Traceability of food

In Germany, there are various laws and regulations that define the requirements for traceability in the food industry [link to the food industry industry page]. The most important are

1. Food Hygiene Ordinance (LMHV): This regulation sets out the general requirements for hygiene in the production, processing and marketing of food. It also contains provisions on traceability to enable the identification of foodstuffs along the entire supply chain.
2. Food and Feed Code (LFGB): The LFGB regulates the legal framework for food and animal feed in Germany. It also contains provisions on traceability, in particular with regard to the labelling of food and the traceability of animal feed.
3. Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 (Basic Regulation): This EU regulation lays down the general principles and requirements for food safety, including the traceability of food, which also covers the raw materials used. It applies directly in all member states of the European Union, including Germany.
4. HACCP concept (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points): The HACCP concept is a preventive system for ensuring food safety. It defines risk analyses and control measures, which also include the traceability of food.

The traceability of food is important to ensure the safety and quality of food in the event of recalls or contamination. It makes it possible to track the entire path of a product along the supply chain and to react quickly and efficiently.

All businesses along the food supply chain, including producers, manufacturers, suppliers, processors, distributors and retailers, are responsible for implementing and maintaining traceability measures.

Companies must be able to keep documentation on the origin of the raw materials used and the manufacture of their products, supplier information, production and processing steps and distribution channels. This information enables seamless traceability along the entire supply chain.

Food traceability offers numerous benefits, including improved food safety, faster responses to crises and recalls, increased consumer confidence, more efficient production processes and the ability to use traceability as a marketing tool.

This international standard describes the principles and basic requirements for a traceability system in the feed and food chain.ISO 22005 provides an internationally recognised standard for the implementation of traceability systems in the food industry. This enables a standardised approach to traceability, regardless of the geographical location or size of the company.

The standard specifies requirements and guidelines on how to implement the traceability of products in companies. It covers aspects such as the traceability labelling of products, the design of the corresponding traceability processes and the documentation of traceability information.

ISO 22005 can be implemented as part of a broader food safety and quality management system. It integrates well with other standards such as ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 22000 (food safety management systems).