between supply
chain partners will drive wider adoption of interoperable
data standards and exchange protocols, " said Liz
Sertl, senior director, supply chain visibility for GS1
GS1 US
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Supermarket Perimeter - May 2024

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