GTP:Data recording

From TraceFood

Guide to (further) data recording

Traceability is defined as: The ability to trace the history, application or location of an entity by means of recorded identifications. Hence, information related to history (i.e. temperature record, production process related information), application (property related information like weight, species, fat percentage, etc) and location (distribution route) should be recorded and linked to a traceable unit. The figure below shows how traceability related information can be split into different categories. Within each of these categories there is one or more data element(s) to be recorded in the forms presented in the sector specific standards.

According to premises given by the Standardization Body CEN, the sector specific data recording standards divide the traceability information into 3 groups; Shall, Should and May. The Shall information in our case is considered to be fundamental traceability data. These data are required if we want to trace back and forth through all paths a product or fraction of a product has been through in the supply chain, and hence be able to surgically withdraw products from the market. The Should and May categories cover relevant information related to process/handling and product properties. These data are frequently used in the business and may have importance for the detection of the cause of a recall.

Example: A snapshot from a sector specific data recording form from Table 3 in the NSF -CWA 1459 (TraceFishFarmed Fish standard).