New York, NY – November _, 2024 – Consumers can expect better traceability of food items from their origins to grocery shelves as businesses set to implement GS1-compliant QR codes by 2027.
QR TIGER, a leader in QR code solutions, unveils a smart GS1 QR code for farm to table traceability that enables seamless tracking from producers to consumers, addresses the demand for transparency, and enhances industry standards in food safety.
This GS1 Digital Link innovation is grounded on the actual demand among consumers who want to know where their food comes from.
A consumer survey by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) underscores that an average of 70 percent of consumers in Austria, France, Poland, and Sweden consider the origin of their food when buying it.
Research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also shows that almost 48 million people get sick every year due to foodborne illnesses.
Using a tool that follows the GS1 global traceability compliance criteria for food application standards allows for rapid identification of the contaminated source, leading to swift recalls and preventing further harm.
GS1 QR code for farm to table tracking lets consumers quickly scan and easily trace a product’s origin and the specific processing and storage steps it underwent. These codes also contain the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), serial numbers, expiration dates, and batch or lot numbers.
GS1 QR codes also encourage direct connections between local farmers and consumers. This may include restaurants, farmers’ markets, and food hubs. The entire concept emphasizes the importance of sourcing seasonal, farm-grown, or organic produce that benefits both local economies and sustainable farming practices.
Moreover, monitoring the journey of food products helps consumers make informed decisions based on production and sustainability practices. It also plays a crucial role in regulatory compliance for food safety regulations and industry standards.
How GS1 barcodes work is simple and straightforward. At the farm level, products can be tagged with GS1 QR codes containing details like origin, harvest date, processing methods, and nutritional facts. This information is then tracked through the supply chain process until it finally reaches the customers.
The most impactful advantage of GS1 QR codes for farm-to-table tracking is the trust between businesses and customers. Embedding the 2D barcodes directly on food packaging and restaurant menus helps businesses provide consumers with instant access to detailed product information.
This understanding translates into a more satisfying food and dining experience as customers are well aware of their food’s freshness, quality of ingredients, and nutritional benefits. When people are aware of the authenticity and quality of their products, they are more likely to make healthy food choices.
Beyond customer trust, GS1 food traceability solutions like this offer businesses a wealth of data insights. Businesses gain valuable insights about their product’s performance, customers’ preferences, and evolving marketing trends.
Furthermore, the traceability facilitated by the GS1 QR code for farm to table tracking is crucial in reducing waste. Millions of tons of food are lost annually within the supply chain. With QR codes, businesses can identify inefficiencies and potential spoilage points to pinpoint areas of improvement and streamline food distribution.
As the Sunrise Initiative 2027 approaches, more businesses and sectors are expected to future-proof their operations with a QR code system for inventory management and product tracking—from apparel, food, medicine, parts and components, and more.
QR TIGER CEO Benjamin Claeys is confident about this shift. “Right now, we are in front of a macro that changes QR codes into GS1 QR codes.”
“QR codes not only hold information that leads to marketing [resources], but they will also be part of logistics. This is a great opportunity for businesses to market their products better while maintaining the efficiency of barcodes when people scan them in supermarkets,” he added.
As an advanced GS1 QR Code Generator, QR TIGER is poised to be at the forefront of this change, particularly for improving farm-to-table traceability, by empowering stakeholders in the supply chain with innovative solutions and tools that help them meet evolving food safety and quality industry standards and build trust with consumers increasingly seeking transparency in the sourcing of their food.
