Information society applying, increasingly, to food

2005 sees new European rules come into force on detailed identification of products and monitoring of the processes that bring them to the consumer’s table.

The aim is to reinforce hygeine security uniformly across the European Union.

Foods must be able to circulate freely in the single market.

The same traceability demands are placed on all the participants: individual farmer, cooperative, transformation company or distributor – from small and medium sized operators to international groups.

Each one must keep up-to-date records of basic ingredients or processed items coming into and leaving their establishments.

All suppliers and clients must be listed.

Everyone has to be able to give the information to the food authorities on request, immediately.

If something is found to be wrong with a product somewhere along the line, suspension or recall procedures must be activated.

The aim is to apply principles of responsible and cooperative action evenly.

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