Could food supply chain management software eradicate the risks of relabelling in the food supply chain?

A large food wholesaler has come under scrutiny recently following a report that the company had been “caught relabelling Uruguayan beef.” Could using Food supply chain management software have prevented this?

It raised concerns about the origin of the meat within the supply chain and the extremely long ‘’shelf life’’ in the supply chain. In one instance it was reported that there was a two-year gap between freezing and consumption of meat products.

“…labelling over the original label is against the law…’’

Neil Shand – Interim Chief Executive National Beef Association

Relabelling food products, by covering up the majority of information on the original label, is a breach of trading standards and environmental health law.

This has highlighted yet again the need for “transparency in the foodservice sector”.

In our previous blog we covered a recent Footprint review which highlighted 56% of businesses would not, or could not provide data on their meat origin.

How is this possible?

Is relabelling causing even more confusion and lack of clarity?

Are suppliers able to cover up the original source due to a lack of visibility in the supply chain?

The recent reports have continually shown the need for transparency in the foodservice sector, particularly now it’s on the consumers radar.

With powerful supply chain management software, businesses will be able to spot signs of relabelling, by knowing exactly where products were originally sourced from and get ahead of the probl

The challenges of supplier mapping

Simple fact, to measure and manage your supply chain effectively you must have full visibility.

We have worked in the food sector for over 20 years so fully understand the challenges food businesses face when it comes to mapping their supply chain.

We understand that the food supply chain is:

– Complex

– Global

– Multi tiered

– Frequently outsourced without your knowledge

– Constantly changing as buyers source new suppliers.

In the past, businesses have been reliant on multiple spreadsheets and trust. Not only is this time consuming and difficult to manage, it also can miss inherent risk that is hidden in the supply chain.