Companies that subscribe to GS1 U.S.’s new programs will learn how to establish or enhance an effective traceability program; identify, capture and share product data along the supply chain with GS1 Standards; improve business efficiencies; and gain visibility into their supply chains.

GS1 US says subscribers will also be able to understand how they can comply with traceability-related requirements of the Bioterrorism Act and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and make informed decisions about technology requirements and solution providers.

“Companies in the seafood and dairy, deli and bakery industries are working hard to improve traceability processes,” explains Angela Fernandez, vice president, grocery retail and consumer packaged goods at GS1 US. “A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths occur annually in the United States as a result of foodborne illness. These readiness programs provide the education, resources and community support necessary to implement traceability processes that help companies meet customer expectations for safe, authentic, nutritious foods and differentiate their brand in the marketplace.”

Subscribers in these self-paced, online programs will have access to educational webinars, interactive tools and resources, and a community of industry peers and standards experts with whom they can share industry best practices and discuss implementation challenges.

Various trading partners in the fresh food supply chain are already using the standards, giving them a head start in establishing traceability processes. The Seafood and Dairy, Deli, Bakery Traceability Readiness Programs will help companies leverage these investments, allowing for product sustainability and integrity and the rapid identification, location and withdrawal of potentially harmful products from stores and restaurants.

GS1 US says the benefits of an effective traceability process include:

• Streamlining business processes
• Improving food safety
• Enabling supply chain visibility
• Meeting regulatory requirements
• Reducing costs
• Boosting consumer confidence
• Strengthening trading partner relationships

For more information on the GS1 US Seafood Traceability Readiness program, visit www.gs1us.org/SeafoodReadiness; for more information on the GS1 US Dairy, Deli, Bakery Traceability Readiness Program, visit www.gs1us.org/DDBreadiness. To learn more about GS1 US, visit www.gs1us.org.