GS1 For Food Traceability
GS1 Terminology
IDENTIFY
GS1 employs globally unique identifiers for both products and locations. These identifiers can be utilized throughout any supply chain to retrieve product information from a database or can be encoded into a data carrier, allowing for information capture via barcode scanning.
GS1 Company Prefix: This is a unique identifier for your company assigned by GS1 and it's used globally.
Global Trade Item Number (GTIN): This is a 14-digit identifier for products or services exchanged in the supply chain. This identifier is comprised of four components: 1) Indicator Digit, 2) Your GS1 Company Prefix, 3) Item Reference Number, and 4) Check Digit.
GTIN Example: 10847975000040
1 = Indicator Digit
0847975 = GS1 Company Prefix
00004 = Item Reference Number
0 = Check Digit
Global Location Number (GLN): This is a 13-digit globally unique, and standardized identifier that allows companies to answer the questions “who” and “where” within their organization and throughout the entire supply chain. GLNs can also be descriptive of legal entities. For products, companies will assign a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). These are comprised of three components: 1) Your GS1 Company Prefix, 2) Item Reference Number, and 3) Check Digit.
GLN Example: 0847976000005
0847976 = FoodLogiQ GS1 Company Prefix
00000 = Location Reference Number
5 = Check Digit
Serial Shipping Container Codes (SSCC): These are 18-digit numbers used to identify logistical units as they move through the supply chain.
CAPTURE
Application Identifiers (AIs): These are two-digit numerical prefixes that correlate to specific data elements. AIs are used in barcodes and EPC-enabled RFID tags to denote the specific type of data being relayed.
Universal Product Code (UPC): This is a 12-digit number used in barcodes that are human and machine-readable to identify unique products at the point of sale.
European Article Numbers (EANs): These are 13-digit numbers used in barcodes that are human and machine-readable to identify unique products at the point of sale.
GS1 DataBar: This is one of the symbolic languages used in GS1 barcoding to encode data. DataBar barcodes are used for labeling fresh foods and can hold pertinent information like an item’s batch number or expiry date.
ITF-14: GS1 uses “Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF)” barcoding for encoding GTINs. ITF barcoding encodes data in the white space between black barcode symbols, in addition to the black symbols, in order to store more data. These are traditionally used at the case level.
GS1-128: The GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128) is a variant of code 128, which can encode all ASCII alphanumeric characters in barcode format. GS1-128 defines both data types and formats that are used for exchange and logistics between entities. GS1-128 allows companies to share company, product, and shipping information including items like GTIN, ship date, lot/batch number, and more.
GS1 DataMatrix: The GS1 Datamatrix is a two-dimensional barcode, meaning data is stored across multiple dimensions. Data is encoded in a machine-readable square or rectangle in the form of a black-and-white pattern, which can be read horizontally or vertically. These codes are used in cases where a larger data capacity is required.
GS1 QR Code: GS1 QR Codes are two-dimensional barcodes, meaning data is stored across multiple dimensions. Data is encoded in a machine-readable square or rectangle in the form of a black-and-white pattern, which can be read horizontally or vertically. Though similar in form, these codes have an even higher data capacity than the GS1 DataMatrix. GS1 QR codes are typically used to store extended packaging. GS1 QR codes must store GTIN information.
Electronic Product Codes (EPCs): These are stored using with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensors to track products across the supply chain. RFID technology uses radio wave-based readers to activate and read tags that store data. These relatively cheap pieces of hardware allow product data transfer without a visual barcode.
SHARE
Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN): Hosts the GS1 Global Registry for millions of product data items online. The GDSN enables companies to share trusted product data globally.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): This is a data messaging system that allows businesses to share standardized data electronically. EDI software is used to share product, logistics, and transaction documentation between businesses.
eXtensible Markup Language (XML): This is a flexible markup language used to encode, describe, and store data using various tags, nodes, or elements. XML is similar to other markup languages like HTML but is a more customizable way to digitize or share data.
Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS): This is a GS1 standard for formatting business event data, as well as the development of interfaces for sharing (capturing and quarrying) this data between multiple stakeholders. Events that may be included in EPCIS visibility data include points of product movement, transformation, or exchange.
Overview Of GS1
GS1 is a not-for-profit, neutral, global collaboration platform that brings industry stakeholders together to develop standards-based solutions to address today’s supply chain challenges. With over two million user companies and 10 billion transactions every day, GS1 standards help ensure that there is a common language of business across the globe, which removes friction between business partners and improves performance and safety across the entire supply chain.
Understanding GS1 Barcodes & Identifiers
GS1 introduced the barcode in 1974 in collaboration with leaders from the grocery industry. From farmer to retailer, GS1 standards create a common language that enables global systems of data exchange. GS1 barcodes are the most widely used system of standards in the world.
Today’s global supply chains demand products that are easy to find, track, buy, and trace, with unique digital identities supported by standardized data. GS1 provides a common digital language to seamlessly communicate trusted data across supply chains.
GS1 identifiers, such as Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) provide globally unique identification for products. These are key for traceability data exchange, and when paired with advanced barcodes, such as a GS1-128, can be a powerful tool to automate lot-level data capture across trading partners.
Food Industry Barcodes
GS1 standards are built on principles that maintain parity across supply chains, while also addressing industry-specific data sharing requirements. Barcodes can be applied at all levels of the product hierarchy, from the consumer unit to the case pack, as well as the pallet level. Food companies that want to automate the capture of traceability data must familiarize themselves with the GS1-128 barcode.
The GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128) can encode all ASCII alphanumeric characters in barcode format. GS1-128 defines both data types and formats that are used for exchange and logistics between entities. Food companies use this barcoding format to share company, product, and shipping information.
For Foodservice, the industry has agreed on 3 key components:
1. (01) Global Trade Item Number (GTIN): GTINs are globally unique identifiers for products that are encoded into the barcode. The GTIN is a 14-digit identifier comprised of four components: 1) Indicator Digit, 2) Your GS1 Company Prefix, 3) Item Reference Number, and 4) Check Digit.
2. (13) Date Information: The food service industry has agreed upon the use of 5 types of date information for the GS1-128: production date, packaging date, best-before date, sell-by date, or expiration date.
3. (10) Batch/Lot: A unit of production, inspection, and/or shipment that is uniform in terms of quantity across lots, or components within batches.
The parenthetical numbers in the barcode denote the Application Identifier (AI). AIs are two-digit numerical prefixes that correlate to specific data elements. AIs are used in barcodes and EPC-enabled RFID tags to signify the specific type of data being relayed.
Get Started With GS1 Food Traceability Standards
T & T platform was built on GS1 standards to deliver true farm-to-fork traceability with standardized product information. Our platform provides visibility at every step throughout the food supply chain.
GS1 & FSMA 204 Compliance
GS1 standards play a significant role in helping companies comply with the requirements of FSMA 204, which focuses on enhancing traceability in the food supply chain. FSMA 204 requires companies in the food supply chain to maintain detailed records to help rapidly trace and track food products in the event of a food safety issue. This rule is about ensuring quick and efficient identification of potential sources of contamination to prevent or mitigate foodborne illness outbreaks.
T & T leverages GS1 standards as an effective way to ensure our clients can meet the traceability requirements of FSMA 204, enhancing overall food safety and compliance.
Enhanced Data Sharing and Visibility
GS1 standards facilitate the capture and exchange of standardized data between different entities in the food supply chain. Data carriers such as GS1-128 barcodes enable lot-level traceability, as required in FSMA 204. When paired with standardized data sharing, this allows for the quick retrieval of information about the parties, events, locations, and trajectory of a food item, which is essential during a food safety investigation.
Electronic, Interoperable Records
Compliance with FSMA 204 requires electronic, interoperable records. GS1’s standards support the creation of such electronic records in a format that is universally understandable and exchangeable among various supply chain participants. This interoperability is vital for rapid response in the event of a food safety issue.
GS1 Standards for Product Identification
GS1 provides a globally recognized system for product identification, primarily through GTINs and GLNs for unique location identification. These identifiers are crucial for tracking products at each stage of the supply chain, meeting the traceability requirements of FSMA 204.
Facilitating Recall Management
In the case of a recall, GS1 standards can significantly streamline the process. Unique product and location identification and efficient data sharing enable companies to quickly identify affected products and take appropriate action, which is in line with the objectives of FSMA 204.
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