Securing Food Amidst Increasing Recalls

Food and beverage recalls reached their highest single-quarter point in 2023 in four years, a worrisome statistic compounded by the number of units affected by recalls hitting a decade-long peak in 2022. The current surge in food contamination incidents, ranging from Hepatitis A in frozen fruit to listeria in charcuterie meat, has prompted consumers to question the safety of the food system. Both business leaders and everyday shoppers are now seeking reassurance regarding efforts being undertaken to secure the safety of the food supply chain.

 

World Food Safety Day, observed annually in the summer, is a reminder established by the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, highlighting the 1,600,000 people who fall ill daily due to foodborne illnesses. During this event and Food Safety Month in September, industry leaders evaluate their approaches to preventing, detecting, and managing foodborne illnesses to safeguard future populations. Over the past year, notable advancements have been made toward this goal.

 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented two significant changes recently. In January 2023, the Human Foods Program underwent restructuring to streamline processes, strengthen oversight, and improve communication, aiming to enhance the organization's ability to respond swiftly to emerging risks and recalls. Furthermore, in November 2022, the FDA introduced the new Food Traceability Rule under section 204 of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), aiming to improve supply chain traceability for high-risk foods listed on the Food Traceability List (FTL). These changes, effective from January 2026, aim to address critical gaps in supply chain visibility, promote information-sharing among stakeholders, and expedite the removal of harmful products from the market.

 

While the FDA's mandates focus on traceability and transparency, an industry-led initiative transforms product identification using 2D barcodes, such as QR codes. These barcodes provide more detailed product identification and allow brands to interact directly with consumers. Clickable codes link to extensive information, including product ingredients, sourcing details, and supply chain stops, accessible through a simple smartphone scan.

 

PepsiCo, for instance, has integrated 2D barcodes on its Starry soda bottles, using GS1 Digital Link to connect to various business-to-business and business-to-consumer information. This industry-wide movement, Sunrise 2027, involves retailers committing to reading and processing 2D barcodes at point-of-sale within the next four years, eliminating the need for multiple data carriers and enhancing information-sharing.

 

The challenges in today's food supply chain, including delayed information and traceability issues, result in slower responses to food safety hazards and recalls. A vision for the future involves leveraging technology to connect finished products with their supply chain data, enabling quicker and more accurate responses to outbreak investigations. The FDA and the food industry are working collaboratively to enhance food safety and recall readiness, with FDA mandates complementing the industry's transition to 2D barcodes, ultimately providing consumers with unprecedented information about the products they consume. In a world where communication and traceability are enhanced, consumer safety becomes a top priority, leaving no room for misinformation in our food supply.

 

Building a secure food system demands unwavering commitment. By prioritizing transparency and embracing innovative traceability solutions like ours, we can empower consumers with knowledge, strengthen trust between growers and consumers, and ultimately cultivate a future where safe, healthy food nourishes every table. Join us at Nazar Systems in shaping a more resilient and transparent food chain.

Nazar Systems Team

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The Move Toward Safer Food