By Roger Hancock, CEO of Recall InfoLink
Consumers expect food to be safe. When it’s not, they expect to hear about it quickly. They want to trust the food they buy, and they want transparency when something goes wrong.
Behind the scenes, food safety requires a web of systems that work together to keep food and consumers safe. Until now, these systems have developed independently, often based on outdated processes or regulations. Manufacturers, distributors, retailers and regulators often use different tools and processes, and many companies have been reluctant to share data or invest in tech upgrades. The lack of standardization makes it harder than it should be to keep consumers safe.
Now, technology is making it easier for food companies to integrate their systems, both internally and with their supply chain. This is good news for consumers because more connected systems mean food risks are caught and addressed earlier. When recalls do occur, connected technology enables the entire supply chain to collaborate effectively and mobilize quickly to minimize risk.
What it means for food safety systems to work together
Here’s what it looks like for food safety systems to work together, within a company and across the supply chain:
- Data is shared more easily, so everyone has access to the same product information, traceability records, and recall alerts.
- Standardized processes are adopted, so companies are better prepared when something goes wrong.
- Technology connects the dots — from farms to factories to grocery stores — so issues can be flagged and addressed in real time.
Connected systems allow issues to be caught earlier, responses to be more coordinated, and recall information to reach consumers more clearly.
So what’s actually changing to make this possible? Technology can connect food safety systems in ways that weren’t possible before, from detection to traceability and recall management.
Detection – Innovative technologies like predictive analytics can flag potential safety risks before they happen, based on data from past incidents, seasonal trends or supply chain inputs. Advanced, real-time environmental and pathogen monitoring can detect signs of contamination early, sometimes before food ever ships out. Earlier detection means food businesses can pull contaminated products before they hit store shelves, reducing public health risks.
Traceability – Ingredient-level tracking means brands can quickly identify every affected product when an issue is detected. Digitized audit trails can allow regulators and companies to quickly trace back where a product was made, when, and under what conditions. Better traceability means faster action and more targeted recalls.
Recalls – When companies use standardized product data and interoperable systems, information moves more smoothly across the supply chain. That allows recall messages to be shared faster and more clearly through automated management systems, QR codes, loyalty programs, in-store signage and more. Consumers get the right information, at the right time, in the right place.
Why this matters for consumers
For consumers, it’s worth knowing that when systems work together, it works better for you. Connected systems enable:
- Faster recalls – Contaminated products should be pulled from shelves sooner, minimizing public health risks.
- More accurate communication – You’ll know exactly what product is affected, where it was sold, and what to do if you bought or consumed it.
- Less risk exposure – Since products can be tracked more precisely, fewer consumers should be affected.
- Bonus – less food waste – Targeted recalls allow only affected products to be pulled, instead of entire product lines.
A lot of what keeps food safe happens behind the scenes, and consumers rely on the industry to get it right. When systems aren’t connected, even small issues can turn into big risks. Tech has finally caught up with the complex needs of a global supply chain — now it’s just up to food companies to get on board. As companies adopt better tools and build more connected systems, they’ll not only protect their brands more effectively, they’ll protect people more effectively. When systems work together, they move faster, waste less, and do a better job keeping you safe.
About the author: Roger Hancock, CEO of Recall InfoLink, is an expert on recalls, with experience that spans retail, tech, data, regulatory, and supply chain issues. He is also a steering committee member of the Alliance for Recall Ready Communities.
