Traceability systems are a core requirement under IFS Food, BRCGS, and EU food law. Most certified companies have documented procedures and can demonstrate traceability during standard audit exercises.
The more demanding question is how those systems perform when speed and accuracy are required simultaneously — during a product recall, a customer complaint investigation, or a regulatory inquiry.
Passing a traceability exercise confirms that a system exists. It does not always confirm that the system is operationally reliable under real conditions.
What comes in the way of reliable traceability
- Traceability exercises completed successfully under controlled conditions but not tested unannounced
- Gaps in speed or completeness when exercises are conducted under simulated pressure
- Limited integration between traceability systems and upstream supplier documentation
- Incomplete records for raw materials received across shift changes or system transitions
- Traceability scope that covers finished products more robustly than ingredients or packaging
Audit-focused insights
From an audit perspective, traceability is assessed through:
- Speed and completeness of traceability exercises across the full supply chain
- Coverage upstream and downstream, not only finished product
- Integration between production, goods-in, and dispatch records
- Evidence of unannounced internal testing
- Review of how traceability gaps have been identified and addressed over time
Reliable traceability is demonstrated by consistency, not only by exercise results.
Certima’s Mission
As an impartial certification body, Certima assesses compliance with international food safety measures. Certification enables businesses to demonstrate that they meet regulatory and client requirements for food safety and quality through rigorous compliance.
While Certima does not provide operational guidance, audits serve as a valuable tool for businesses to strengthen transparency and trust in the delivery of safe food products, while evaluating their fraud prevention strategies and supply chain integrity.