• Product Identification Standards
• Automated Data Capture
• E-Commerce
• Data Synchronization
• Traceability

Technology & Standards: Traceability

Due to regulatory requirements such as the U.S. Bioterrorism Act, as well as ongoing food safety issues and the need for more information, traceability has become an issue of great importance to the produce industry.

In October 2002, PMA formed an alliance with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) to create a task force to research the requirements around traceability and to create Best Practices as contained in the Fresh Produce: A Guide To Implementation (available below). Additionally, a pilot study was conducted on the validation of the guidelines contained in that document.

In January 2008, representatives from over 40 companies and 8 trade associations formed the Produce Traceability Initiative to begin working on an action plan to ensure the industry has a process that will work for the entire supply chain.

The Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI), sponsored by Canadian Produce Marketing Association, Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association, has created an action plan to ensure the industry has a process that will work for the entire supply chain. A website has been created which is dedicated to the PTI and serves as a central resource to provide industry members with extensive education, outreach and guidance on implementing these recommendations by the goal year.

For additional information on why chain-wide, electronic traceability is necessary, there is a three-part series of audio briefings now available on the Ask Dr. Bob Whitaker page.

Produce Traceability Initiative Action Plan Endorsement

A number of companies have publically endorsed the Produce Traceability Initiative Final Action Plan and professed their intent to execute the milestones and corresponding timelines.

As a buyer, seller or distributor of produce, if your company wishes to add their name to the list of those who have endorsed the Action Plan, please refer to the endorsement page on the Produce Traceability website indicating your company's desire to endorse the plan. Please include your full contact information including the correct spelling of your company's name. Please note that by endorsing the plan, you are giving the trade associations the right to include your company's endorsement in any public venue, including but not limited to press releases, conference sessions and on various websites.

Webinars

Produce Traceability Initiative Vendor Webinar
In an effort to get the hardware/software/service provider community engaged in the Produce Traceability Initiative, the three sponsoring trade associations (PMA, UFPA and CPMA) conducted a webinar on April 16th, 2009 to go over the milestones, timelines, best practices of the PTI and answer any questions. The webinar was well attended, with over 40 representatives from the vendor community.

Related Documents (PDF)

Produce Traceability Initiative vs. DataBar   -  03/31/2009
Due to the high volume of questions we have received on this matter, this document was created to address the differences between the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) and the DataBar.

Best Practices Pallet Labeling   -  02/23/2009
Addresses the ability to read one pallet label for inbound receiving without having to read every single case and without having to electronically send the information contained on the pallet label ahead of time.

Best Practices for Case Labeling   -  02/05/2009
This document outlines the outcome of the Case Label Subgroup of the Produce Traceability Initiative.

GTIN Assignment Strategy   -  02/05/2009
A strategy recommended by PMA for produce companies to assign GTIN numbers at the case level.

Produce Traceability Initiative Action Plan   -  10/14/2008
As part of the Produce Traceability Initiative, this plan, prepared and endorsed by industry leaders in September 2008, was launched by PMA, CPMA and UFPA in October 2008.

Traceability Frequently Asked Questions   -  08/13/2008
Q&A document on the Produce Industry Traceability Solution

PMA/CPMA Fresh Produce Traceability Guide to Implementation   -  09/11/2007
Version 2 of PMA/CPMA Traceability Guide to Implementation

Summary of Records Establishment and Maintenance Regulation   -  09/12/2006
PMA prepared a summary of the Records Establishment/ Maintenance section of the Bioterrorism Act of 2002. This is available to PMA members only.