Tracking and traceability in the meat processing industry: a solution

The meat industry is seeking to establish reassurance on traceability and production techniques that may help to promote confidence in the integrity and origin of their products. This paper reviews research and development activities for traceability and trackability in the meat industry. Achievements of individuals and research groups developing tools and techniques to improve the production process in handling and cutting meat portions for end users are discussed. In addition software/hardware, logistics and technical requirements for tracking material in a production process are introduced. With the aid of such established tools and techniques coupled with novel proposals, the authors offer a practical solution for the development of a tracking and traceability system within the meat industry. The proposed prototype system is capable of identifying and handling a product and the information attached to it throughout the production process to retail packs.