The most well known use of traceability is locating defective or unsafe foods, pharmaceuticals or other products, in order to remove them promptly from shelves. In some cases, being able to quickly and easily recall an item (or a group of items) can save lives. Speedy recall also greatly reduces the potential negative economic impact, and preserves consumers? trust in the quality of their favorite brands and their confidence in the systems that are designed to protect their safety.
There is however more to traceability than just recall. For example, traceability systems can validate the presence or absence of attributes important to consumers, such as organic farming methods, kosher foods, non-allergenic cosmetics, or sugar-free products. Traceability has become a tool in fighting product counterfeiting and protecting brands. Recently, it has also become a regulatory requirement in some countries in the fight against bioterrorism
As for the Egyptian Agro-food industry with its rapid growth indicated by the rising numbers of quality produce exported to the U.S and European markets, more and more professional business practices are being developed and adopted by the Egyptian producers. In order to maintain our growth and competitive advantage as a fresh produce exporting country it is important that we keep pace with the changing environment and professional practices.
