FoodTrace from farm to fork

With tough new rules on food traceability entering into force in Europe by 2005, determining the means of achieving full traceability is a priority for EU member states. FoodTrace​, a European concerted action, will develop a traceability framework for the whole food chain from farm to fork.

The action will design a common approach in order to deliver a framework based on a range of simple principles that will ensure 'smooth and efficient transfer of information' through every stage of the food chain, said the project co-ordinator, Ian G. Smith.

The idea is to enable the food industry to provide targeted and accurate information on the foods it produces - with the knock on effect that the rather cynical consumer of today will have greater confidence in the food chain.

The primary objective is to build up the practical framework for food traceability and to develop the means to plan, model, validate and implement.

The way in which farmers, processors and distributors perform their operations at each stage has a cumulative effect on the condition of food reaching the consumer. As such, the guidelines will cover every aspect of traceability with the well being of the consumer central to the initiative.