The module provides an overview of the federal identity labeling requirements for seafood offered in interstate commerce; a list of the specific laws, regulations, guidance documents, and other materials pertinent to the proper labeling of seafood; a description of the FDA’s role in ensuring the proper labeling of seafood; and tips for identifying mislabeled seafood in the wholesale distribution chain or at the point of retail.
Third-Party Verification
Third-party verification experts provide food retailers with a number of benefits. Among them is their impartiality to data allowing for trusted, ethical reporting. They can also offer counsel on the correct setup of tracing product authenticity (including MSC, ASC, and blockchain), further reducing any need for unnecessary expenditures due to fraud or labeling mistakes. Finally, they have access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology that can synthesize and analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for supply chain improvements, remedies, and corrections.
For example, in 2015 one of the world’s largest tuna trading companies in Asia employed a third-party provider to verify the traceability of its tuna supply before it was shipped to a cannery facility. The verification program focused on ensuring there was no use of fish aggregating devices (FAD), a man-made object commonly used to attract tuna, in the supply chain. The certifier examined 30 large fishing vessels in Pacific Ocean, transshipment to 20 carrier vessels, and discharge to a Bangkok port. After the assessment was complete, a FAD-free traceability standard was set into place and today the supply chain remains consistently monitored to ensure compliancy is maintained. Tuna suppliers who meet the FAD-free standard requirements receive a certificate of recognition to verify their compliance in Asia and to other international customers that require it.
In conclusion, consumer trust demands that the seafood they buy is what it says it is. Until a unified global tracking process is in place to tackle fraud, food retailers must ask the hard questions about where their seafood comes from and employ a traceable or verified system so to ensure what you “sea” is what you get.
Hoemeke is vice president of agriculture and foods at Bureau Veritas North America. Reach him at [email protected].
Blockchain for Dummies
Blockchain technology has everyone in the food industry talking about how it can improve traceability. Big food retailer Wal-Mart started testing the use of blockchain in Fall 2016 to help monitor its food and identify and remove recalled products. If you’re new to this emerging technology, then “Blockchain for Dummies” is an ideal starting place. The book allows professionals to gain a better understanding of what blockchain is, how it can improve the integrity of their data, and how it can enhance their data security. “Blockchain for Dummies” will be released in May 2017 and available at http://ow.ly/w0A5309RzNI.—FQ&S
Collaborations to Combat Food Fraud
Alchemy Systems and the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) are collaborating to enable food companies around the world and of all sizes to quickly assess supply chain risk and build robust systems to minimize food fraud.
Food safety program provider Alchemy will combine its Food Fraud Risk Assessment and Mitigation services with USP’s Food Fraud Database—a comprehensive source of information on food fraud risk for thousands of ingredients. The database can be used to identify which ingredients have a known history of adulterations. It includes incident reports, inference reports, surveillance records, and analytical methods.
“The Alchemy-USP collaboration will enable companies to prioritize fraud risks down to the ingredient level so they can protect their product and brand reputation,” says Jeff Chilton, Alchemy’s VP of professional services.
In addition, the global authenticity competence center of EUROFINS group and USP have signed a collaboration agreement. Leveraging the scientific strengths of both organizations, Eurofins and USP will combine expertise to assist the food sector with specific tools for combating food fraud. The agreement includes several areas of cooperation, including exploration of new analytical testing methods, training and consulting to help the food sector assess the vulnerability of supply chains, and other services based on global analytical and food fraud data to inform industry of emerging issues.—FQ&S
ACCESS THE FULL VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE
To view this article and gain unlimited access to premium content on the FQ&S website, register for your FREE account. Build your profile and create a personalized experience today! Sign up is easy!
GET STARTED
Already have an account? LOGIN