Companies advised to have traceability systems ready

EAN Ireland has reminded companies operating in the food sector to put systems in place for complying with new EU traceability requirements for animal products by January 1, 2005.

The company, which is a neutral, non-profit organisation, is responsible for the development and use of bar coding, scanning and EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) standards in Ireland.

The EU directive states that penalties will apply to companies who fail to comply with this new legislation, designed to protect the consumer.

To help companies in Irish food, feed and beverage sectors comply with this EU directive, EAN Ireland will run traceability workshops throughout Ireland starting in late March.

EAN Ireland's bar coding standards are used by 1,600 companies in the food sector.

The workshops will explain this new legislation, which requires all food and beverage businesses to have in place systems and procedures that allow complete tracking and tracing of product through the supply chain.

Jim Bracken, Director of EAN Ireland said: "This new law will go a long way to reassuring consumers about where the animal products they consume originated".

The EU directive applies to all those involved in the production, processing, distribution, or sale of any item intended for human consumption including food service and catering companies.

Dr Wayne Anderson, Food Specialist of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, will be the keynote speaker.