When you hear the phrase recall preparedness, it implies a strong system of track and trace within an organization, backed by computer data about origins of ingredients for products, and information about where finished goods are within the supply chain. But it’s important to realize that putting these data systems in place benefits food safety even if a recall never occurs.

At our company we use the term “inventory genealogy” to describe knowledge about which lots of raw materials have been used in a final product. And with good technology that can be traced to products on retail shelves. This visibility is great for a precision recall where the exact lot code and exact locations are known, but it also provides a strong foundation for tracking supplier performance, detecting equipment prone to contamination, and it even identifies employees with poor food safety practices who might need additional training. Read more