Fresh produce traceability labels

Key points

• Case: GTIN + lot (PTI) or retailer format. Pallet: SSCC in GS1-128.
• Mandatory content usually includes product name, class, origin and any treatments such as waxing.
• Labels should be selected automatically from the customer and product, not by the operator.

Label types

Mandatory information

Requirements vary by country and market, but fresh produce generally must show the name of the food, its class, country of origin (or a more local place of provenance where omitting it would mislead) and often the variety. Treatments must be declared – waxed fruit, for example. Descriptions such as "organic" must be accurate. For pre-packed food the information goes on the pack; for loose produce it goes on a notice with the food.

GS1 guidance

GS1's fresh fruit and vegetable traceability guideline sets out the use of GTINs, GLNs and SSCCs, data capture and data sharing (EPCIS, GDSN) to support recall, regulatory compliance and market access. Its consumer-unit labelling guidance covers barcodes, data carriers and human-readable text.

Retailer formats

Producepak includes label designs for PTI, Walmart, Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, Tesco and IGA formats; custom designs can be added by your consultant or your own team. Each customer and product is linked to its label, so the correct label prints automatically.

Frequently asked questions

What is an SSCC?

A Serial Shipping Container Code: an 18-digit GS1 number identifying one logistic unit, usually a pallet, encoded in a GS1-128 barcode.

What is a PTI voice pick code?

A four-digit code derived from GTIN, lot and pack date, printed on PTI case labels so warehouse staff can confirm picks by voice.

Sources and further reading

• gs1ca.org – EAN fresh produce traceability
• inspection.canada.ca – traceability
• fda.gov – fsma final rule requirements additional traceability records certain foo
• ifpsglobal.com – implementation guidance for fresh foods