A low-cost traceability solution for fresh produce
Traceability does not need a six-month ERP project. It needs lot IDs, scans at four points and labels your customers accept.
Key points
- Minimum viable traceability: receival lots, batch inputs, dispatch scans, compliant labels.
- PTI case labels carry GTIN and lot; SSCC identifies pallets.
- Regulation is tightening: FSMA 204 in the US, SFCR Part 5 in Canada.
- Traceability software that also runs inventory pays for itself through waste reduction.
Why traceability matters
Traceability is the basis of food safety: it allows unsafe product to be removed from the supply chain quickly, from retailer back through wholesale, packing and farm. It also limits the size – and cost – of any recall.
What regulations require
- United States: FSMA 204 requires key data elements and critical tracking events for foods on the Food Traceability List, with records provided to FDA within 24 hours. Compliance date: 20 July 2028.
- Canada: Part 5 of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) requires traceability documents one step forward and one step back, plus labelling under SFCR, the SFCA and the Food and Drug Regulations.
- Retailers worldwide require GS1 barcodes, PTI case labels or their own formats.
The Produce Traceability Initiative
PTI is an industry-led program in North America that standardises case-level traceability: each case carries a GTIN and lot number in a GS1-128 barcode and human-readable text, plus a voice pick code. The current PTI harmonised label adds a horizontal line across the middle to verify print quality.
Keeping cost down
- Use standard tablets, scanners and thermal printers.
- Choose software where traceability is automatic, so no extra labour is needed.
- Use the same scans for inventory, FIFO and expiry control – the waste reduction offsets the cost.
- Pick a supplier that implements in weeks, not months.
Producepak includes traceability in every process, a built-in library of retailer and PTI labels, and custom label designs on request.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to start with traceability?
Label every receival with a lot barcode and scan lots onto each dispatch. Farmsoft's free traceability tools cover label printing for small operations.
Is PTI mandatory?
PTI is voluntary, but many North American retailers and food-service buyers require PTI case labels from suppliers.
