Traceability — Food Safety Glossary

The ability to trace food one step back to its supplier and one step forward to its customer.

Frequently asked questions

What does one step back, one step forward mean?

It means being able to identify who supplied your food and, where relevant, who you supplied it to, so affected product can be traced in both directions.

Is traceability required in Australia?

Standard 3.2.2 requires food businesses to be able to identify the supplier of the food they receive. Businesses supplying other businesses should also trace forward.

What records support traceability?

Invoices, delivery dockets, supplier details, batch or lot codes, and sales or delivery records.

Why is traceability important?

It allows unsafe food to be located and removed quickly during a recall or illness investigation, limiting harm and waste.

Does a small cafe need traceability records?

Yes. At a minimum it should keep supplier invoices and dockets so it can identify where its ingredients came from.

Food recall Approved supplier Goods receipt (receiving deliveries) Record keeping Standard 3.2.2 - Food Safety Practices and General Requirements Food safety glossary Food safety guides
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