Ensuring food traceability

Responsibility does not end with production – it starts with transparency. For food manufacturers and retailers to always be able to identify where a product comes from and the path it has taken, precise documentation is essential. To achieve this, numerous pieces of information must be recorded.

These are the key data points:

• Origin and production site: Where was the product manufactured?
• Lot number: Unique identification of each product lot
• Transport information: Transport method, route, storage conditions
• Distribution channels: Wholesalers, retailers, end consumers
• Processing data: Production steps, temperature checks, storage conditions
• Labeling: Product labels, barcodes, QR codes
• Quality controls and recall procedures: Records of inspections and measures
• Supplier data: Raw materials, delivery quality, safety certificates
• Consumer information: Contact details, recall instructions

This complete transparency not only secures the supply chain but also strengthens trust with business partners and consumers. A safe product is the foundation for sustainable market success.

From production to the supermarket shelf: complete documentation as a success factor

Food traceability has been legally required for all companies in the food supply chain since January 1, 2005. The legal basis is Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002, adopted on January 28, 2002, which defines that food must be traceable at all times across Europe. Different stakeholders carry specific responsibilities.

Who is responsible?

• Food producers, retailers and logistics providers - they must ensure traceability at every stage.
• National authorities - they monitor compliance with regulations and control documentation requirements.
• The European Union - it sets the legal framework and coordinates measures where needed.

These legal requirements apply:

• Companies must be able to provide proof on request of which suppliers and commercial buyers they work with.
• The regulation recommends keeping additional product information such as quantities, lot numbers, or batch numbers readily available.
• To enable fast product recalls when needed, companies must document without gaps where their products came from and to whom they were delivered.
• Authorities oversee recalls and require affected companies to provide the corresponding traceability data.

Complying with these requirements is a challenge – particularly in global supply chains. Companies that apply the right technology and strategy not only minimize their risks but also secure a decisive competitive advantage. An ERP system designed to meet the strict demands of food and beverage manufacturers offers particularly efficient and reliable support.

Manual processes and scattered data sets are no longer an option. Companies that want to stay competitive need a smart solution that combines transparency, efficiency, and security. The industry-specific ERP solution from Yaveon was developed for the food and beverage industry and enables, among other things:

• Automated lot tracking for fast product identification
• Centralized data management: all relevant traceability data in one place
• Real-time transparency of material flows and production processes
• Integrated quality control and recall management
• Compliance with legal requirements through audit-proof documentation

Competitive advantage no. 1: modern technology

In addition to ERP systems, supporting technologies such as barcodes, RFID, or GPS tracking are available. However, only an industry-specific ERP solution enables complete, compliant, and efficient food traceability. Reliable processes are the key to keeping companies flexible and able to act – whether in day-to-day operations or in crisis situations.

One thing is clear: food traceability plays a crucial role in the food industry. But in addition to complying with legal requirements, companies face numerous other challenges. The most important include:

• Complex, global supply chains that make tracking more difficult
• Extensive documentation requirements that increase administrative effort
• Data management and security that must comply with data protection laws
• Costs and resources required to implement an efficient system

The good news: a powerful ERP system with an industry-specific solution helps companies overcome these challenges by automating processes, centralizing data, and creating transparency.

Food and beverage traceability is much more than a regulatory obligation – it is a competitive advantage, a promise of quality, and a matter of responsibility. With complete documentation, you ensure safety across the entire supply chain. With the right software solution, you can comply with legal requirements, optimize quality control, cost management, and responsiveness thanks to efficient digital processes. This is the ideal foundation for producing safely, at high quality, and transparently – and for remaining competitive in the long term.