Supermarket Perimeter - April 2024 - 16

Challenges - and solutions
One of the primary challenges faced by supermarket
operators in complying with FSMA Section 204 is
the complexity of their supply chains. With numerous
suppliers, distributors, and transportation partners
involved, tracking the movement of food products
from farm to shelf becomes a daunting task. To
address this challenge, many supermarkets have
invested in advanced technology solutions such
as digital record-keeping systems and blockchain
technology.
DIGITAL RECORD-KEEPING SYSTEMS allow
supermarkets to maintain comprehensive records of
all food-related activities, including sourcing, handling,
storage, and transportation. These systems enable realtime
data capture, ensuring that critical information
is readily accessible in the event of a food safety issue
or regulatory inspection. Moreover, digital records are
less susceptible to errors and tampering, enhancing the
integrity and reliability of the information.
BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY, with its decentralized
and immutable ledger, offers another layer of
transparency and traceability to the food supply chain.
By recording transactions in a secure and transparent
manner, blockchain enables stakeholders to track
the journey of food products from farm to fork with
unparalleled accuracy. Supermarkets leveraging
blockchain technology can quickly trace the origin of
contaminated products, facilitating targeted recalls and
minimizing the impact on public health.
" We see food retailers adopting several new
technologies to comply with FSMA 204. Blockchain
can give retailers the peace of mind that their
data is being stored securely and immutably. Most
operational systems store detailed data for only a
short period of time, " said Andrew Kennedy, principal
traceability advisor for iFoodDS, a food safety
management solution provider.
" IoT devices are gaining traction in the food retail
sector and provide a way to carry not only FSMA
204 data, but other data critical to product quality
and freshness such as temperature and humidity data.
Others may adopt new software applications that are
purpose-built for capturing and sharing FSMA 204
data during critical tracking events such as shipping,
receiving and transformation. "
16 - APRIL 2024
management. Collaboration with suppliers and other partners in the
supply chain is another essential aspect of compliance with FSMA
Section 204. Supermarkets are working closely with their suppliers
to ensure that they adhere to stringent food safety standards and
provide accurate and timely documentation. By fostering transparency
and communication throughout the supply chain, supermarkets can
minimize the risk of food safety incidents and ensure compliance with
regulatory requirements.
Many supermarket operators are proactively engaging with
regulatory agencies and industry organizations to stay abreast of
evolving regulations and best practices in food safety management.
Participation in training programs, workshops, and industry conferences
supermarketperimeter.com
LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - stock.adobe.com
http://www.supermarketperimeter.com
Supermarket Perimeter - April 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Supermarket Perimeter - April 2024
