Food traceability is more than a buzzword - it’s a critical aspect of ensuring food safety and quality throughout all stages of the supply chain. For business owners and Food Handlers alike, understanding traceability is key to meeting regulatory requirements, protecting public health, enhancing consumer trust and maintaining high standards in food handling.
With new fruit and vegetable legislation set to take effect in 2025, now is the time to understand and implement robust traceability practices.
Food traceability refers to the ability to track any food item through all stages of production, processing and distribution. This process ensures that every ingredient and finished product can be traced back to its source, offering accountability and transparency across the food supply chain.
Traceability is not just about compliance; it plays a vital role in:
Food Handlers are the frontline workers in food safety. Whether they are involved in preparation, packaging or storage, the actions of food handling staff can directly impact the traceability of food products. Effective Food Handler training is key to helping ensure compliance with traceability requirements.
For Food Handlers, traceability practices include:
New primary production and processing standards for specific horticultural products came into effect on February 12 2025, with the aim of improving traceability in the food industry and reducing the risk of a food-borne illness outbreak.
These standards apply to businesses of any size that grow or complete primary or early-stage processing, such as washing, trimming, sorting, sanitising or storing berries, leafy vegetables or melons.
To demonstrate compliance during inspections, food businesses must review and update their food safety and traceability measures to align with the new standards.
Modern food traceability systems leverage technology to simplify and improve tracking processes. Digital tools such as blockchain, QR codes and specialised software allow for real-time monitoring and seamless information sharing across the supply chain.
Benefits of Digital Traceability Systems:
By integrating these systems into your operations, you can enhance traceability while saving time and resources.
Proactive steps must be taken to ensure food traceability practices meet the highest standards possible.
Assessing current traceability performance by identifying gaps in record-keeping, labelling and communication across the supply chain.
Investing in comprehensive Food Handler Training to ensure staff understand traceability requirements. The Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) is a registered training organisation (RTO) authorised to deliver a nationally recognised Food Handler Course that provides practical knowledge and certification to help Food Handlers comply with food safety standards.
Exploring digital traceability tools that align with business requirements, considering factors such as ease of use, cost and compatibility with existing systems.
It is important to work closely with suppliers to establish clear communication and documentation practices while ensuring they adhere to the same traceability standards.
Failing to prioritise traceability can have severe consequences for a business:
By taking proactive measures, business owners can mitigate these risks and position their organisation as a leader in food safety.
When it comes to navigating traceability requirements in a food business, there are five key points to consider:
By prioritising traceability, you can protect your business, support your customers and ensure compliance with the latest standards. Start by educating your team through the AIFS Food Handler Course, upgrading your systems and collaborating with your supply chain partners.
Ready to enhance your food traceability practices? Enrol your team in the AIFS Food Handler Course today or contact us to see how our courses can help you contribute towards a safer, more transparent food industry.