Some food safety systems can finally work together

By Roger Hancock, CEO of InfoLink reminder

Consumers expect food to be safe. When this is not the case, they expect to be informed promptly. They want to have confidence in the food they buy and want transparency if something goes wrong.

Behind the scenes, food safety requires a network of systems that work together to keep food and consumers safe. Until now, these systems have developed independently, often based on outdated processes or regulations. Manufacturers, distributors, retailers and regulators often use different tools and processes, and many companies are reluctant to share data or invest in technology upgrades. The lack of standardization makes consumer safety more difficult than it should be.

Today, technology makes it easier for food companies to integrate their systems, both internally and with their supply chain. This is good news for consumers, as more connected systems allow food risks to be detected and addressed earlier. When recalls occur, connected technology allows the entire supply chain to collaborate effectively and mobilize quickly to minimize risk.

What Food Safety Systems Collaboration Means
This is what food safety systems collaboration looks like, within a company and throughout the supply chain:

• Data is shared more easily, so everyone has access to the same product information, traceability records and recall alerts.
• Standardized processes are adopted so that companies are better prepared if something goes wrong.
• Technology connects the dots – from farms to factories to grocery stores – so problems can be reported and resolved in real time.

Connected systems help detect problems earlier, better coordinate responses and recall information to reach consumers more clearly.

So what is actually changing to make this possible? Technology can connect food safety systems in ways not possible before, from detection to traceability and recall management.

Detection – Innovative technologies such as predictive analytics can detect potential safety risks before they occur, based on past incident data, seasonal trends or supply chain inputs. Advanced, real-time environmental and pathogen monitoring can detect signs of contamination early, sometimes before food is even shipped. Earlier detection means food companies can remove contaminated products before they reach store shelves, reducing risks to public health.

Traceability – Ingredient-level tracking means brands can quickly identify each affected product when an issue is detected. Digitized audit trails can allow regulators and companies to quickly trace where a product was manufactured, when and under what conditions. Better traceability means faster action and more targeted recalls.

Reminders – When companies use standardized product data and interoperable systems, information flows more easily throughout the supply chain. This allows reminder messages to be shared faster and more clearly through automated management systems, QR codes, loyalty programs, in-store signage and more. Consumers receive the right information, at the right time and in the right place.

Why it matters to consumers
For consumers, it’s important to know that when systems work together, it works better for you. Connected systems allow:

• Faster reminders – Contaminated products should be removed from shelves earlier, to minimize risks to public health.
• More precise communication – You will know exactly which product is affected, where it was sold and what to do if you purchased or consumed it.
• Less exposure to risk – As products can be tracked more accurately, fewer consumers should be affected.
• Bonus – less food waste – Targeted recalls allow only affected products to be withdrawn, instead of entire product lines.

Much of what keeps food safe happens behind the scenes, and consumers rely on industry to get it right. When systems are not connected, even small problems can turn into significant risks. Technology has finally caught up with the complex needs of a global supply chain: all that’s left is for food companies to join. As companies adopt better tools and build more connected systems, they will not only protect their brands more effectively, but they will also more effectively protect people. When systems work together, they scale faster, waste less and keep you safer.

About the author: Roger Hancock, CEO of InfoLink reminderis a recall expert, with experience spanning retail, technology, data, regulatory and supply chain issues. He is also a member of the steering committee of Alliance for Recall Ready Communities.