Web Site Launched for Produce Traceability Initiative

Feb. 1, 2009
A trio of organizations has launched a Web site to aid produce companies in the transition to new traceability measures proposed by the joint Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI)

OTTAWA–A trio of organizations has launched a Web site to aid produce companies in the transition to new traceability measures proposed by the joint Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI).

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), Produce Marketing Association (PMA), and United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh) launched www.producetraceability.org, which offers resources and educational tools for those wanting to learn more about the PTI.

The site includes a list of companies that support the PTI, a bulletin board and Q&A section for industry questions and discussion, a news and events section, a press room containing recent news releases, headshots of spokespersons, contact information and an art gallery.

“The Web site will be a great resource for anyone who wants to know more about the PTI and how to meet the milestones that the steering committee recommended,” said PTI Steering Committee Chair and Food Lion, LLC Chief Operating Officer Cathy Green. “There are still important industry questions that need to be answered and we plan to use the Web site as an information forum.”

The PTI Steering Committee has made a series of recommendations to move the supply chain to a common standard for electronic produce traceability by the end of 2012. The plan involves adopting a standardized system of case barcoding for all produce sold in the U.S., to allow product to be tracked throughout the distribution chain. The plan aims to maximize the effectiveness of the industry’s current traceability procedures, improve external efficiencies and assist public officials when they need to quickly trace back a product.

According to the partnership’s joint statement, the committee recommendations are intended to enhance overall supply chain traceability in speed and efficiency. A standardized system, they believe, could significantly improve the industry’s ability to narrow the impact of product recalls.