Hank Giclas, Vice-President of Strategic Planning for Western Growers, said, "Actually having it on an individual head may be more unique than having it on a carton or a case itself, which is probably more common today."
Growers, shippers and distributors met in central Fresno on Tuesday as part of a Food Traceability Boot Camp.
A 2006 e-coli outbreak in spinach from Salinas is a perfect example of why traceability is so important.
Three people died and hundreds got sick. Growers want to avoid a repeat.
Giclas explained, "It allows for swift identification of where your product is in the marketplace or supply chain and if needed, capture those products and remove from the marketplace."
Improving food traceability comes with added cost. But some producers are turning to common technology to improve product safety.
Jay Del Rosario of Classic Salads said, "Just recently we've been looking at our cell phones and the applications that are available on them to help with our inventory management. We take a picture of the barcode."
Growers see improved traceability as an effective marketing tool because of growing concern over food safety.
