Traceability allows the tracking of a product throughout a supplier's production chain from raw material to the end consumer via the transportation. It involves at least two notions:
- traceability via the logistics of the "product" (including animal), that is to say being able to track the product in space and time;
- traceability by product content: being able to give all the information regarding the life of the product (animal feed, veterinary care, transformation).
Its aim is twofold:
- to guarantee reliable and meaningful information for both public authorities during inspections, and for the consumer when making purchases;
- to ensure rapid and targeted intervention on products that may pose a risk (quick identification of non-compliant products and targeted withdrawal of these products).
Health risks must be controlled throughout a complex food chain, traceability has found its place as a risk management tool for health policies.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture