In today's complex global food supply chains, ensuring product safety, authenticity, and traceability has become a critical priority for food manufacturers and distributors. GS1 standards provide the foundation for these efforts, creating a universal language for product identification and information sharing that supports regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and consumer confidence.
For a full glossary and guide to GS1 terminology, acronyms, and how they connect to each other, click here.
GS1 is a global non-profit organization that develops and maintains standards for business communication across supply chains. With nearly 2 million user companies worldwide, GS1 has established a common language that enables businesses to identify, capture, and share information seamlessly regardless of geographical boundaries or industry sectors.
The GS1 system operates on a fundamental sequence: identify, capture, share, and use. This structured approach provides businesses with standardized tools for product tracking and information exchange.
How GS1 standards support regulatory compliance:
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Standardized Key Data Elements (KDEs)Aligns with FSMA 204 requirements for high-risk foods.
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Critical Tracking Events (CTEs)Provides framework for capturing data at required supply chain points.
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One-Up, One-Back TraceabilityFulfills minimum requirements while enabling full chain visibility.
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Electronic RecordkeepingSupports rapid access to required information during investigations.
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InteroperabilityEnsures data can be exchanged with regulatory systems when needed.
The GS1-128 barcode holds particular significance for food traceability applications. Unlike simpler barcodes that only identify a product, GS1-128 can encode multiple data elements within a single scannable code, providing comprehensive information critical for tracing perishable goods.
Key features and benefits of GS1 standards for food traceability include:
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Comprehensive Data EncodingIncludes product identifiers, batch numbers, and critical dates in one barcode.
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Lot-Level TraceabilityEnables precise tracking of specific production batches.
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Standardized FormatEnsures consistent interpretation across all supply chain partners.
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Enhanced Traceability & ComplianceSupports tracking products throughout the supply chain and meets regulatory requirements like FSMA 204.
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Operational EfficiencyReduces manual errors and streamlines inventory management.
Steps to successful implementation of GS1 standards and tools for traceability:
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1.Obtain a GS1 company prefix, registered with GS1 as a unique company identifier.
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2.Create and assign GTINs - Global Trade Item Numbers - to each product at every packaging level.
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3.Choose and implement barcodes or RFID tags as the most appropriate data carrier based on operational requirements.
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4.Establish data capture processes, such as scanning points at each critical tracking event.
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5.Train staff on the new procedures, ensuring everyone understands the importance of accurate data collection.
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6.Start implementation with the most critical, high-risk products to ensure adequate time to adjust processes as needed.
Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) enables trading partners to share information about product movements throughout the supply chain. A newer addition to the technologies available to assist in traceability, EPCIS enables parties across the supply chain to share traceability data between softwares for real-time FSMA 204 compliance.
How EPCIS enhances food traceability:
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Standardized Event DataCaptures what, where, when, and why information about product movements.
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End-to-End VisibilityTracks products from farm to store with consistent data formatting.
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Real-Time Information SharingEnables quick access to product history during investigations.
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Chain of Custody DocumentationMaintains records of product transfers between supply chain partners.
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Query CapabilitiesAllows authorized users to search for specific products and their movements.
As technology evolves, GS1 standards are adapting to meet emerging needs and opportunities in the food safety landscape, creating a foundation for next-generation traceability solutions.
By embracing these developments while maintaining a foundation in GS1 standards, food businesses can position themselves to meet both current requirements and future challenges in ensuring food safety and traceability throughout increasingly complex global supply chains. Provision's digital food safety management platform offers integration with GS1 to enable operations to leverage GS1-128 scanning and EPCIS data sharing across all the forms and data aggregation throughout their business.
