In the food chain traceability/product tracing is defined by the Codex Alimentarius Commission as “...the ability to follow the movement of a food through specified stage(s) of production, processing and distribution”.

As part of an integrated food control system, traceability measures can be used to improve the management of risks related to food safety and animal health and provide reliable information to customers. In addition, such measures can help guarantee a product's authenticity and as well as contribute to quality improvement.

In some sectors, importing countries are placing increasing importance on compliance with traceability requirements. However, such requirements have to be in line with WTO Agreements in having a legitimate objective under either the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) or Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreements.

Through regional seminars, AGNS has been involved in providing information on the role of traceability/product tracing in ensuring food safety and quality and consumer protection, and its role in integrated food control systems.

See also

Integrated food control systems > Inspection

Principles for traceability/product tracing as a tool within a food inspection and certification system (CAC/GL 60-2006)
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Definition of traceability/product tracing - Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) (2004)
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Seminario latinoamericano sobre rastreabilidad/rastreo de productos – Informe final (Spanish only) (2006)
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Discussion of traceability/product tracing at 20th Codex Committee on General Principles (CCGP) (2004)
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Discussion of traceability/product tracing at 13th Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS) (2004)
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WTO - Sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS)

WTO - Technical barriers to trade (TBT)