Gathering and sharing data: the Can-Trace standard

What is the Can-Trace standard?

The Can-Trace standard:

• is a Canadian industry-developed standard for collecting, keeping and sharing data between supply chain partners

• defines the minimum, vital information about food production that must be collected, kept and shared at every point in the food supply chain

• can be used to create a national, whole-chain traceability system for any product produced, processed, shipped and sold at any point along the food supply chain

The Can-Trace standard ensures the right product information is gathered to support a one-up and one-down traceability system. With this type of system, a business can:

• track their product to the next level forward in the supply chain

• trace a product one level back - including all inputs into the production of that product one level back through the chain. A one-up, one down system enables effective, full traceability of a food product across the entire food supply chain.

Why is Can-Trace a good thing for Canada's food industry?

An effective traceability system using the Can-Trace standard provides benefits at every step in the food supply chain:

• Satisfies buyer, regulatory and export/trade requirements. Can-Trace supports global traceability requirements (i.e. GS1 and ISO). This means Canadian food products are compliant with export and trade programs.
  
  
• Supports food safety programs and requirements for recording food production information.
  
  

• Minimizes recall costs and time during a product recall or outbreak of food-borne illness.

• Opens up new markets where traceability is a competitive advantage.

• Improves operational and supply chain efficiencies.

• Provides fast and efficient retrieval of product data for customers.

• Creates a level playing field for all businesses in the food supply chain. Everyone can ensure the same type of information is obtained so that effective traceability can occur.

The goal of Can-Trace is not to completely replace existing traceability systems. It is to enhance what already exists to:

• fill any gaps of information

• enable effective, full traceability for Canadian food products.

Your operation may already have most of the information Can-Trace suggests you track. For example, you may record it in invoices or an accounting program. Can-Trace identifies the information that needs to be collected. It also sets out best practices to collect, store and retrieve that information. This includes:

• information from your input supplier

• information from your own operation (all inputs and outputs)

• information you need to share about your outputs/products with your buyer or the next stage of the food supply chain.

Learn more

To view the complete Canadian Food Traceability Data Standard (Version 2.0), as well as the guidelines for integration and technology, visit the Can-Trace web site at www.can-trace.org.

For more information on Advantage Traceability and initiatives underway by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, contact us.

For more information:
Toll Free: 1-866-641-3663
E-mail: advantage@ontario.ca