Maize to Milk: An Analysis of the Traceability Systems of Bulk Commodities

Traceability is the ability to track any food, feed, food-producing animal or substance that will be used for consumption, through all the stages of production, processing, and distribution (European Union, 2002). In this study, an analysis of the traceability systems of three bulk commodities, corn, feed, and milk, was conducted to analyze the internal traceability system of each respective entity, the external traceability system among all entities, and the information exchange and communication between each entity. The objectives of this study were to create a model/map for tracing these commodities, to identify gaps in the internal and external traceability systems, and to provide quality control/quality management strategies to improve the external traceability system. The first step of analysis involved comparing the ISO 22005 traceability standard to the current tracing and tracking system used by the dairy processor. Only 2 of the 9 design components of the Standard were met by the processor due to lack of specified objectives. A concept map was created using supplier/recipient records from the dairy processor and dairy farm. Using records from the processor, information gaps were identified in the traceability system. After identifying gaps, quality control and quality management strategies were developed to help close the gaps and strengthen the external traceability system. A product flow model was also created to determine the location of products from corn to processed milk and to determine what records are kept at each point in the chain. The study showed that once the dairy processor has developed specific objectives to serve as the foundation for their traceability system, the established safety and quality programs that have been implemented and executed can be easily integrated into an ISO 22005 certified traceability system. Since making the decision to fully implement an ISO certified traceability system will require additional information such as risk and cost-benefit analyses, small changes that will yield timely results can be made in the area of quality control