Traceability

Traceability is: "the ability to trace and follow food, feed, food-producing animals or substances through all stages of production and distribution.

In other words, traceability is the process of tracking an identified product (and its attributes) as it moves between locations.

Why is it important to have a traceability system?

In the event of a disease outbreak or product recall, having an effective traceability system in place is vital. It ensures that you have timely and accurate information to minimize the impact on food safety and to your business.

How does a traceability system work?

A good traceability system organizes information for easy tracking. It relies on written records, instead of someone's memory. Tools can include:

• accurate, up to date handwritten documents
• electronic spreadsheets and databases
• software designed to manage traceability information along with other aspects of a business
• specialized hardware to support the collection of data such as tag readers or bar code scanners

How can the ministry help me with traceability in my operation?

The ministry provides tools and information sheets to help the agriculture sector and food processors understand traceability, workshops focused on developing a traceability program and diverse industry examples of traceability systems at work.

All of these resources are part of the Advantage Series of Food Safety Programs™. The Advantage series addresses food safety from farm to fork in the province.

Learn more

• Learn how to get started with traceability; find resources to help
• Attend training and events
• Find funding available
• Explore industry examples
• Read information sheets
• Find more links

Ontario Forum on Agri-Food Traceability

How can you benefit from traceability? How should Ontario's traceability system continue to grow? Join agri-food industry leaders, traceability experts and goverenment officials at the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre on January 28, 2010 for the Ontario Forum on Agri-Food Traceability to discuss these and other questions.

This one-day event will feature speakers on international, national and provincial initiatives and industry perspectives and successes. It will also provide opportunities to discuss the future of traceability.

Learn more and register.

For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300

For more information:
Toll Free: 1-866-641-3663
E-mail: advantage@ontario.ca