Representatives from more than 30 US companies, from a broad cross-section of the produce supply chain, including retailers, foodservice buyers and produce suppliers, have been appointed to serve on the steering committee of the Produce Traceability Initiative.

An industry-led effort to enhance traceability throughout the supply chain, the initiative was launched in October by Produce Marketing Association (PMA), Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and United Fresh Produce Association.

The three trade associations came together earlier this year when the boards of directors of each recognised the need for greater progress in implementing a consistent whole chain traceability solution. The steering committee will develop an action plan to help the industry meet this challenge, which may include promotion of industry-wide traceability best practices, establishing timelines and goals for adoption, and creating a validation process for accountability.

The initiative’s sponsor associations have announced that the steering committee will be chaired by Cathy Green, chief operating officer of Food Lion, LLC.

“It is evident that we must help drive a more comprehensive industry-wide commitment to trace back and trace forward systems that can be used throughout the produce supply chain,” said Green. “A preventative food safety system begins with a sound, whole chain traceability system that allows us to rapidly trace product movement up and down the supply chain. By working together to create meaningful action steps implementing greater traceability, we can both protect our consumers and our businesses.”

The steering committee’s first meeting will be held on 9 January, 2008 in Atlanta. The Perishables Group will act as the facilitator for the group’s meeting.

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