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Technology & Standards: TraceabilityDue to regulatory requirements such as the U.S. Bioterrorism Act, as well as ongoing food safety issues and the need for more information, traceability has become an issue of great importance to the produce industry. In October 2002, PMA formed an alliance with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) to create a task force to research the requirements around traceability and to create Best Practices as contained in the Fresh Produce: A Guide To Implementation (available below). Additionally, a pilot study was conducted on the validation of the guidelines contained in that document. In January 2008, representatives from over 40 companies and 8 trade associations formed the Produce Traceability Initiative to begin working on an action plan to ensure the industry has a process that will work for the entire supply chain. Cliff notes from each meeting of the Initiative are posted below and available for your review and input. For additional information on why chain-wide, electronic traceability is necessary, there is a three-part series of audio briefings now available on the Ask Dr. Bob Whitaker page. Produce Traceability Initiative Action Plan EndorsementA number of companies have publically endorsed the Produce Traceability Initiative Final Action Plan and professed their intent to execute the milestones and corresponding timelines. As a buyer, seller or distributor of produce, if your company wishes to add their name to the list of those who have endorsed the Action Plan, please send an email to Christina Pierce indicating your company's desire to endorse the plan. Please include your full contact information including the correct spelling of your company's name. Please note that by endorsing the plan, you are giving the trade associations the right to include your company's endorsement in any public venue, including but not limited to press releases, conference sessions and on various websites.
Related Documents (PDF)
Produce Traceability Initiative Action Plan
Produce Traceability Initiative Action Plan Launch Press Release
GTIN Questions and Answers
Produce Traceability Initiative Cliff Notes - August 20, 2008 Meeting
Best Practices on Case Labeling
Traceability Frequently Asked Questions
Produce Traceability Initiative Cliff Notes - June 12, 2008
GTIN Assignment Strategy
Produce Traceability Initiative Cliff Notes - April 11, 2008
Pallet Label Presentation
Produce Traceability Initiative Cliff Notes - February 22, 2008
Produce Traceability Initiative Cliff Notes - January 9, 2008
PMA/CPMA Fresh Produce Traceability Guide to Implementation
Traceability - A Forgotten Piece of Food Safety
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