Handbook for Introduction ofFood Traceability Systems（Guidelines for Food Traceability)

March 2003 (First edition)
March 2007 (Second edition)

Revision Committee on the Handbook for Introduction ofFood Traceability Systems

© Food Marketing Research and Information Center (FMRIC) 2008
Notes for English version
All rights reserved. This English version was translated from the Japanese document(revised in March 2007) “Handbook for Introduction of Food Traceability Systems(Guidelines for Food Traceability).” The translation was supervised by the Committee
for Developing Educational Materials for Food Traceability (Chairperson Yoko Niiyama,
professor of Kyoto University) and was issued by the Food Marketing Research andInformation Center (FMRIC), with assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).
URL to obtain English version:www.fmric.or.jp/trace/en/
URL to obtain original(Japanese version):
www.fmric.or.jp/trace/tebiki/tebiki_rev.pdf
Food Marketing Research and Information Center (FMRIC)
Nogyo-Gijutsu-Kaikan Bldg, 1-26-3 Nishigahara Kita-ku Tokyo Japan
E-mail: trace@fmric.or.jp
webwww.fmric.or.jp/english/
Second print (March 2008)

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................... 1
0-1 Background history on the original handbook ..................................................... 1
0-2 Revision of the guidelines: Background and details............................................. 1
0-3 Purpose of this handbook ...................................................................................... 3
0-4 Structure of this handbook .................................................................................... 4
0-5 For the future ......................................................................................................... 4
Part I. Fundamentals of food traceability systems............................................................ 5
1. Scope of this handbook ................................................................................................ 5
1-1 Type of foods covered ............................................................................................. 5
1-2 Type of industries covered ..................................................................................... 5
2. Related laws and other rules....................................................................................... 6
2-1 Laws ........................................................................................................................... 6
2-2 Standards, guidelines, etc. on food traceability systems.................................... 11
2-3 Standards related to food traceability ................................................................ 11
3. Definitions.................................................................................................................. 13
4. Introduction of food traceability systems: Objectives and important considerations........................................................................................................................................ 19
4-1 Objectives ............................................................................................................. 19
4-2 Scope of traceability system ................................................................................ 20
4-3 Important considerations .................................................................................... 21
5. Introduction of food traceability systems: Fundamentals ..................................... 25
5-1 Food identification and linkage........................................................................... 25
5-1-1 Principles of identification and linkage ........................................................... 25
5-1-2 Organizing the flows of materials and information, and rules on
identification and linkage .......................................................................................... 27
5-1-3 Identification and linkage at each stage (Principles 3~6)............................... 31
5-2 Recording information ......................................................................................... 36
5-3 Storing information.............................................................................................. 36
5-4 Verifying the traceability system ........................................................................ 37
5-5 Transmitting and disclosing information ........................................................... 39
5-6 Designating and preserving necessary documents............................................. 41
Part II. How to introduce a food traceability system...................................................... 42
6. Introduction of a food traceability system: The first stage .................................... 43
6-1 Cooperation and coordination among operators, and ensuring consistency ..... 43

6-2 Assessment of the current situation.................................................................... 44
6-3 Formulation of a basic plan ................................................................................. 45
7. Introduction of a food traceability system: The second stage ................................. 49
7-1 Preparing the system, clarifying roles and responsibilities............................... 49
7-2 Drafting a plan for implementation .................................................................... 49
7-3 Writing a traceability procedural manual .......................................................... 50
7-4 Establishing a schedule for introduction of the system ..................................... 50
7-5 Training of relevant personnel ............................................................................ 50
7-6 Important considerations in the creation of the electronic information systems.................................................................................................................................... 51
8. Important considerations after the introduction of a traceability system .............. 53
8-1 Publicity ............................................................................................................... 53
8-2 Improving and renewing the system................................................................... 53
Appendix............................................................................................................................ 54
Appendix A: Indicating form of transmitting information and its storage media usedin the food traceability system ...................................................................................... 54
A-1 Indicating methods of transmitting information and its storage media........... 54
A-2 Code systems ....................................................................................................... 57
References.......................................................................................................................... 62
Committee members ......................................................................................................... 64
Work Progress ................................................................................................................... 67

Introduction
0-1 Background history on the original handbook
Historically the food industry has addressed the management of food hygiene,
safety, and quality through the introduction of HACCP and ISO9001, etc. However,when issues such as false labeling and occurrences of BSE became public, the foodindustry lost consumer trust in commercial food products. More and more consumers
were demanding a food supply at which every stage of production, processing, anddistribution of a food item could be documented, and tracked. These demands included
stricter solution of food safety compliance throughout the food industry. As a result,constructing a system for a reliable food traceability system became urgent task.
A food traceability system enables to follow the movement of any food productby documentation of each point of food handling. When an incident occurs, the foodtraceability system could efficiently assist in the recall of the food product(s) inquestion and assist in the investigation of the cause. Also transmitting and verifying
the relevant information would contribute to increasing reliability on the informationof the label and so on, and thus enables consumers to purchase food with a sense of
security.
Moreover, it is important to fully be aware that the traceability system issimply a means for attaining that objective. And it is important not to fall into theexcessive pursuit, such as making establishment of traceability system itself as an
objective.
Thus, with this as a background, in order to promote the construction of a foodtraceability system and to set guidelines which would be a guide in introducing
traceability system, the “Committee on the Handbook for Introduction of Food
Traceability Systems” was established. A working group from within the Committee
was formed to further study the available information on food traceability.
From an extensive review of the literature and the knowledge of actual
experiments and outcomes from overseas, this “Handbook for the Introduction of Food
Traceability Systems” (hereon, mentioned as “Handbook”) was completed and releasedon March of 2003.

0-2 Revision of the guidelines: Background and details
With the release of this “Handbook”, the basic idea of “Food traceability”
became widely recognized within this country.

The “Handbook” became the primaryreference for producers and food business operators (hereon also referred to as1

“operators”), organizations and industrial associations (hereon also referred to as“organizations and associations”) made up of producers and food operators, and for
information related business operators who support the introduction of the foodtraceability system. Furthermore, the “Handbook” provided the basic framework andcore information utilized for writing guidelines for specific food products and specificindustries.
The Beef Traceability Law went into effect in June of 2003 and relevant
government ministerial and ordinance were enacted for domestic cattle and beef. In
addition to the domestic beef traceability introduction handbook (general remarks
version), handbooks for each stage of production were written. Other food productswith written guidelines include fresh produce, eggs, shellfish (oysters and scallops),
farmed fish, and laver.

Guidelines for other food products are expected to beforthcoming.
“Requirements for Food Traceability Systems” was decided based on this“Handbook” as a standard to verify food traceability system and was released in
October of 2006.
Internationally, the definition of food traceability was set at Codex Alimentarius
Commission (June of 2004). Through the ISO, a draft on “Traceability in the feed andfood chain-General principles and basic requirements for system design andimplementation”(ISO/DIS 22005) is under discussion and close to completion.
“Requirements for Food Traceability Systems” have been written to meet all therequirements of this ISO/DIS22005 (as of November, 2005).
After the “Handbook” was released, the food traceability system became
compulsory for cattle and beef within the country by law. As a result of the introductionof this legislation and the “Handbook”, the food traceability system has made rapid
progress. Accurate and effective monitoring and maintaining of the quality of thissystem is expected in the future.
For other food items, the introduction of the traceability system is not currently
required but rather the responsibility of each food business operator.

In thisatmosphere of voluntary compliance, ensuring traceability within individual foodbusinesses has steadily advanced. For example, keeping records of primary production
stage during cultivation, breeding, and identification and linking of raw materials andproducts at the processing stage have become more common.
The primary objective of the “Handbook” has been to ensure food traceability
throughout the food chain. Unfortunately, there are fewer participants than desired in
the new food traceability systems through the food chain and dealing with this problem

2

remains a big task. In order to tackle this task, it will be necessary to maximize theconsistency by having the participating food operators seek cooperation andadjustments among themselves.

Also designing the systems considering the costs

and effects is necessary to make the systems more appealing to prospective foodoperators.
Based on these accomplishments and tasks in mind, the “Handbook” wasrevised so that it would be a more effective reference for food operators and theirorganizations and industrial associations.

Upon revision, the Committee on the

Handbook for Introduction of Food Traceability Systems (hereon referred to as“committee”) was held and after the approval of the revision, the committee changed its
name to Revision Committee on “the Handbook for Introduction of Food Traceability
Systems” and began discussions on this matter.

0-3 Purpose of this handbook
This handbook is directed toward producers of primary production, foodprocessors, distributors, retailers, restaurant and take-out food operators, information
related companies, organization and industrial associations of prospective companies
and individuals who plan to introduce traceability system. The handbook supports theintroduction of the traceability system by including fundamentals, procedures, and soforth. For food operators and their organizations and industrial associations which
already have introduced traceability systems, this handbook provides guidelines that
can help in conducting employee training, in reviewing the current system, in
expanding the subject range of the traceability system, and in realizing the system
connections with other food operators.
The introduction of a food traceability system by the food operator should bevoluntary and their responsibility. And this “Handbook” should be a framework fordesigning and implementing a reliable system. In addition, the “Handbook” offer basic
information when developing or revising guidelines according to specific items and/or
for specific industries.
For some items and industries, there already is a sufficient food traceability inplace and thus a traceability system need not be implemented from the beginning. In
this case, a comparison review of their present state with the fundamentals listed for
ensuring traceability in the “Handbook” would be helpful to ensure a common
understanding among the food operators.

30-4 Structure of this handbook
In Part I, definitions of food traceability system related terms, objective ofsystem introduction, important considerations and basic items when building a system
are shown. And in Part II, actual procedures for introduction are shown.
The main revised points from the original “Guidelines” which was released in
March of 2003 are as follows:i

Identified the changes in definitions of “Food traceability”.

ii Fulfilled the descriptive section on how to ensure traceability through thefood chain by adjusting the system each operator has introduced.
iii Revised Handbook to become a guide for introducing system covering all therequirements shown in “Requirements in Food Traceability System”.
Also, thorough review took place with accumulated information since March of
2003 and task in consideration.

0-5 For the future
Ensuring traceability through the food chain can be accomplished by carefulplanning, taking the time to gain consensus among the food operators and gaining thetrust of the consumers. In order to gain consumer trust of the traceability system as awhole, the traceability system in place must meet the set standards.
To have a common understanding about food traceability among food business
operators is imperative when agreeing to the introduction of system through the foodchain, equally as important is ensuring the consistency of the food traceability system
implemented by each food operator, and making effective connections amongst all thesystems.
This first edition handbook laid the foundation for food traceability systems by
setting a specific direction. It worked as a base for establishing various guidelines for
specific items and determining “Guidelines” which is a standard for traceability system.
With this revision, we expect that this book will be read by the appropriate
personnel and this book will contribute to ensuring traceability through food chain.
Furthermore, we think it is necessary to properly review this handbook
according to the domestic and international social and business situation and also
according to ongoing new developments in information technology. Therefore, we will
review, revise, and expand this handbook even after this revision, by properly
examining its effectiveness.

4Part I. Fundamentals of food traceability systems
In Part I. the fundamental matters of traceability systems are described as areference for farmers, food processors, distributors, retailers, food service operators,
take-out food suppliers and other related industries planning to introduce traceability
systems.

1. Scope of this handbook
The scope of foods and industries covered by this handbook are as follows:

1-1 Type of foods covered- Scope of foods covered:
All kinds of food

1-2 Type of industries covered- Scope of industries and others covered:Business corporations, organization and individuals engaged in the production,
preparation/processing, distribution and sales of foods.

52. Related laws and other rules
2-1 Laws
The Japanese laws concerning traceability systems are as follows1:
i

The Law Concerning Standardization and Proper Labeling of Agricultural andForestry Products (JAS Law)
In this law, standards for the agricultural and forestry products as well as thestandards regarding proper labeling on the quality of the agricultural and forestry
products are laid down.
It is obligatory to have foods and beverages sold directly to consumers labeled inaccordance with the Quality Labeling Standard under the JAS Law. Specific contents
are laid down in “The Quality Labeling Standard for Fresh Foods” and “The Quality
Labeling Standard for Processed Foods” based on this law, and indication of the name,origin, and so forth (some processed foods are required to label the origin of theingredients) is required.
In this law, in case of the disclosure of an incident such as false labeling oforigin, prompt revelation of the name of the involved food business operator and thepenalties, are laid down.
ii

Agricultural Products Inspection Law
In this law, a system of “agricultural products inspection”(grade inspection andconstituent inspection) is established in order to contribute to fair and smooth trade
and to improve the quality of agricultural products such as rice.
According to “The Quality Labeling Standard of Brown Rice and Polished Rice”(Article 4-1-2), unless the brown rice is certified according to this law, place of origin,variety and harvested year shall not be labeled.
iii Agricultural Chemicals Regulation Law
In this law, registration system for agricultural chemicals and regulations onsales and usage of agricultural chemicals are established.
A person who uses agricultural chemicals shall not use them against theregulation determined by ministerial ordinances (Article 12).
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or the Minister ofEnvironment has a right to require any person using agricultural chemicals to submit
1 When exporting, it is necessary to consider the laws and ordinances of the country

and regions concerned. Refer to the references [1]~[5].
6a report on the use of the agricultural chemicals, or to have the necessary materials
such as agricultural chemicals and ledgers inspected (Article 13).
iv

Fertilizer Control Law
In this law, standards, registration, restrictions on input/application, andlabeling standards of fertilizers are established.
A person who uses fertilizers (such as producers) is prohibited from using“specific ordinary fertilizers” without guarantee labels. (specified ordinary fertilizers
are designated by a government ordinance, to contain ingredient(s) that will remain as
residues and may be harmful to human and animals) (Article 21-2). The Minister ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries or the governors of prefectures may require any
person using fertilizer to submit a report, or to have the premises inspected when thenecessity is recognized in accomplishing purposes of this law (Articles 29 and 30).
v

Pharmaceutical Affairs Law
In this law, regulations regarding manufacturing, importing, sales and properuse of animal medicines are established.
In the ministerial ordinance concerning the regulation of the usage of animal
medicines, which is based on Article 83 of the law, the prescribed usage, dosage,
withdrawal period and so on are determined. Article 5 in the ministerial ordinancerequires an effort to record of the following items in the ledger when medicines areused.
-Date medicine is used-

Location medicine is used-

Kind, number and other distinction of the animals on which medicine is used-

Name of medicine-

Usage and dosage of medicine-

Date to be slaughtered, to be unloaded or to be shipped in order to be served
as foodvi Law Concerning Safety Assurance and Quality Improvement of Feed (Feed Safety
Law)This law prohibits the compounding of antibacterial products in animal feed,
regulates feed additives, and establishes standards of toxic substances.
According to the revised ministerial ordinance concerning ingredient standardsof feeds and feed additives issued in 2003, anyone who uses feeds must make an effort

7

to record the following and keep the record.
-

Date when feeds are used-

Location where feeds are used-

Kinds of livestock feeds are given-

Name of feeds-

Amount of feeds given-

Date which feeds are received and name of the person or organization fromwhich feeds were provided

vii Slaughterhouse Law (Abattoir Law)
This law determines regulations regarding the establishment of abattoirs,sanitation management in abattoirs, sanitation management of slaughter or dissectionof livestock, and inspection of slaughter or dissection of livestock.
The governors of prefectures may, to the extent necessary for the enforcement of
this Law, collect necessary reports from owners, managers, slaughterers or otherparties concerned. Also they may have officials concerned to inspect facilities, ledgers,
documents and other objects (Article 17).
viii Law on Special Measures against Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
To prevent the occurrence and spread of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy,
this law establishes special measures such as prohibition of feed containing cattle meatand bone meal as well as regulations for report and inspections of dead cattle andinspections for BSE at abattoirs.
This law establishes that cattle owners or managers (in cases that cattle aremanaged by entities other than the owners) shall ensure that each of their cattle wears
identification ear tags, shall record the specific information mentioned in the Article
8(1) (Date of birth, moving record and other information) and shall provide informationnecessary for managing.
ix The Law for Special Measures concerning the Management and Relay ofInformation for Individual Identification of Cattle
In this law, identification of cattle and beef, proper management andtransmission of information are determined.
A person who manages cattle is required to notify the Minister of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries regarding its birth, import, transfers or receipts (Chapter 3).
Also slaughterers, sellers and suppliers of specific cuisine are required to indicate

8Individual Identification Number (or corresponding lot numbers) to the beef theyhandle, and to record the items stipulated by the government ordinance concerningtransfer and selling (i.e. Individual Identification Numbers, date of transfer, name ofpurchaser, weight of beef and so on), and to record and store the record (Article 17).
x

Poultry Meat Inspection Law
This law determines permission of poultry handling and processing, observancematters for processing managers such as sanitation, poultry inspection and so on.
Governors of prefectures may, to the extent necessary for the enforcement of
this law, require processing managers to submit a report on their business situation or
have officials concerned to inspect (inspections of facilities, ledgers, documents andother objects).
xi Food Sanitation Law
This law establishes necessary regulations and any other necessary measuresin order to secure food safety from the viewpoint of public health.
Article 3-2 (duty of keeping and maintaining a record) were added in the 2003
revision of the law; it regulates the obligation to make an effort to keep records anddisclose them to the public.
Based on the regulation, “the guideline on making and maintaining records by
food business operators” is determined. The guideline indicates the items about whichfood business operators are generally required to record, as well as the number of years
such records must be kept.
Article 11 enacts standards of labeling and Article 12 prohibits false labeling.
xii Health Promotion Law
In this law, the fundamentals on comprehensive promotion of the citizens’
health are defined.
Regarding nutritional displays, such as nutritional ingredients, that are
attached to food products, the law establishes mandatory criteria such as items andmethods to be displayed (Article 31).
xiii Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations (Premiums
and Representations Act)
This law establishes regulations and prohibitions on unjustifiable premiums
and misleading representations in connection with transactions of a commodity or

9

service.
This law prohibits any of the following indications: showing that the content of
the product is remarkably better than that of the actual product in question, indicatingthat the product is far better than that of the competitors which is contrary to the fact
(Article 4-1).
The law authorizes Japan Fair Trade Commission to require food business
operators to submit materials which show reasonable evidence if that the commission
needs to decide whether the claim is unfair or not. If the food business operator does
not submit the materials, an exclusion order can be applied to the operator (Article 4-2).
xiv The Product Liability Act
This law determines liability of the manufacturer, etc. for damages when injury
to life, body, or property is caused by a defect in the product.
It determines that the manufacturer, etc. shall be liable for damages caused by
the injury, when it has injured someone’s life or property by the defect in the delivered
product (Article 3).
xv Measurement Law
This law designates standards for measurement.
According to the governmental ordinance for the measurement concerning saleof specific commodities, an allowable margin of error is established to display
measurement of specific commodities.
xvi Unfair Competition Prevention Act
This law regulates the prevention of unfair competition and compensation fordamages caused by unfair competition.
xvii The Food Safety Basic Law
The law determines the responsibilities of the government and local competentauthorities, local governments and food business operators in order to comprehensively
promote policies to ensure food safety.
In Article 8 (Responsibility of food business operators), food business operators
shall recognize that they bear the primary responsibility for ensuring food safety andshall be responsible for taking appropriate and necessary measures to ensure foodsafety at each stage of the food supply process. In addition, food business operators
shall make efforts to provide accurate and appropriate information concerning food and10other articles related to their own business activities.

2-2 Standards, guidelines, etc. on food traceability systems
Voluntary standards or guidelines concerning food traceability systems are as
follows;(1) National standardsi“Requirements for Food Traceability Systems”
This document is the standard for verification of food traceability systems. It

was made by The Committee on the Third Party Certification of Food Traceability
Systems and was released in October of 2006. The standards can be used for self
verification (check by operators themselves), for verification by business partners (doneby direct relevant people) and for the third party verification. In case of the third party
verification, if all the requirements are met, then the operator could be basicallyconsidered as having the food traceability system in place.
(2) Guidelines by items and by stagesi

Handbook for Introduction of Traceability of Domestic Beefii

Guidelines for Information Tracing-back System of Receipt, Shipment and Historyof Ingredients

iii Guidelines for Food-Service Industry towards Food Traceability Construction
iv Guidelines for Introduction of Food Traceability of Fruits and Vegetablesv

Guidelines for Traceability of Shellfish (Oyster, Scallop)

vi Guidelines for Introduction of Food Traceability of Egg
vii Guidelines for Traceability Systems of Farmed Fishviii Guidelines for Introduction of Food Traceability Systems of Laver(3) International Standards and Rulesi

Codex Alimentarius Committee “Principles for Traceability/Product Tracing as aTool within a Food Inspection and Certification System”

ii

ISO/DIS 22005 Traceability in the Feed and Food Chain—General Principles andBasic Requirements for System Design and Implementation

2-3 Standards related to food traceability(1) National StandardsiSpecific JAS with the Disclosed Production Information

11

This is a standard regarding accurate transmission of food production
information (producer name, the place of production, input/application information on
agricultural chemicals and fertilizers) transmitted voluntarily by a food business
operator to consumers. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)
registered certifying bodies (The third-party organizations) conduct certification. As of
March 2007, there are three standards of this kind; beef, pork and agricultural
products (whole fresh agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms,etc.).
(2) International Standards and Guidelinesi

ISO 9001:2000 (JIS Q 9001:2000)
This is an International Standard model for quality management and quality

assurance determined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization).
Ensuring traceability could be added as one of the requirements.
ii

ISO 22000:2005
This is a standard for food safety management systems.

The analyzing

methods of food hazards are introduced from HACCP, the principles of which were
determined by the Codex Alimentarious Committee.

And the approach of the

management system is introduced from ISO 9001.

7.9 is the requirements oftraceability systems.

12

3. Definitions
Food
All substances and products that are intended for human consumption foods orbeverages or are reasonably expected to be consumed by humans
Food traceability
The ability to follow the movement of food through specified stage(s) of
production, processing and distribution
Notes:
1. This is the definition agreed at Codex Alimentarius held in June-July of 2004.
2. “Ability to follow the movement” in this definition refers to tracing both
directions; trace forward and trace back.
3. “Movement“ can relate to the origin of the materials, processing history, or
distribution.
(References)-

The first edition of this “Handbook” released on March 2003 defined “foodtraceability” as the following:“Foods and their information can be traced forward and back at each stage ofthe food chain, i.e., production, preparation, processing, distribution andsales
Notes:
1.

“Tracking” or “tracing forward” refers to pursuing in the downstream
direction, and “tracing” or “tracking back” refers to pursuing in the
upstream direction.

2.

The measures to track or trace that are taken at part of the stage of thefood chain (production, preparation/processing, distribution or sale) are
here referred to as the “measures aiming at constructing a traceability
system.”This revised edition of the Handbook has adopted the definition of foodtraceability agreed upon at Codex Alimentarius.

Thus, the term“traceability” will be used even when tracing is capable at only one part of astage. And system for this will be called the traceability system.
However, the ultimate objective of this “Handbook” is to establish
traceability throughout the food chain. This objective remains unchanged
even prior to and after this revision.
13

-Definitions of the traceability in ISO 9000:2005“Ability to trace the history, application or location of that which is underconsideration.”
Note: When considering product, traceability can relate to- the origin of materials and parts- the processing history, and- the distribution and location of the product after delivery-

Definitions in EU’s General Food Law‘Traceability’ means the ability to trace and follow a food, feed, foodproducing animal or substance intended to be, or expected to be used forthese products at all of the stages of production, processing anddistribution.”-

Definitions in “Agriculture et industrie alimentaire-Ligne direcrices pourl’establissement d’une demarche de tracabilite dans les filieres agricole etalimentaires” of Association francaise de normalization (AFNOR).
“Traceability in agriculture and the food industry sector is applied mainly to
two combinations, i.e., product/process(progress), and product/localization(location). Traceability can be described, as it were, as a combination of theflow of substances and that of information.”-

Definitions in ISO/DIS 22005 (November 20, 2006, N36Rev1)
ability to follow the movement of a feed or food through specified stage(s) of
production, processing and distribution.
Notes:
1.

Adopted from Reference (3). (Note: Reference (3) is the minutes of theCodex Alimentarius)

2.

Movement can relate to the origin of the materials, processing history
or distribution of the feed or food.

3.

Terms such as “document traceability”, “computer traceability” or“commercial traceability” should be avoided.

Internal traceability
Traceability between the received unit (or raw material unit) and the sold unit
(or product unit) at the food operator level
One-step-back traceability
Ability to identify the supplier of the units they have received

14

If the material flow and the business flow differ, we will follow the material flow
and call the one-step-back operator as “supplier” in this “Handbook”.
One-step-forward traceability
Ability to identify the buyer of the units they have soldIf the material flow and the business flow differ, we will follow the material flow
and call the one-step-forward operator as “buyer” in this “Handbook”.
Chain traceability
Traceability throughout the food chain
Traceability system
A series of mechanisms for traceability, by which “identification”, “link”,“records of information”, “collection and storage of information”, and “verification” areperformed.
The system is composed of rules (promises and agreement) and procedures,
documented

procedures,organizations/systems,

andprocessandmanagement

resources (personnel, financial resources, machinery equipment, software, technologies
and techniques), regulations and education / training.
A traceability system can also use information system technologies forelectronic data entry and database management services. However, just having an
information system would not be sufficient to establish a traceability system. Also it ispossible to construct a traceability system without using electronic information system
databases.
(For Reference)-

Definitions of traceability system in ISO/DIS 22005 (November 20, 2006,
N36Rev1)“Organization of data and operations that is capable of maintaining desired
information about a product and its components through all or part of its
production and utilization chain”
Data
Recorded information
Primary production

15

Cultivation and harvesting of farm produce, storage of harvested crops; animal
breeding, milking, egg collection and fattening; culturing of marine products; catchingof animals, fish, shellfish, and other marine products
Preparation
Work related to removing unnecessary or foreign substances to facilitateprocessing and cooking
Processing
Treating raw materials using artificial methods
Manufacturing
The process of making semi-finished and finished products from raw materials
Distribution and sales
Moving commodities in good condition from the producing location to theconsuming location or from the supplier to the consumer, or storing and supplying
them to consumers and other users
Process
Set of activities in production, preparation, processing, distribution and sales(For Reference)-

Explanation of the term “process” in ISO9000-2005“Set of inter-related resources and activities which transform input into output”

Identification
To specify, lot, individual, individual product, food business operators and place
Traceable unit
The unit used for identification. This unit is used when tracing and tracking.
In some cases, a lot works as a unit and in others, an individual and/or individual
product works as a unit. At any stage of food production, processing and distribution,
when the shape or the packaging style of the food product changes, the traceable unit
may change.

16

Lot
The unit of raw materials, in-process food products, and processed food products
produced, processed or packaged in a similar condition
Deciding how to make a lot differs dependent on the products and the stage of
production, processing, and distribution.
(For Reference)-

Definitions of the lot in the JIS

A mass of articles of the same kind that are collected for a particular purpose.
Depending on its purpose, a lot can be called an order lot, purchase lot,
production lot, transportation lot, or inspection lot (JIS Z 8141 Production
Management Terms).
A specified quantity of articles produced in the same condition or in a condition
considered to be the same (JIS Z 9211 Energy Management Terms(1)).
-

Definitions of the lot in ISO/DIS 22005

Set of units of a product which have been produced and/or processed or packaged
under similar circumstances
Notes:
1.

The lot is determined by parameters established beforehand by theorganization.

2.

A set of units may be reduced to a single unit of product.

ID
The mark used for identification
Link
Establishing connections between products and information
Products and information may connect in the following patterns; i) product and product,ii) product and information, iii) information and information.
Nonconformity
Non-fulfillment of a requirement
Requirement is a “need or expectation that is stated, generally implied or obligatory”.2
Requirements include internal rules within a food operator’s business,
specifications promised to the clients, laws and regulations, standard, etc.
2 Definitions of “Non-conformity” and “Requirement” are based on ISO9000: 2005.

17

Risk from food
The possibility of ill effects on health caused by a hazard in a food and thedegree of ill effects (The probability of ill effects occurring on health and its influencelevel)3
＜For Reference＞-

Definition of risk in JIS

Combination of the probability for an injury and the degree of such injury (JIS B
0134 Industrial Manipulating Robot- Terms)
Hazard refers to “the state of substances in food or food that may have ill effects
on health”. For example, biological, chemical or physical factors such as toxic microbes,
agricultural chemicals, additives, and chemical substances in food itself that may cause
ill effects on human health.
Risk management
The process of examining the possibility of technical implementation and costeffectiveness regarding policies and measures for reducing risks by consultation withall parties concerned and determining, implementing, verifying and reviewing theadequate policies and measures
Segregation management
Sorting and handling products and raw materials by traceable units in order toprevent an unintended mix up
Food business operators
Those engaged in food production, processing and distribution; such as foodgrowers, food producers, food industries and food-related associations
Organization concerned
Organization working on one food traceability system“Organization” stated here stands for both an individual food business operator
and a group consisting of several food business operators. The organization refers to
two levels of implementing food traceability systems - the individual and the group.
3 Based on “Risk management standard manual regarding food safety by the Ministryof Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Ministry of Health, Labor andWelfare (MHLW). Same up to “Risk management”.
18

4. Introduction of food traceability systems: Objectives and importantconsiderations
4-1 Objectives
The traceability system is the system to prepare for accidents andnonconformity regarding food safety. This system also allows verifying correctness, incase the reliability of information carried in labels and the like, is at risk. It is not a
direct measure to ensure food safety, but is useful in obtaining the trust of consumers
and related food business operators.
In introducing and implementing the food traceability system, it is necessary to
clarify the objectives to be achieved. The following are examples of general objectives
for the food traceability system;(1) Contribution to secure food safetyi

In the event of a food borne accident or food safety non-conformance, thetraceability system enables the tracing back through the food chain process,promptly and easily, in searching for its cause. If monitoring data regarding foodsafety is in place, the investigation for the cause of the problem should become
easier.

ii

Also, in order to withdraw and recall problem foods in an accurate and prompt way,
the traceability system can narrow down the search for the said foods as well as
identify their destination.

iii Furthermore, if the food history information records are maintained, the system
makes it easier to collect data about unexpected and long-term impacts on humanhealth attributable to food history. It also helps in developing risk management
measures.
iv The system helps to clarify responsibilities of food business operators.
i and ii above enable the minimization of damages to the consumer, andeconomic loss for the entire food chain.
(2) Greater reliability of informationi

The traceability system secures distribution route transparency.

ii

The system can provide information to consumer and customer, and thegovernment and local competent authorities, in a prompt and active manner.

iii The system enables the verification of correctness in labeling by ensuring acomparison system between food and its record.

19

These factors help to eliminate incorrect labeling and information, as wellas contribute to the further development of fair trade.
In particular, the consumer can get reliable food labeling, as well as
information about food and its suppliers. Also, they can utilize this information inbuying, storing and managing food products. And if appropriate information isprovided, they can take steps to prevent risks by themselves. Government andlocal competent authorities can also obtain correct information. They can utilize itin taking actions in case of emergency and also use it in managing the risk. These
allow food business operators to ensure reliability for their food products.
(3) Contribution to higher business efficiency
The traceability system enables the management of inventory and quality
efficiently, by managing food products with given IDs, and by storing andcommunicating information on the origins and characters of products.

This willcontribute to cost saving and improvement in quality.
In most cases, objectives listed in (1) to (3) above will be pursued at the sametime, but their priority may be different according to product characteristics, state of
the food chain, and consumer demand. When constructing a traceability system, theorganization concerned should determine which objectives they place emphasis on
considering these factors.

4-2 Scope of traceability system
When introducing the traceability system, it is essential to set the scope coveredby the system clearly. Specifically;-

Products to be covered by the system (Which raw materials and products
should be covered among the product line?)-

Stage(s) in entire food chain to be covered by the system (Which stages
among production, processing and distribution, does the food business
operator(s) implement the traceability system?)
It is ideal that a broader scope is covered by the system. However, when taking

thespecified objectives

orvarioustechnical

and economic constraints

into

consideration, it would be realistic to ensure the traceability system partially. In thatcase, it is effective to start with a limited scope, and then gradually expand the scope toa broader one.

20

4-3 Important considerations(1) Management commitment and continuous improvement
The management of each food business operator should be involved indeveloping, implementing and making continuous improvement in the traceability
system. Management should:i

Familiarize their employees about the importance of the traceability system.

ii

Ensure a traceability plan (For details of a plan for implementation, see 7-2).

iii Provide management resources (i.e. human resources, financial resources,
machinery and equipments, software, technology and techniques).
iv Direct continuous improvement (for details of improving and renewing system, see
8-2).
(2) Constraints
While the traceability system is an effective tool, it may have constraints andproblems described below. Organizations should use due care in regard to these factors.
Technical constraints are listed as below;iEase of application differs depending on specific characteristics of product,
operation and sector.
And it is affected by various factors, such as the nature and state of raw materials,
lot size, methods for cargo collection/division/and transportation, methods for
production/manufacturing and packaging, number of stages to be followed fromproduction to retail sales, and scale and numbers of food business operators in thefood supply chain.

ii

In the following cases, traceability systems become less efficient, when ;- The process such as the ordering system differs between the food business operators
involved.
- The information reliability is low.
- There are difficulties in information transmission between food business operators(i.e. there are interruption in communication).
- Product lots are not uniform.
Some of these constraints are able to be overcome by improving operator
proficiency levels, or by talks among operators. Or, some constraints are resolved byapplying newly developed technology, production/distribution methods.
It is desirable to understand which constraints should be managed, and then to be21

creative in strategies to handle them, or to have a future perspective.
As for economic constraints, when attempts are made to trace food forward or
backward in a more accurate way, huge costs may result. It is important to consider
costs and benefits when developing a traceability system.
(3) Costs and effects consideration
When constructing a traceability system, organization should presuppose theobjectives to be achieved, the effect to be obtained, and the costs needed, and shouldmake a careful comparative review of them.
<Effects for food business operators>
The following effects are expected by food business operators who achieve thetraceability system objectives mentioned in 4-1;i

The minimization of the impact on human health or society induced by food safety
accidents or nonconformance, as well as economic loss by facilitating prompt
investigations and withdrawal/recall of problem foods from the supply chain.

ii

The elimination of misleading labeling or information through improvement of
information reliability including the operator’s product label.

iii The facilitation in handling other parties’ inquiries, such as complaints.
iv The contribution to continued positive business relationships, by ensuring trust of
consumers and customers.
v

The contribution to brand name protection through the same reason as above.

vi The connection and combining each operator’s existing systems (i.e. safety control
system,purchasing/processing/sales

management

system,andinventory

management system), it allows operators to improve operation, as well as savecosts and increase employee awareness.

Also this enables the improvement ofefficiency in existing systems.
vii The analysis on recorded history information contributes to technologicalimprovement in production, processing and storing.
<Introduction cost>
Meanwhile, major costs for introducing the traceability system are as follows;i

Costs for drafting the fundamental plan and procedures4 necessary to establish thetraceability systemii

In the case of introducing electronic information systems, the costs for software

4 Refer to 6-3 for fundamental plan, and to 7-3 for procedure respectively.

22

development, and machinery maintenance (i.e. measuring equipments, information
processing devices etc.).
iii Costs for education and training
To save these introduction costs, the following schemes should be considered,especially for small-scaled business operators;-

Communicating with other operators in establishing the traceability system,
as well as drafting a fundamental plan.

-

Collaborating with other operators to draft a traceability system procedure-

In the case of introducing electronic information systems, co-develop asoftware network service and other required programs.

-

Co-development of education and training, and co-hosting the running of the
training program.

<Operational costs>
Major costs for operating traceability system are as follows;i

Labor costs for product identification, linking, and recording/ sorting/ storing
information.

ii

Expenses for consumables such as ID media (i.e. labels) and recording sheets.

iii In the case of the introduction of an electronic information system, maintenanceand renewal costs for equipment and software.
iv Costs for audits and monitoring to guarantee the system’s reliability.
To save these operational costs, the following schemes should be considered
generally.
-

Narrow down objectives and scopes (i.e. products, stages to be covered) as
appropriate.

-

Narrow down information to be linked to products-

Avoid defining traceable units to be too small.

-

Avoid duplication of operation, as well as consumables (i.e. labels, forms etc.)
Traceability implemented through the food chain can be more fully effective

than the one addressed by the individual food business operator. However, benefits forparticipating operators may differ, depending on their stage in food chain.

It isessential for each food business operator to give sufficient thought in drafting afundamental plan, considering balance of introduction and implementation costs and23

effects of the traceability system.
(4) Relationship between food safety management and quality control systems
The traceability system is the system to follow the movement of the foods, anddoes not directly perform food safety (hygiene) management, quality management andenvironmental management in the production process. Therefore, separate systems
should be introduced to handle these management tasks.

When a food business

operator plans to provide information on food safety, food quality and environmental
management, it is a prerequisite that these are managed appropriately.

Thus theoperator should also give careful consideration when possibly introducing the global
standards of these management systems.
-

HACCP: Identifying and monitoring of hazards and critical control points
based on hazard analysis-

ISO9001: Quality management systems – requirements-

ISO14001: Environmental management systems - Requirements withguidance for use-

ISO22000:

Food safety management systems - Requirements for any

organization in the food chain(5) Compliance to related laws and regulations
In implementing a food traceability system, the food business operator shallcomply with relevant laws and regulations, as well as the appropriate social ethic.

24

5. Introduction of food traceability systems: Fundamentals
5-1 Food identification and linkage
Food business operators at each stage of food chain should at least set a rule toidentify food (products and raw materials) and its suppliers and buyers, and tointerlink in advance. Also as for food handling, it is necessary for them to identify thefood, and keep and store the linking records according to the rule.

5-1-1 Principles of identification and linkage
Food (products and raw materials) identification and linkage 5 area are thefundamentals in ensuring traceability.
When constructing a traceability system, it is necessary to fulfill the following 9
principles regarding identification and linkage.
＜Identification＞
Principle 1 Definition of traceable unit
Setting the traceable unit of the products and raw materials at necessary pointof each stage
Principle 2 Rule on ID
Setting a rule on ID
Principle 3 Segregation management
Setting the method to segregate and manage food products and raw materials
for each identified unit (traceable unit)＜Linkage＞
Principle 4 Ensuring one step back traceability
Setting the rule on linking the raw material’s traceable unit and its supplier(the food business operator one step back) and setting the recording form
Principle 5 Ensuring internal traceability
Setting the rule to link a traceable unit of raw materials with that of in-process
and finished products and setting the recording forms
If raw materials or products are combined or divided, set the rule on linking thetraceable unit before the combination or division with that after such work, andset the forms to record it.

5 In the original handbook, identification and linkage as a whole was called“identification management”. This has been changed and unified to “Identification andlinkage” in this revision.
25

Principle 6 Ensuring the one step forward traceability
Setting the rule on linking the product’s traceable unit and its buyer (the foodbusiness operator one step forward) and setting the recording form
＜Media for identification, records, and transmission＞
Principle 7 Method of Attaching ID
Setting the method to attach the ID on the traceable unit (such as stamping,
printing, label, electronic tags, etc)
Principle 8 Media for information recording and transmitting
Determining the media to record, store and transmit the information which
had been read for identification and linking (such as paper documents,
electronic database, label, electronic tags)＜Establishing a procedure＞
Principle 9 Establishing a procedure
Setting the procedure to actualize, following the methods and forms set above
In principle 5, setting the rule on linking any inadequate product that was
taken out from the inventory or line is included.
When food business operators, such as suppliers and buyers, which havemultiple business premises and are going to link according to principles 4 and 6, it isnecessary for them to establish the places where food goes through as the businesspremises.
For ensuring traceability, there are various levels. By making a lot bigger, thenthe accuracy of the tracing becomes lower but it would make it easier to realize theprinciple in identification and linking.
In 5-1-2 and 3 below, a more detailed explanation is given on the identificationand linking mentioned above.
In Figures 1 and 2, the principle of linkage that each food business operator is
supposed to fulfill and the food business operators’ relation in the chain traceability are
shown. An arrow in Figure 1 shows the principle of linkage that each food business
operator is supposed to fulfill (4, 5 and 6).

When each neighboring food business

operator in the food chain fulfills these principles, chain traceability is ensured.

26

Figure１

Principle of linkage that each food business operator fulfills (Principles 4~6)
Material flow

One stepback foodbusiness
operator

Ensuring one
step backtraceability（Principle 4）

Food businessOne step

operator

forward foodbusiness
operator
Ensuring internal
traceability(Principle 5)

Ensuring one
step forward
traceability(Principle 6)

The scope each food business operator is supposed to link

Figure 2 The principle of linkage that the food business operator at each stage is
supposed to fulfill and chain traceability
Production

Preparation

Process

Wholesale

Retail sales
and food
service

Ensuring chain traceability

5-1-2 Organizing the flows of materials and information, and rules on identificationand linkage(1) Summarizing the material flow (Principles 1, 3~6)
Illustrate a material flow, from receiving to shipping, of the scope wheretraceability is to be established. By this procedure, the relations between the productthat was input and the product that was output can be understood. Based on this,examine in what kind of unit the food should be identified at each stage, how theprocess should be controlled in order to link which units, and moreover check if the27

recording of the linkage is easy to do.
In the process of preparation, processing and separate loading within the foodbusiness operator, mingling and separation may occur. There are also complicatedcases such as situations when the raw materials, which had not been used completely
in one process, are used in the next process after being placed in the inventory. Or the
product, which was once separated from the line due to nonconformity is being placedback in the line after the correction was made to meet the specification required.
In these cases, it is important to figure out a practical linking method thatmeets the objectives of the traceability system. Improvements by making the material
flow simpler could be considered.
(2) The important considerations of setting traceable unit and lot formation (Principles
1 and 5)
Food business operators should set the traceable unit of food. The size of the
traceable unit relates to the accuracy of the tracing. Properly setting traceable units
helps make the tracing of products more efficient.
Food traceable units are lots or individual/separate products and should bespecified using ID. When the lot is the traceable unit, deciding in what condition the
lot is formed becomes an important principle.
The meaning of a lot and the perspective of a lot formation, should take thenext 3 aspects into consideration.
i

Coping with product nonconformity and food borne accidents, and addressing theimprovement of food safety management
When nonconformity of the product is found, the identified lot is used as thebasis of withdrawal or recall of the product and of the investigation of the cause. Thus,
whether or not the lot of the product is properly formed affects how effectively the
product can be withdrawn or recalled and how effectively the cause can be investigated.
Also when the lot is properly formed, it is easier to manage food safety and sanitation
by managing the process with the identified lot as the basis.
Therefore, in production and processing process, it is necessary to organize the
lot within the scope of products produced and processed in the same conditions; such as
having the raw materials in the same state, and with the same date of production. In
production stages of farm, livestock, and marine products, estimates of the scope thatthey were produced/grown under the same conditions can be made. The examples ofthese are shown in ＜References＞below. In the shipping and storing process, when28

there is a possibility of the products, including fresh, frozen and cold-storage goods,
having accidents involving storing and transporting conditions, it is preferable toorganize a lot with that taken into consideration.
If the lot is small, it is possible to narrow the scope of products to be recalled in
the event of an accident, and it is easier to find the cause.

Also the safety andsanitation management unit can be small. But the smaller the lot is made, the greater
the costs of segregation will be.
＜References＞
Examples of lot forming of products with same condition at the production stage-

As for farm products, products cultivated in a cultivated field or lot in thesame conditions, cultivated with the same standard or method by farmers orby the farming group, of the same variety, and being harvested on the same
day or in the same period, could be identified as part of one lot.

-

As for poultry, they should be grown in the same poultry house, given thesame feed and water, with the same vaccinations and animal medicines
applied. For other livestock products, the same conditions as above should
be considered.

ii

Coping with labeling
In order to ensure the correspondence between the content described on thelabel and the product itself, it is necessary to form a lot corresponding to the indicatedinformation and to have a system to supply that in a segregated way.
Therefore, the items, such as product category variety and ingredients, shownon the label, should be able to be segregated by the lot. Obligatory labeling mattersmust be followed.

However, for others, if the number of these items increases, it

becomes necessary to make product classification more detailed and to make the lot
size smaller, and so the segregation costs grow larger. There is the need to study abalance between consumer demand and business needs.
When there are divisions required for transactions, such as the standard forfarm produce, consideration must be given to such divisions.
iii Addressing the issue of improving quality management efficiency
When a lot is formed appropriately, quality management such as freshness
becomes easy.
At the production stage, by forming a lot by the date products are harvested or29marine products landed, quality management such as freshness becomes easy.

Inpreparation and processing stages, forming a lot according to the product requirements,
contributes to improving the quality management.

But the smaller the lot is, thegreater the costs of segregation.
In most cases, a lot is set at each stage.
-

The lot formed at the production stage is sometimes called a production lot.

-

The lot that is formed when processing a product is sometimes called a
product lot.

-

The lot that is formed when shipping is sometimes called a shipping lot.

-

There are cases when a new lot is formed when receiving lots are rearranged
at the distribution stage. This is sometimes called a distribution lot.

(3) Deciding the rule on assigning ID (Principle 2)
It is necessary to set a rule to assign ID for a newly formed traceable unit. Also
it is important not to have ID duplicated.
As for the food business operators receiving products from several suppliers, if
the rule of each supplier’s product ID is uniform, it is easier to record and manage
received products’ IDs. If it is possible to obtain the agreement of the parties involved,
it is desirable to unify the ID rule.
(4) Deciding the traceable unit linking rule within food business operator’s process(Principle 5)
To have the product’s traceable unit linkage before and after the movement andoperation understandable, organization concerned should set an approach to handle
traceable unit and construct process and operational systems. It is prerequisite toconstruct a system in which segregation management is properly handled in order not
to have the unintended mingling and contamination.
IDs which need to be linked-

Received traceable unit and shipped traceable unit-

Traceable unit of raw materials and product’s traceable unit-

When raw materials or products are combined or divided, traceable units
before and after the operation.

-

Traceable units of raw materials unused or in the inventory and of in-process
products.

30

-

Products taken out of the line due to nonconformity, and discarded raw
materials and products
It is necessary to take into consideration conditions according to the operators’

actual process and to consider important factors in lot formation such as, for example,
which traceable units of raw materials to combine or not in making a product. Also it
is necessary to set a way to guarantee the linking process (for example, having somespace in the process line at the point where the traceable unit changes).
The way of linking changes depending on the production methods (continuous
production, batch production, etc.). It is desirable not to make a big change from thepresent situation and figure out a way to follow the traceability principles just by
making necessary improvements.
(5) Deciding on the procedures to organize information flow and handling (Principles 7
and 8)At the same time as organizing the material flow, organization concerned
should organize the flow of information, which is recorded, attached to the product ortransmitted in paper document or data form.

On top of that, methods and proceduresshould be set regarding reading and recording of the information attached to the
product, recording of the newly produced information, and output and printing of labels
and invoices. Also study the present situation in order to make use of the currently
used labels, invoices and paper documents, and make improvements as need arises.

5-1-3 Identification and linkage at each stage (Principles 3~6)
Food business operator should handle the traceable units following the setting
and linking rules of the traceability units at each stage. In order not to have any
handling mistakes, attach a label and an invoice with ID, collate product with its
information at each stage and record it, and segregate the product.
In the following, explanation is given with an assumption that the traceable
unit is a lot. If the traceable unit is an individual or individual product, it is necessary
to change the wording and content accordingly.
(1) Work consequent on lot formation, movement, combination, and division
Handling of lots can be organized by any of the following 8 patterns in theprocess of any food business operators.

For combination, division, and processing

process, in order to understand this in pattern, it is illustrated simply and briefly below.
Practically, it is important to think according to the handling method for lot linking

31which was set beforehand in conformity with operators’ actual process.
Figure 3 Lot handling patterna.
Receivingb. In-housetransporta
d. Divisionc.
tion,
Combination
storage

Ａ

Ａ

Ｂ

Ｂ

X

Ａ
Ｃ

Ｂ

Formation

Receiving the shipment lot
Lot
Lot
Ａ

Ａ

Ｂ

Ｂ

Ｘ

Ｘ

Ｙ

Ｙ

h. Extinction- Check the incoming shipment lot and its
information (labels and invoice which include ID).
- Link the incoming shipment lot ID with the supplierand date and time information, and record them.
- Record the information on the label of the lot or in
the invoice.
- In case the one step back operator has not
implemented the traceability system, give ID on theincoming lot and record the necessary information.
(Follow g． which is explained later).
- According to the type of work expected in the future,
prepare an in-house invoice (in case of b. above) or awork instruction (c., d., e.) and attach it to the lot.

Border of plants (work place)

b.

Y
Z

g.

a.

e. Processing
which does not
f. Shipping
involve lot
combination ordivision (ex.
Heating, freezing,
drying)In-house transportation and storage by lot (no change in the products composing
the lot)
Ａ

Ａ

Ｂ

Ｂ

- Compare the lot and its information (label andinvoice which include ID).
- Record the information such as the location and thedate and time and so on.

32

c.

Combination of lots (For example, combination of 2 and more lots into a new lot)
- Check the pre-combined lot and its information thathas ID information (label and work instruction), andrecord the information.
- Assign a new ID on the newly combined lot.
- Link IDs of the lot before the combination with the
lot after the combination and record the information.
- Record information about combination work needed
for identification, if any.
This information includes the date of combination,
the weight of the lots prior to and after the
combination, and other information about the stateof combining work.
- Prepare the label and invoice with the new ID
indication for the combined lot and attach them tothe lot.

A
C
B

d.

Division of a lot (For example, division of a lot into 2 or more lots)- Check the pre-divided lot and its information (label
and work instruction with ID information), andrecord the information.
- Assign a new lot ID to the newly divided lot.
- Record the ID linkage so that the lot before thedivision and the lot after the division can be linked.
- Input or record information about division workneeded for identification, if any.
This information includes the date of division, theweight of the lots before the division and after thedivision, and other information about the state ofdivision work.
- Prepare the label and invoice with the new ID
indication for the divided lot and attach them to the
lot.

X
C

e.

Y

Processing which does not involve lot combination or division (ex. Heating, freezing,
drying)

X

X

Y

Y

- Check the pre-processing lot and its information(content of label and work instruction ), and record
the information.
- Record information about processing work needed for
identification, if any.
This information includes the date of processing, theweight of the lot before and after the processing, andother information about the state of processing work.
- Prepare the label and invoice with the ID indicationof the processed lot and attach them to the lot.

33

f.

Shipment of a lot

X

X

Y

Y

- Check the lot to be shipped and its information (label
and invoice with ID indication), and record theinformation.
- Link the ID of the shipped lot and its buyer, date andtime, and record them.

Border of plants (work place)g.

Formation of a lot (For example, when producing or obtaining the farm, livestockand marine products or when receiving the non-identified products which are notcovered by the system)- Decide on the product lot and assign ID.
- For each lot, record information necessary for
identification (producer, field, date, time, etc.)

A
B

h.

Extinction of a lot(For example,

when theproduct is disposed of)- Check the product lot itself prior to the disposition
and its information (content on the label, invoice, or
work instruction).
- For each lot, record the necessary information(extinct date and time, place, etc.)

Z

Food business operators should establish a mechanism of proper segregation andmanagement in any of the above mentioned cases in order to prevent an unintended
mix up.

34

(2) Work involved in handling other lots
i. Work involved when using in-house ID
When in-house IDs are used by the operator, set a rule on the in-house ID. Also,
at incoming and outgoing, incoming lot ID and outgoing lot ID and the in-house ID
should be linked and recorded.

B
In-house IDａ
Incoming lot IDｂOutgoing lot ID

j. Forming a group of lots (grouping several lots to make one lot)
The multiple lots with IDs can be grouped together by placing them on one palletor so and handled as one traceable unit.

Also the products, each of which was

identified as an individual product unit by assigning serial numbers and so on, can begrouped and handled as one traceable unit by placing them in a box or on a pallet andso on.

A- Assign a new ID to the grouped lot.
- Link the product ID of before the grouping with thatof after the grouping, and record it.
- Record information about grouping work needed for
identification, if any.
This information includes the date group wasformed, the work place, and other information about
the state of grouping work.

A

B

X

B

k. Breaking up a group (breaking up the traceable unit which was a group)
For example, there are cases when one traceable unit on a pallet is broken up.
Also there are cases when one traceable unit made up of several individual productswith serial numbers as identification is split into individual products.
- Link the product ID of before the split with that ofafter the split, and record it. (Or check the records ofprior to grouping and after the grouping.)- Input or record information necessary for
identification, if any.
This information includes the date group was broken
up, the date of split, the place the group was broken
up, and other information about the state of splitting
work.

A

A
B
X

B

Segregation management is necessary also in above work.

35

5-2 Recording information(1) Choosing the information to record
As for the information recorded in the traceability system, there is essential
information for ensuring traceability and supplementary information which becomes
necessary depending on the objectives.
The essential information in ensuring traceability includes the linking record
ensuring the one step back traceability, one step forward traceability, internal
traceability (records regarding Principles 4, 5 and 6 in 5-1-1), the operator who handled
the relevant food products, date and time the food products were handled, and thelocation where the food products were handled, etc.

It is desirable to include theweight and/or quantity record necessary for verifying the total quantitative account.
Supplementary information is the information necessary depending on theobjectives set and it is the process history of production, sanitation, quality
management state that each food business operator records at production, processing,
distribution process.
Supplementary information meeting these objectives is managed and could be
retrieved using food ID in the traceability system. It enables linking supplementary
information with the actual product and its handler. Also history information at eachstage of the concerned food traceable unit can be verified. When considering what kindof information to record, the operator should make this decision in reference to the
purpose of the traceability system and considering its effectiveness and the possible
necessary cost. The decision whether to record information should be considered basedon the necessities of each management system, especially in terms of the record on
production, sanitation and quality management state.
For the above-mentioned information, there is information obtained from the
upstream and downstream food business operators and from in-house information
generated at the operator.

For information obtained from other operators, it isdesirable to set with the operators which information to receive and record.
(2) Recording media
For keeping records, it is necessary to determine the media (paper ledger,
electronic data base, etc.) to use beforehand.

5-3 Storing information
Organization concerned should set the storing period and storing method of therecorded information.
When doing so, it should be done with the following points in mind; the36

objectives set for introducing the traceability system, and the nature of the production,
processing, and distribution of the food product concerned.
Data should be organized so that it can be easily taken out when transmitting
information, disclosing information to the public institution, and doing internal
auditing.

5-4 Verifying the traceability system
In many cases, one of the objectives of a traceability system is to improve thereliability of information. Therefore, it is extremely important to have a system toverify the existing traceability system.
As a standard to verify the whole system, “Requirements for Food Traceability
Systems” (The Committee on the Third Party Certification of Food Traceability
Systems, October of 2006) could be utilized.
(1) Monitoring
Monitoring is conducted daily to check if the work and so forth are conductedaccording to the procedures set when the traceability system was constructed. It is
desirable to set a monitoring schedule when (what kind of interval), who, what, howchecking is conducted.
(2) Internal audit
Internal auditing is conducted in securing the reliability of the traceability
system and for evaluating if the traceability system is increasing its effectivenesstoward the objective set. Monitoring is conducted daily, whereas the internal audit isconducted by setting a fixed time and interval. The outcome report of the monitoring
will be utilized as material for the internal audit.
In an internal audit, it is desirable to:a Check whether the work is performed according to the predetermined
procedures.
b Check that food and its information can be tracked and traced.
c Check changes in the weight and/or quantity of food before and after the work
is conducted and check if there is any abnormal increase or decrease(quantitative account).
The tracing and tracking test means randomly choosing and checking on
several traceable unit samples or actual products of specific raw materials andproducts, upstream and downstream where traceability is conducted. By conducting
this test, it is possible to check if tracing and tracking was properly conducted (how37much time needed for this) and what kind of problems exists for tracing and tracking.
In order to conduct a quantitative account, it is necessary to keep records of theweight and/or quantity of each traceable unit before and after the work. The volume
account is frequently used when monitoring6.
In addition to the internal audit, the food business operators with traceability
systems may mutually audit their systems.
iDrafting documented internal audit procedures
For the audit methods a, b, c above, clarify the procedure to carry them out anddraft an internal audit procedure manual.
ⅱ

Audit according to the internal audit procedure manual
For conducting an audit, organizations and systems should be established. The

audit criteria should be created, audit plans and records as well as audit records should
be developed and record storing methods should be decided.

The audit should be

carried out based on the audit execution schedule, and audit records should be kept.
Organization concerned should make good use of audit results when reviewing
or making improvements on the traceability system.
In addition, to minimize the burden of an internal audit, it will be effective tocompile manuals for traceability work, and to give periodical training to personnel andemployees.
(3) Third party audit
For food business operators, receiving a third party audit by a proper third
party organization specializing in audit and inspection, is an effective method forkeeping the function of the traceability system on a high level. Also it is effective in
identifying and solving the problems of an internal system by using external know-how,and moreover, it can result in gaining greater trust from consumers as well as otherinterested parties.
The third party audit will require a certain amount of cost, and so how to
implement this audit should be studied with overall consideration for the service
provided by the third party auditing organization.

6 As

for the domestic beef, the operational regulations on “Beef Traceability Law”
impose a duty to record the weight. Also in the domestic beef traceability introduction
handbook (introduction version), it is described as “quantity management” and its
procedure is explained.
38

5-5 Transmitting and disclosing information(1) Transmitting information among food business operators
Organization concerned should establish a system to transmit information
among food business operators.
The most basic transmitting information is ID of food which moves among
operators, moved date, and names of supplier (origin of the movement) and buyer(destination of the movement).

The above-mentioned information is necessary in

tracing one step back and tracking one step forward.

With labels or invoices, theinformation can be transmitted with the actual products.
For other supplementary information, the necessary information according tothe objectives of the traceability system can be transmitted. Of all the data recorded
and stored, organization concerned should decide in advance among operators which
information to be transmitted, on what occasion (everyday, when requested byconsumer, when food borne problems occurred, etc.), to what stage of operator, and withwhat media. It is not necessary to disclose all the information (information regarding
sales and profit is not necessary for food traceability).
(2) Providing information to the government and local competent authorities
When food borne accidents or labeling problems occur and the government andlocal competent authorities request the food business operator to provide informationaccording to the law, the operator can provide information in a swift and efficientmanner by referring to the records of food handling and movement. For theseemergency situations, it would make it easier for the government and local competentauthorities to take the necessary measures in the food chain.
(3) Providing information to consumers
In general, there are two methods of providing information to the consumer: iby providing information about the fact that a traceability system exists, indicating ID
on the product and the like for inquiry, and by establishing a system to cope with theconsumer’s inquiry; and ii by providing historical information meeting the objectives.
iCases where introduction of a traceability system is announced, ID is indicated on
the product and the like, and a system to cope with inquiries is established:
The information provided should include the product’s ID and points ofcontact. The scope where the traceability system is in place (food items covered bythis system, which stage to which stage is covered in the food chain) should be39

indicated. Care should be taken in regard to the expectation that consumers may
have by the term “traceability” and it is necessary not to have consumers
misunderstand that the traceability is ensured in wider scope than that actually
covered.
When an inquiry is received from the consumer, if the historicalinformation is owned by individual food business operators, such information must
be collected from each of the enterprises. Thus, operators should agree in advanceon the enterprise in charge of this task and on the method of the task.
When the historical information is stored in a commonly used center (that is
managed by a group of food business operators), the operator receiving the inquiry
can access the center and collect and organize the historical information and thenprovide it to the consumer. In any case, disclosing information should bedetermined among the operators.
ii

Case where historical information is provided
In this case, the specific historical information is provided directly to theconsumers or it is made possible for consumers to freely access the information.
The historical information is provided mainly on the labels, at the store or oninternet websites. A prior agreement should be made on common rules
guaranteeing consumer convenience (information easy to understand, easy access),reliability of information and protection of private information.
When consumers make choices on the products at stores, the amount of
information that consumers can read and use to make a decision is limited.
Therefore, figuring out an efficient way to solve this problem is required, such as
properly narrowing down the amount of information given to consumers byindicating the necessary information in priority order, informing consumers of the
products meeting the specific standards and regulations known to them with themarks, and so on.
The food business operators should always provide the consumer withnecessary information positively and in a consumer-friendly method. If a food borne
accident occurs, more detailed information should be disclosed.
It is especially effective to promptly disclose facts and future action to theconsumer.

In this case, it is necessary to determine the principles of disclosure

beforehand. If the traceability system covers two or more food business operators, therules of disclosure, such as timing, content and method, should be agreed upon among40

these operators.

Because disclosing information via the mass media and on theinternet is effective, it is desirable to decide the method of this disclosure in advance.

5-6 Designating and preserving necessary documents
It is important to determine necessary documents in implementing a foodtraceability system and to maintain the documents.
Specifically, rules and methods determined prior to the implementation of thefood traceability system should be documented as a traceability plan (7-2) or as aprocedural manual (7-3).
Creating these documents above, pay attention and be sure to include thefollowing:-

The stage(s) in the food chain-

Work and process flow in ensuring traceability-

Results of verifications such as by internal audit-

Measures to take when non-conformity regarding the food traceability
system was found-Responsibility of data management-

Period documents are stored

41

Part II. How to introduce a food traceability system
Part II describes the methods of how to introduce a food traceability system.
For individual food business operators who plan to introduce traceability systems,“Section 7 Introduction of a food traceability system: The second stage” and thefollowing section might be helpful.
Indicated below is just an example of how to introduce a traceability system.
Thus, the organizations planning to introduce a traceability system should choose amethod appropriate for them by considering the degree of needs, products handled,
trading situations and scales, and other relevant factors.
Figure 4 below shows an example flow chart of the actual introduction of achain traceability system.
Figure 4. Flow chart to establish a chain traceability
After each individual food operator
introduces a food traceability system,
cooperation should be made among foodbusiness operators.

Start

Is it possible to form
aninter-operatorsgroup?

Yes- Writing food item/sector specificinstructions/guidelinesbyindustry group (6-1(2))

No

Try to introduce afood
traceability
system through thefood chain.

Form an operators’ group (6-1(1))

Agreement in complying withinter-operators’ guideline andother requirements

Understanding
situation (6-2)

Understanding
situation (6-2)

thecurrent

Formulating a basic plan(6-3)- Establishing

the

the

Instructions/guidelines specific
to
the
food
item/sector

current

The Basic plan

traceability

systemexecutingorganization.
- Clarifying roles and responsibilities of operators (7-1)
Preparing a system by each operator (7-1)

Formulating a
operator (7-2)

YesNo

Is the system’s
improvement/
renewalrequired?

implementation

plan

by

each

Preparing a traceability procedural manual by each
operator (7-3)- Preparing a schedule for introduction of thesystem (7-4)- Training of people involved (7-5)- Publicity (8-1)

Improving
renewing
system (8-2)

andtheEstablishment of a food chain traceability

42

Traceability
plan
Proceduralmanual6. Introduction of a food traceability system: The first stage
6-1 Cooperation and coordination among operators, and ensuring consistency
In order to establish food traceability among more than one food business
operator, it is necessary to ensure consistency among them from upstream todownstream.

Also, in order to ensure traceability in wide-range, it is desirable toensure consistency among food business operators who are at the same stage of thefood chain
For that, it is best for several food business operators to form an organization
and aim at introducing traceability system. If that is difficult, it may be possible foreach operator to coordinate to interoperate the food traceability systems that each foodbusiness operator has introduced.
(1) Form an inter-operators group
To ensure traceability through the food chain, it is important to form a group offood business operators anew or a special body in an existing group of food business
operators for the purpose of building up the system. This is because unless related
operators have an agreement in advance on the definition of identification units andlots, the format of identification numbers, the method of transmitting information(content of information to be transmitted, means to transmit, format of labels andinvoices, and in case of using existing code systems, their forms) and other relevant
matters, products and lots and their information cannot be transmitted efficiently fromone operator to another.
As for the product items having many operators involved through the processfrom production to sale, and those with complex processing or distribution courses
before reaching the consumer, it is especially important to secure the verticalcooperation between operators at the stages of production, processing, and distribution
as well as the horizontal coordination at the same stage. In the case of small foodbusiness operators or in a sector having many small enterprises, joint efforts through agroup of enterprises make information collection easier and help to save costs.
It is desirable for the entire business world for the food concerned, to create abody or process for laying down common rules about their policies for introducing a
traceability, procedures in ensuring traceability, traceable unit and ID, and datatransmitting method, and thus proceed as the business world to jointly create a basic
plan necessary for constructing traceability system through the food chain.
In some cases, even after a group of food business operators has been formed, it
requires a certain amount of time to reach an agreement on common rules, because43there are many operators involved in the process from production to sale. In such cases,
it will be realistic to phase in a traceability system. For example, traceability can beestablished from processing to sale stages at first, and then can be extended to the
production stage, securing continuity based on the outcome of the initial step.
(2) Coordinating the food traceability system between food business operators
In some cases, a longer period of time is required in forming a food business
operators group, or it is difficult to form a group among the existing traceability
systems of operators, as some of them already have partial traceability systems which
are already in place. For these cases, it may be effective for the respective operators toestablish internal traceability systems, as well as one-step-forward tracing and onestep-back tracing system, and then to expand the systems to other operators, thusbuilding up a link among them.
In the case mentioned above, it is required that the operators concerned
disclose necessary information to other operators – i.e. about the scope of theirtraceability system, how they define a traceable unit and ID, and the informationtransmission method, to help them more easily connect their systems. However, at thisstage, the operators shall not claim that they have traceability in place throughout the
food chain.
To facilitate such connection between the systems run by respective operators,
and to make these efforts develop into a traceability throughout the entire food chain,
it is effective for the association, cooperative association or any other organization of
the product concerned, to compile and distribute a handbook and guidelines fortraceability of the product, which provide information on methods for identification andlink, methods of information transmission, etc.
Then, if they decide to facilitate coordination between their systems along withthe guidelines developed, they can make a major step towards ensuring chain
traceability.
Likewise, in the case that some operators already have a traceability systemthrough the food chain, and to coordinate it with another operator’s own system, it iseffective to do so in line with the guidelines.

6-2 Assessment of the current situation(1) Understanding social issues and consumer needs
It is necessary to understand the social issues involved such as new risks, or thelabeling requirements of the food concerned and consumer needs such as their
expectations for the food product concerned, the product information they want, and44

the way to get such information should be studied.
(2) Identify product/information flow
The food business operators should grasp and clarify both product andinformation flows, and the corresponding operating procedures. Also, the food business
operators should grasp the information that should be shared among themselves.
(3) Identify available resources
The food business operators should clarify what types of available resources are
owned by the food supply chain concerned, relevant operators and groups, in order todevelop a traceability system.
-

Awareness and understanding of the parties involved in traceability-

A policy for coping with the food borne risks, or food related accidents-

ISO and HACCP certifications obtained-

Commonly used processing machines and equipment and managing techniques-

An up to date state of information technology introduced (hardware, software)and information transmitting means-

Relevant external information (e.g., related guidelines, technical manuals,
standards, and relevant legislation)

6-3 Formulation of a basic planThis part describes a method to introduce a food traceability system through afood chain by a newly established food business operators’ group which consists of morethan one food business operator.

When coordinating the existing food traceability

systems each food operator already has in place, this part could be skipped. However,to facilitate the coordination, it may be more effective to make an approach following
the process mentioned in this section.
(1) System design
In designing a food traceability system, the organizations should share anddiscuss the outcome obtained from the process mentioned in “6-2 Understanding thecurrent situation” with the group members. The items to be designed are as follows:i

Basic ideas: Background and need for the introduction of a food traceability
system and the basic stance for constructing a system.

ii

Objectives: This should be defined by referring to the clause 4-1.

iii Expected effects: This should be discussed in relation to the objectives, as well as
referring to the clause 4-3.

45

iv Scope of the system: The following scopes should be set by referring to the clause
4-2.
-

Which item, variety, materials etc. should be covered by the system?

-

Which part of the food chain should be covered? (which stage of the foodchain, from the upstream through downstream, should be considered indefining the scope?)v

Material and information flow, and rules for identification and linkage: Theseshould be set by referring to the clauses 5-1-1 and 5-1-2.
-

Material flow in the entire food chain-

Defining traceable units-

Rules on ID-

Method of Segregation management-

Rules on linking of the raw material’s traceable unit and its supplier (thefood business operator one step back)-Rules on linking of traceable units within the production process of theoperators at each stage-

Rules on linking of the product’s traceable unit and its buyer (the foodbusiness operator one step forward)-

Information flow and handling-

Method of attaching ID (i.e. stamp, print, label, electronic tag etc. In somecases, more than one media may be used.)-

Information record/transmission media for the identification of products, aswell as the linking of traceable units and ID (i.e. paper forms, electronic
database, label, electronic tag, etc.)

vi Information to be recorded: This should be defined by referring to the clause 5-2.
-

What type of information should be recorded?

-

What level of accuracy is required in the information?

vii System verification method: This should be defined by referring to the clause 5-4.
-

Contents and method of monitoring (drafting a monitoring plan)-

Contents and method of an internal audit-

Decision on either to request an external audit or notviii Information to be transmitted and disclosed: This should be defined by referringto the clause 5-5.
-

What type of information has to be transmitted/disclosed – in what cases, towhich stages of operators, government/local authorities and consumers?

-

What type of media should be used (in some cases, more than one media

46

may be used)?
(2) Checking into expandability of existing business methods and the possibility for
coordination among food business operators
This is to check whether the above-mentioned design can be feasible by only
making minor changes in the current operation system. It is desirable to run the wholesystem by utilizing the current system as much as possible such as using the existing:-

Process condition including machinery and equipment, facility and working
method-Current documentation such as label, invoice and forms-

Computers and their performance and system
Also, it should be checked as to whether actual raw materials and products andinformation can be exchanged in a quick and efficient manner among the operators.
(3) Review and final determination of the target
In the case that the check on above (2) suggests that the original design should
be modified, the design of the system should be reviewed.
Based on the above review, a basic plan should be developed and documented.
This basic plan should be shared by the food business operators (responsible manager
and the person in charge) who are in the same chain traceability, and thus therecognition of the food traceability is shared. If possible, the roles of the members
should be clarified, and the cost sharing should be agreed upon at this point of time.

(4) Introducing an electronic information system
When introducing an electronic information system for information recording
and its management, a basic plan for the electronic information system should be
drafted considering the following issues:iThe basic direction of the electronic information system to establish traceability
Organization concerned should explore possibilities in utilizing andcoordinating each others’ existing electronic information systems, make efforts inensuring consistencies of code systems and communication systems. The following
should be determined:-

Methods for utilization and coordination of information systems in operation-

Needs for and possibilities of establishing a joint-use information center-

Code system to be applied-

Communication system to be applied

47

ii

Basic direction of the structure for promoting an information system
Based on the basic direction of the electronic information system to ensure
traceability, an ideal way of promoting the system should be examined from the
aspects below:-

Framework in constructing the electronic information system-

Framework in operating the electronic information system-

In the case of providing information to the consumer, setting up an information
provision scheme and a window where information is provided.

iii Formulating a basic plan for an electronic information system
Based on the results of the above examinations, a “basic plan for anelectronic information system to establish a food traceability system” should be
drafted, and an agreement should be obtained among the people involved. It is
desirable to clarify, in the promotion schedule, the points with higher priority to be
coped with as well as those to be addressed in future, and to set up the system bytaking a step-by-step approach.

48

7. Introduction of a food traceability system: The second stage
7-1 Preparing the system, clarifying roles and responsibilities
In the case where food business operators establish a group and introduce a
traceability system through the food chain (production, preparation/processing,
distribution or sale) (6-1(1)), a group should be formed based on the agreed basic planfor the purpose of operating the system. The roles and responsibilities of each foodbusiness operator should be clearly defined according to the “basic plan”.
Secondly, each of the participating food business operators should make inhouse preparation for implementation of the traceability system. In particular, thefollowing matters are required:
i Management should appoint a person in charge.
ii Ensure necessary personnel for the system implementation
iii Prepare necessary resources, such as equipment and materials, document
preparation, etc.
Meanwhile, food business operators, who do not jointly establish such groups(6-1(2)), should review their own traceability plans to comply with the guidelines, etc.

7-2 Drafting a plan for implementation
Each food business operator should draft an in-house traceability plan
according to the basic plan or compliance guidelines. If such plans had been drafted
previously, they should be revised as necessary.
It is recommended that the following matters are included in the traceability
plan:iImplementing structureii

Objectives and expected effects

iii Scope of foods and stages coverediv Flow of products and information, rules for identification and linkagev

Type of information to be recorded and type of media how it should be recordedvi Storage of informationvii Method of verification of the system
viii Information to be transmitted / disclosed
Basically, the plan of implementation should comply with the basic plan. If a
basic plan agreed between food business operators had already been compiled, a planfor implementation should be drafted along with the basic plan. In the case where abasic plan is not compiled, the current situation should be understood (6-2) prior todrafting a plan for implementation.

49

7-3 Writing a traceability procedural manual
A manual for operating and managing the traceability system should becompiled on the basis of the basic plan and implementing plan.
The procedural manual should clearly define when and where the operation
should be carried out, who should carry out the work and the type of work to be carriedout. The description of work should include a series of work for product identificationand linkage, information to be recorded, media to be used (format, database, etc.),recording and storing method, storing period, and other matters.
If the food business operator has already obtained certification of ISO9001,
HACCP, ISO14001 and other certification systems (and plans to offer this management
information by a traceability system), harmonization between them (the management
information) and the traceability system should be coherent.

7-4 Establishing a schedule for introduction of the system
After drafting the basic plan, operation plan and procedural manual, atimetable and other documents for introducing the system should be created.
More specifically, (1) a timetable and (2) a trial run plan should be drafted.
(1) Timetable
A timetable for the period of study and training, and that of trial runs should
be drafted.
(2) Drafting of a trial run plan
To confirm the effectiveness of the system, it is desirable to conduct trial runs.
If any problems are found while proceeding with the trial run, it is effective to
specify the items to be checked and then record the results and use them for system
improvement purposes.

7-5 Training of relevant personnel
In many cases, operation of the traceability system is conducted parallel withthe existing operation. Therefore, as those in charge of food purchasing, production,
shipment, and distribution will have to perform tasks for the system in addition totheir usual duties, consideration should be given not merely to personnel assignment
but also to work efficiency.
Traceability systems are not very familiar to most people. Therefore, to avoid50

confusion at the initial stage, it is effective to give training to them so that they may
acquire the ability to quickly and accurately input data and perform such other tasks
as collation and recording.
Before trial runs, training programs should be given to those concerned withthe traceability system so that they may be given explanations (i) about the aim of theintroduction of the system and meaning of each task according to the basic plan andthe traceability plan, and (ⅱ) about the nature of the tasks of every person in charge
according to the procedure manual in an attempt to ensure their understanding.

7-6 Important considerations in the creation of the electronic information systems
In the case where an electronic information system is newly built up to ensure
the reliability of the traceability system, the following matters should be studied andadded to traceability plan.
(1) Work analysis for carrying out the basic design of the electronic information system
Work should be analyzed considering the following:-

Definition of identification units and IDs in the traceability plan-

Rules for identification/linkage in the traceability plan, form and method of
information recording/communication-

Incoming product receiving work, processing work, shipment work-

Situation of computer use (e.g., database, input/output method, human resources)(2) Arrangement of specifications for basic design of information system-

Database specifications-

Input/output specifications-

External communication specifications-

Hardware composition of the system (including the possibility of establishing a
joint-use database center)
The methods of developing an information system include development by thefood business operator itself, development by outsourcing, use of a package system, anduse of an ASP (application service provider who rents application software to thecustomer on the internet). In determining which of these methods is desirable, theirin-house situation of human resources and the precision of the electronic information
system which is planned to be constructed should be considered, and the efficiency ofthe system to be developed by each method and its cost should be compared.

51

iCase where the development of an electronic information system is outsourced:-

Preparations for outsourcing the development of the information system(including drafting of an traceability plan)ii-

Determination of the subcontractor-

Management of the subcontractor

Case where the development of an information system is carried out by the foodbusiness operator itself:-

Basic design of the electronic information systems
The systems should be designed according to the traceability plan.
Attention should be paid to the data backup method and the security systems as
well.

-

Design for operating the electronic information system
Attention should be paid to compliance with existing information transmitting
method.

-Development of the electronic information system52

8. Important considerations after the introduction of a traceability system
8-1 Publicity
This publicity aims or at informing the consumers and related food business
operators of the fact that traceability has been realized in an attempt to have theirunderstanding. It is more effective to create a structure for listening to the consumers’
and related food business operators’ opinions, instead of one-sided publicity.
In the case where food business operators publicize the introduction of a
traceability system for commercial purposes via storefront notices and pamphlets etc.,
it is important to clarify the scope of the stages covered in the traceability system andgive accurate information to consumers and related food business operators.
Specifically:-

Items of products and raw materials covered in the system-

The stages in the food chain of the food business operators coping with the system(from which stage to which stage, backward to forward)

8-2 Improving and renewing the system(1) Periodical evaluation and improvement of the system
A system evaluation plan (evaluation items, evaluation standards, evaluation
period, evaluation structure) should be drawn up, and the system evaluation should be
conducted according to the plan and improvements made as required.
If internal or third-party audits are conducted, the result of these audits shouldbe evaluated.
(2) Renewal of the system
The renewal of the system will be effective in the following cases:-

If as a result of a periodical evaluation of the system, it is concluded that a renewal
is necessary.

-

If the process of production, processing and distribution is changed greatly.

-

If related laws/regulations are amended greatly.

-

If the related environment, such as trading terms or product items, have changed
greatly.

-

If a new applicable technology is developed.

-

If there is a great change in consumption behavior.
For the system renewal, studies are required by going back to the basic plan

drafting stage or to the traceability plan drafting stage.
If a system renewal results in a change in the actual products and the exchange
of information, care should be taken by coordinating with the clients to avoid any
inefficiency.

53

Appendix
Appendix A: Indicating form of transmitting information and its storage
media used in the food traceability system
A-1 Indicating methods of transmitting information and its storage media
Listed below are some examples of indicating methods of information attached
to food products in traceability system and media used for storing these data. (media
for information transmission). In each case, the specific identifier or ID must either be
described in the information communicated, or media which compiles it. This shows
the linkage between the communicated information and traceable unit (which is theobject to be identified). It should be noted that as a result of rapid changes in the fieldof information technology, new media for information transmission are developed daily.
Each of these media has their own technical limitations and related costs. Thus,
the organization that is considering introducing a traceability system should select thetype of media that is most practical and suited to their food products in developing andbuilding their own traceability system.
(1) Legible letters, figures written on paper documents
This method uses letters and figures on paper as the form of transmitting
information. It is directly written on paper and read by people to transfer information.
There are 2 types of paper documents: “those used together with the product (i.e. labelsand packaging materials)” and “those attached to the product (i.e. certificates, invoices,
bills and delivery slips)”.
Data transcription from one recording media to another requires to be done byhand. Paper documents may be managed by, for example, manual writing in a ledger ortyping on a computer. When a ledger is the method for recording information, all
documentation is written by hand from a paper document to ledger when a product isreceived, or from ledger to paper document when a product is packaged and shipped.
When records are managed by computer, data input is done by hand or OCR (Optical
Character Reader), then the data output to paper document is done by printer.
(2) Bar code printed on paper media
A bar code is printed on a food label or packaging label to transfer machinereadable information by using a group of parallel lines printed in different widths andspacing. Bar codes can be read by an automatic reading device called a bar code reader,and can be written into storage media by a computer-controlled printer. The computeris the information recording media identifying and interpreting the bar code.
(Characteristics)

54

- High scanning efficiency by using automatic reading device- Automatic scanning is possible without touching the product.
- Inexpensive because the material is paper.
(3) Two-dimensional codes printed on paper media
Two-dimensional code is printed on food label or packaging to transfer machinereadable information, represented by multiple black and white dots and lines arranged
in a matrix on one plane.
By having vertical and horizontal ways of recoding information, a twodimensional code has more data information capability in a smaller area than a bar
code.
Two-dimensional codes have two types: the stack type in which bar codes of
reduced sizes are arranged vertically in many stacks, and the matrix type in which
black and white dots and lines are arranged in a grid pattern.
The information recording media for reading and writing are the same as bar codes.
(Characteristics)- Can contain a large volume of information.
- High scanning efficiency by automatic reading device- Automatic scanning is possible without touching the product.
- Inexpensive due to the material being paper.
- Automatic reading device (“reader”) is more expensive than a bar code reader.
(4) Electronic information compiled in electronic tag (IC tag)This is a communication method using electronic data compiled in a
microelectronic circuit (IC: integrated circuit) built into a tag (card or label).
Information can be exchanged via an electronic wave in a specific frequency. By using
an automatic recognition device, reading and writing can be made with no humancontact.
Otherwise known as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).
(Characteristics)- Can contain a large volume of information.
- High scanning efficiency using automatic reading device- Scanning is possible without touching the product.
- Can also read through transparent materials.
- Rewriting is possible.
- High security- Expensive due to the media being a electronic storage device

55

Table 1 Indicating methods of transmitting information and its storage media
Letters,Bar
Two
Electronic
figures/paper
codes/paper
dimensional
information/
documents
media
codes/paper
electronic tag
media
Input and reading Depends
on Low
Low
Low
errorsoperator’scapability
Legibility
by High
None
None
None
human eyes
Information
Some
Some
Some
Some
storage capacity
limitations
limitations
limitations
limitations(maximum of (maximum of
about scores 2,000-3,000of characters) characters)
Information
Apt
tobe Only a few Only a few Only a few
storageand damaged
restrictions
restrictions
restrictions
management (i.e.
volume,period,etc.)
Information
Slow
SpeedySpeedySpeedyprocessing/retrieval
SystemNot
much Necessary
Necessary
Necessary
maintenanceneededSecurity
Depends
on Great
Great
Great
how
documents are
storedandmanagedTraining
on Notmuch Necessary
Necessary
Necessary
operationneededData rewriting
Rewritable
NonNonRewritablerewritablerewritable
Reading
through Not possible
Not possible
Not possible
Possibletransparent
materials
Creating cost
Inexpensive
Inexpensive
Inexpensive
Expensive
Cost for writing Less
Less
More
and
reading
expensive
expensive
expensive
devicescomparedcomparedcompared withwithan withan bar codes andelectronic tag electronic tag two
dimensional
codes
Data replication
Easy
Easy
Easy
Difficult
Durability
Low
Low
Low
High
(but
requiresprocessing
accordingtoutilizing
environment)56

A-2 Code systems(1) Role of code systems
Code systems can be used to recognize and to transmit ID in traceability system,
as well as exchange necessary information. It is important to use a common code
system to improve data processing efficiency.

However, care should be taken tocoordinate new code systems with existing code systems currently used by each foodbusiness operator.
Roles of food-related code systems include:i

To identify each materialii

To indicate attribute information

iii To identify individual food business operator and its location
Existing types of standard code systems are the one which mainly work for oneof the above roles i, ii or iii, and another which has several roles.
An example of i is a “cattle ID number”. This cattle ID number is a 10-digit
number, which is used for individual livestock identification.
There is no need to give any special meaning to the ID code, as long as its
corresponding attribute information is stored in a database.
To facilitate identification for traceability requires having a unique ID, which
can separately identify a food product’s traceable unit (either given to specific productlot or to an individual product). For an ID code to be useful in the identification
required in traceability, the unique characteristics of ID code must be ensured.
Following 2 methods are considered to achieve this:(a) Using symbols whose specific characteristics are guaranteed(b) Using combination of code which can identify food business operator andproducts, and lot number or serial number
Typical examples for (a) are an u-code (ubiquitous code) and a GID. Thesesymbols are focused on unique identification, and their user can give ID to individual
products and product lots without duplication. Basically, a traceable unit’s attributeinformation is recorded in a database.

Using larger digit numbers allows for the

addition of any other code systems (including codes to represent attribute information).
SGTIN is an example to allow application of the method mentioned in (b). Thisconsists of GTIN, which is the code to identify food business operator and food product,
added with serial number in order to identify individual products.
In the above mentioned code systems (a) and (b), the specific characteristic as
an ID is secured globally, and semi-permanently. However, in actual cases, it is enoughto secure the specific characteristic of the traceable unit only within the period when,57and the place where it is handled. If the traceable unit is only handled in a specificarea or by a specific group, then its code system can be determined by following method(a) and (b) listed above.
Meanwhile, the cattle ID number corresponds to method (a), but its specificcharacteristic is only guaranteed for domestic livestock. In a case of an internationaltransaction, the ID code can have a specific characteristic which is internationallyaccepted, and complies with ISO, by adding the country code of Japan, and the cattle
code.
Examples for ii include: the standard commodity code for fresh products, andthe standard commodity attribute code, etc. The standard commodity code for fresh
products, meat products, product attributes such as species and parts are classified
using pre-designated numbers that are attached to a specific regulation.
By reading the numbers attached to that regulation, a user can obtain thespecies and parts information on the livestock products. Unlike ID codes, the purposeof these numbers is to indicate meaningful information on the commodity. In this case,similar kinds of products have the same number indicated for the same part of thesame species.
Examples for iii are Global Location Number（GLN） and so on. GLN is aninternational standard code which identifies a company and a business facility using
13 digits.
(2) Examples of code systems to identify each commodityiGS1-128 standard
GS1-128 is an application standard for bar codes, which uses a series ofApplication Identifiers to include multiple data such as GLN, product quantities,
production and expiration dates or time, lot numbers, and serial numbers, which are
regarded as attributes for commodity code (GTIN).

The type of the labelinginformation is given by placing the Application Identifier (AI), which is standardized byISO, at the front of the code.

The ID for food traceability can be determined by

combining the batch or lot numbers (AI:10) and/or serial number (AI:21) with
GTIN(AI:01). The individual ID number of a domestic bull, bullock or cow can beindicated by using AI (251).
On January 2006, the naming of the UCC/EAN-128 changed to GS1-128.
(Note) Global Trade Item Number（GTIN）
GTIN is a general term for ID codes such as JAN and ITF (Interleaved
Two of Five) which are put on general consumption items. This is an integrated58

system to include several different codes such as 13-digit JAN (EAN) code, 12digit Universal Product Code（UPC）, and 14-digit ITF code. According to therule set by GS1, GTIN is managed as a unified style, a 14-digit code.
ii

Serialized Global Trade Item Number(SGTIN)
Serial numbers are combined with the commodity code GTIN to make the

SGTIN in order to manage each commodity individually. This is one of the Electronic
Product Code (EPC) systems.
(Note) Electronic Product Code(EPC)

The EPC is a commodity code identification to be printed on anelectronic tag.

It is managed by EPC global which is an organization

established by GS1.
iii General Identifier(GID)
GID is a type of EPC code which use is not limited. It can also be used forgeneral purposes.
iv Serialized Shipping Container Code(SSCC)
SSCC is an 18 digit serial number used to identify and manage logistics units(i.e. individual cardboard box, or group of cardboard boxes loaded on a palette).
The SSCC is comprised of a packaging type, a company code (such as JAN
company prefix, etc.), and a shipping package number.
This code system is used to identify groups of packaged products, which arecomprised of code-identified foods (food in lots or individual foods).
v

U-codeThe U-code is an ID code system designed by the Ubiquitous ID Center. This

code system with a 128 bit memory is used to identify individual objects as well as
their location. Standard technology7 developed by Ubiquitous ID Center, avoids code
duplication that allows assigning a unique code to every lot or location. A prerequisite
for the U-code is the use of an existing communication network since the ID code itself
provides its own unique characteristic.
Various kinds of ID codes which are being used at present can be used byincluding them in the U-code.

7 Based on the proposal made by Ubiquitous ID Center, standardization of following 4

aspects are now under discussion by International Telecommunication Union（ITU）;“Recommendation on further application of ID code”, “Standard for ID code (forcommodity and location)”, “Standard for protocol to retrieve information from ID code”.
59

(3) Examples of code systems to indicate material’s attributes
iStandard Product Name CodeThe Organization of Food-Marketing Structure Improvement manages codes forvegetables and fruits, meat and marine products.
Standard Product Name Code: Standard Product names are expressed by 13-digit
code starts with 4922.
Item

OutlineBasic code and standard

Fruits and vegetables

The merchandise type of fruits andUniform fruits and vegetables

vegetables is identified by variety (seeds

name code (“Vegefru” code)and seedlings) or other factors.

Meat

The commodity types of meat are

Beef: Japan Meat Trading

identified by a combination of livestock

Centre’s commercial standards

species, parts and dressed meat.

Pork: Japan Meat Grading

Livestock species code: information

Association’s pork dressed

required for all commodity forms.

carcass trading standards

Parts code: Basic information item as

Chicken: Japan Chicken

the name of dressed carcasses, cut meat

Association’s chicken retailand dressed meat.

standards

Dressed meat code: items showing the

Variety meat: Japan Livestockuse

By-productandportionname(cutting

specifications) of dressed meat.

Marine products

The

commodity

types

of

Association’sclassification standards
marineStandard Product Name Code for

products are identified by biologicalmarine products

species, commercial value and otherJapan

factors.

manages

Fisheries

Association

a committee which

maintains and manages the code.

Standard commodity attribute code items: code items for specifying commodity, in
addition to product names,
Item
Fruits and vegetables

Attributes
Quality standard (grade), size standard (class), place of origin,production method, biological classification, sugar content

Meat

Condition, product type, sex, age in month, grade, breeding method,
place of origin

Marine products

Condition, shape and parts, processing method, sex, etc., catching
method, slaughtering method, size standard, place of origin

60

ii

Japanese Article Number（JAN）
JAN code is a common commodity code that is assigned and leased to users by

the Distribution Systems Research Institute. JAN is compatible with the UPC used in
United States and Canada, as well as EAN (European Article Number) used in Europe.
This code is indicated on commodities and other articles in the form of a bar
code, and is used in Point of Sales (POS) systems, order receiving and placement
systems, incoming stock systems and inventory control systems.
The JAN code has two types; standard 13-digit type and short 8-digit type. For
the standard type, the first 7 digits (or 9 digits) is the “company prefix” given to foodbusiness operators by the Distribution Systems Research Institute, and the following 5
digits (or 3 digits) is the “item code” assigned by each food business operator. The last
digit is a check digit. A commodity’s specific code is comprised of a combination of these
digits.
iii Catalogue number of SEICA
The fruit and vegetables on-line catalogue called “SEICA” is a catalogue
publication system owned by Organization of Food-Marketing Structure Improvement
and supported by National Agriculture and Food Research Organization under the
National Food Research Institute and Computer Center for Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries Research MAFF.
This system allows the user to register and read information about products, producers
and shipment for each product item via the website.
For the producer and shipper who had registered for SEICA, the system issues
an 8-digit “catalogue number” for each commodity. Once the producer and any otherrelevant party gives this catalogue number to their product, the distributor andconsumer can view production information of the product on the SEICA website byusing the assigned number.
(4) Example of code system to indicate food business operator and its locationi

Global Location Number（GLN）
GLN is the international standard business code established by GS1, which isutilized for EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and other data communications.
Similar to the EAN code and JAN code (standard type), the GLN is comprised of
13-digit number. This 13-digit number is a combination of the “GLN company code”
which is assigned by GS1’s code centre in each country, and “location code” given byeach company. This enables businesses and food business operators all over theworld to identify each other by the unique number.

61

References
The references used in writing and revising this handbook are as follows.
(1) Laws of each country and regions and explanation[1] EU/ Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Councilof 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of foodlaw, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down proceduresin matters of food safety.
[2] EU/Guidance on the Implementation of Articles 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 ofRegulation (EC) N° 178/2002 on General Food Law Conclusions of the Standing
Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (December 2004)[3] EU/ Regulation (EC) No 1760/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Councilof 17 July 2000 establishing a system for the identification and registration ofbovine animals and regarding the labeling of beef and beef products and repealing
Council Regulation (EC) No 820/97[4] EU/ Commission Regulation (EC) No 1825/2000 of 25 August 2000 laying down
detailed rules for the application of Regulation (EC) No 1760/2000 of the European
Parliament and of the Council as regards the labeling of beef and beef products[5] The U.S.A./Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response
Act of 2002
HHS, FDA, The U.S.A / Establishment and Maintenance of Records Under the
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002
(December 9, 2004)(2) Standards and Guidelines[6] Codex/ Report of the twentieth session of the Codex Committee on General
Principles, Paris, France, 3 – 7 May 2004
[7] Codex/

Principles for Traceability / Product Tracing as a Tool within a Food

Inspection and Certification System CAC/GL 60-2006[8] ISO/DIS 22005

Traceability in the feed and food chain -- General principles andbasic requirements for system design and implementation (As of January, 2007)[9] GS1/ The GS1 Traceability Standard --What you need to know (2006)[10] France/ AFNOR FD V01-020: Agriculture et industrie alimentaire - Lignes
directrices pour l'établissement d'une démarche de traçabilité dans les filières
agricoles et alimentaires, Juin 2002.

62

[11] France/ AFNOR, Gros bovins, Traçabilité des viandes identifiées, Abattoirs,
Février1997[12] France/ AFNOR, Gros bovins, Tracabilité des viandes identifiées, Ateliers dedécoupe, désossage, travail de la viande, conditionnement et vente, Septembre
1998[13] France/ INTERBEV Viande bovine francaise Cahier des charges,Procédures etPlan de contrôle, Réf.:CTVBF01B. doc-Rév.-1-18 mai 1998
[14] France/ INTERBEV, Avenant au cahier des charges viande bovine francaise,
Portant sur la precision de l'origine, (origine "pays" inclue), de la race, et de lamaturation, Réf.:AVVBF02A. doc-Rév.1-16 septembre 2000
[15] Germany/

Nordrhein-Westfalen

State

Government,

Landesamt

fürErnährungswirtschaft und Jagd NRW, Praxis Rindfleischetikettierung 2002[16] Canada/ Canadian Food inspection Agency: Office of Food Safety and Recall,“Developing and Implementing Food Recall Programs”, May 15, 2001[17] Germany/

BLL "Rückverfolgbarkeit - Die Organisation der Rückverfolgbarkeit

von Produkten in der Lebensmittelkette" 2nd edition, December 2005

63

Committee members＜Revision in the 2006 fiscal year>
Committee members of the Revision committee on the Handbook for Introduction ofFood Traceability Systems
Kihachiro Abe,Chair, Federation of the National Vegetables and Fruits Business Cooperative
Seiji Ikube

General Manager, Shoku-no-Anzen・Anshin-Taisaku-Shitsu, JA Zenchu (Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives)

Shouichi Ogasawara Standing Director, Japan Chain Store Association
Noriyasu Okuyama Managing Director, Japan Processed Foods Wholesalers Association
Kiichi Kobayashi Managing Director, All Japan Meat Industry Co-operative Associations
Toshinori Saito

Standing Director, Japan Fisheries Association
General Manager, Business Planning Office, Japanese Consumers' Co-operative

Kouhei Sawada
Union
Hisashi Nakai

Director, Japan Food Service Association

Tadahiro Nagata Director, Food Safety Division, National Food Research InstituteTakashi Nakayama Assistant manager, Sales Division, Tokyo Seika Co.Ltd◎Yoko Niiyama Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
Tatsuo Hanazawa Managing Director, Japan Food Industry Center
Tomoyoshi Matsuda Professor, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chiba University
Kaori Yamane

Vice-chairman, The Housewives’ Federation

Working Group members of the Revision committee on the Handbook for Introductionof Food Traceability Systems
Masayuki Ito Senior Analyst, Social System Research Division, Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc.
Yoshihisa Onishi Director, Japan Food Safety Management System Assessment &Registration
Body Department of Auditor Assessment & Registration, Japan Food Industry
CenterKiichi Kobayashi Managing Director, All Japan Meat Industry Co-operative Associations
Kazuhiro Shingu Director, Japan Frozen Foods Inspection Corporation◎Yoko Niiyama Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
Yukinori Hirano Agricultural Research and Planning Department, Agricultural Plan &Coordination Section, JA ZEN-NOH(National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations)
Tomoyoshi Matsuda Professor, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chiba University
Tsutomu Watanabe Senior Manager, Environmental Business Center, Yamatake Corporation(Observers)
Masaki Ehara

Fresh Produce Traceablity Study Group

Shigehisa Omatsu
Hiroshi Kimura

Japanese Traceability Association

Agricultural Navigation Laboratory64

Takayuki Sasaki

Kyoto egg and chicken safety promotion conference

Masaaki Shirai Food Traceability Council for Sharing Food History Information
Yoshimi Hakamada Fishing Boat And System Engineering Association（◎chairperson）

The committee secretariat: Food Marketing Research & Information Center

Observers: MAFF - Food Safety and Consumer Policy Division, Food Safety and Consumer Affairs
BureauMarketing & Research Institute For Agricultural Cooperative＜Development in the 2002 fiscal year＞
Committee members of the Committee on the Development of Food Production andDistribution Information Providing System◎Shotaro Umezawa Professor, College of Commerce, Nihon University
Toshiko Kanda General Secretary, the National Liaison Committee of Consumers’ Organizations
Takashi Saito CEO, NTT Data Lifescape Marketing Corporation
Naoto Sakamoto Assistant General Manager, Distribution Code Center, The Distribution Systems ResearchInstitute
Yoshikazu Tanaka Director, National Food Research InstituteYoko Niiyama Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
Tomoyoshi Matsuda Professor, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chiba University

Committee members of Committee on Guidelines for introducing Food Traceability
Matsune Igishi Managing Director, Japan Process Foods Wholesaler Association
Kuninori Ito
Managing Director, Federation of The National Vegetables and Fruits Business
Cooperative
Shoichi Ogasawara Standing Director, Japan Chain Store Association
Reiko Kai Vice-chairman, The Housewives’ Federation
Akio Kakishita National Central Market Vegetables and Fruits Wholesalers Association
Kiichi Kobayashi Director, Japan Meat Trading Center
Masahiro Takahama Managing Director, Japan Food Industry Center
Yoshikazu Tanaka Director, National Food Research InstituteKeiji Tan Manager, MD Planning Dept, Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union
Hisashi Nakai Sales Director, Japan Food Service Association◎Yoko Niiyama Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
Hajime Nishimura Standing Director, Japan Fisheries Association
Komei Matsuoka General Manager, Shoku-no-Anzen･Anshin-Taisaku-Shitsu, JA-Zenchu
Tomoyoshi Matsuda Professor, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chiba University

Working group members of the Committee on Guidelines for introducing Food
Traceability
Yoshikazu Tanaka Director, National Food Research Institute◎Yoko Niiyama Professor, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University
Tomoyoshi Matsuda Professor, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chiba University
Kiichi Kobayashi Director, Japan Meat Trading Center(Assisting Committee)

65

Naoki Ogasawara Supervisor, The International Fair Business Promotion Society
Takaaki Hata Fujitsu FIP Corporation
Yoshihisa Onishi Director, Information & Technical Cooperation Division, Japan Food Industry
CenterJun Sakai Researcher, Food Marketing Research & Information Center
Tsutomu Watanabe Fresh Vegetables & Fruits EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Society
Koujiro Takeuchi Environmental Project Promoting Headquarters, Yamatake Corporation
Kenki Maeda Shoku-no-Anzen･Anshin-Taisaku-Shitsu, JA-Zenchu
Yasuhiro Higashino Shoku-no-Anzen･Anshin-Taisaku-Shitsu, JA-Zenchu
Akio Hino Director-general, The Organization for Urban-Rural Interchange Revitalization
Masahiro Toyoda CEO, Production History Information Inc.
Kazuhiro Shingu Director, Japan Frozen Foods Inspection Corporation
Shigeomi Okamoto Chief, Japan Frozen Foods Inspection Corporation
Hiroshi Shibata Managing Director, Japan Rural Information System Association
Akito Hata Director, Japan Rural Information System Association（◎chairperson）
The committee secretariat Marketing& Research Institute For Agricultural Cooperative
Cooperator Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc.

66

Work Progress< Revision in the 2006 fiscal year >Revision committee meetings on the Handbook for Introduction of Food Traceability
Systems
1st meeting October 5, 2006 (Thursday)
2nd meeting January 19, 2007 (Friday)
3rd meeting March 12, 2007 (Monday)
Working group meetings of Revision committee on the Handbook for Introduction ofFood Traceability Systems
1st meeting November 10, 2006 (Friday)
2nd meeting December 13, 2006 (Wednesday)
3rd meeting December 27, 2006 (Wednesday)
4th meeting January 19, 2007 (Friday)< Development in the 2002 fiscal year >Committee meetings on the Development of Food Production and Distribution
Information Providing System
1st meeting May 23, 2002 (Thursday)
2nd meeting June 13, 2002 (Thursday)
3rd meeting November 6, 2002 (Wednesday)
4th meeting January 24, 2003 (Friday)
5th meeting March 28, 2003 (Friday)
Committee meetings on Guidelines for introducing Food Traceability
1st meeting November 6, 2002 (Wednesday)
2nd meeting January 15, 2003 (Wednesday)
3rd meeting February 24, 2003 (Monday)
Working group meetings of Committee meetings on Guidelines for introducing Food
Traceability
1st meeting November 13, 2002 (Wednesday)
2nd meeting December 11, 2002 (Wednesday)
3rd meeting December 20, 2002 (Friday)
4th meeting January 10, 2003 (Friday)
5th meeting January 15, 2003 (Wednesday)
6th meeting February 12, 2003 (Wednesday)
7th meeting February 24, 2003 (Monday)

67