2005-07-04

FOOD (TRACKING SYSTEM) FOR THOUGHT

In a breaking news article published on June 29th, 2005 by foodproductiondaily.com it was stated that ScoringSystem, Inc. has launched an Internet-based record keeping system and database. This system would allow companies to track their food products throughout the supply chain using radio frequency identification (RFID) and a new way of determining the exact location of each handler.

ScoringAg.com (a subsidiary of ScoringSystem) has been specifically designed to provide tracing information on agricultural products worldwide, from the "field-to-fork". They expressed that companies will need such systems as governments implement new regulations requiring them to track food products through the supply chain as they are importing from ever more diverse areas.

RFID technology, which uses miniature antennas and tiny computer chips to track items at a distance using radio waves, is increasingly coming to the fore as the best means of tracking goods throughout the supply chain. Many suppliers have been obliged to install RFID technology because of regulatory pressure and retail requirements from big retailers such as Wal-Mart.

The ScoringAg system provides RFID traceback in real time through a secure online databank that pinpoints the location of each handler in the food chain. The system can also work with barcodes. Companies will have unique accounts through which they will be able to access their product specific data.

Location is identified through a unique Premises IDentification Code (PIDC), a mapping technology developed by ScoringSystem. PIDC records activities and actions performed on the animals, fish, or crops at each location - even in the middle of a packing plant, or on board a factory ship, or in the middle of a farmer's field, and all the way to the retailer and consumer.

ScoringSystem's PIDC traceability system uses the ISO standard for location and property identification. However ScoringSystem has developed a more comprehensive system to define all land and sea locations globally, including those areas that are not recognised or covered by the ISO standard, the UN and other international organisations.

"In today's global marketplace, any true traceability system must include all agricultural products to provide a true chain of custody with traceback and traceup throughout," ScoringSystem stated in a press release. "This includes fish from lakes, rivers, and oceans around the world, poultry and hydroponics crops that may be raised in multi-story structures above ground and wild mushrooms, truffles, and root vegetables that may be collected or harvested below ground."

The traceback system provides online tracking through the food chain, including transport operators, vehicles, inspection stations, stockyards and all processors and food handlers to prove source verification.
"Without efficient, effective data collection system and a Web-based data management system, tagging livestock and other agriculture items cannot provide true animal traceback and traceup - even when a local, resident software system and database is used," ScoringSystem stated in a press release. "A Web-based system makes it possible for records to move with the individual product, which cuts the time required for source verification to just seconds."

For further information on this article and the work of the Bureau, please contact the Manager Information Services, Antigua and Barbuda Bureau of Standards, Corner Redcliffe Street & Corn Alley, P.O. Box 1550 St. John's, Antigua (W.I.) or Telephone 462-2424 (Fax 462-1625) or email: abbs@antigua.gov.ag.