Ryzex and our partners can provide the solutions to help companies identify, track and manage produce to improve both internal and external traceability in the produce industry. Currently, there is almost no barcode labeling on the six billion cartons shipped by the US fresh food industry each year.
As discussed in our previous post, the PTI (Produce Traceability Initiative) has put several steps in place in order for growers and distributors to work toward a standardized traceability program. Among these steps are encoding barcodes with trackable information such as:
- Specific Company Prefix – A number obtained from the GS1 organization used to identify individual growers, packers, shippers and buyers.
- Lot/Batch Number – A number specific to each grower’s location.
- GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) – A 14 digit number comprised of an indicator/packing configuration number, company prefix, case reference number and check digit code.
Case labels should also contain this information in human readable format to be used by warehouse personnel for picking and storing of product.
Ryzex is promoting the Intermec line of printers for this purpose. These printers have computer-like capabilities, making it easier for non-technical users in the field to operate label printers. Barcode labels designate the grower, the field from which that product was harvested, the crew that harvested that product, and the date, all within one case label.
Along with our partners, Ryzex can help provide solutions in accordance with the Produce Traceability Initiative’s Action Plan Implementation to help work toward the goal of a standardized program across the supply chain.
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