The ISO 22005:2007 standard defines the general principles and basic requirements for the design and implementation of a traceability system within the food and feed chain.

Traceability is one of the key pillars for ensuring the quality and safety of food and feed products.

The standard:

• Is designed to ensure the ability to track and trace a product and related materials throughout the different stages of production, processing and distribution.
• Can be applied by any organization operating at any stage of the food and feed chain, from primary production and processing to packaging, storage, distribution and final placing on the market.
• Provides a flexible framework, allowing each organization to design its traceability system according to its objectives, activities and specific needs.
• Contributes to the effective management of batches and raw materials, as well as to the direct linking of incoming materials with manufactured and distributed products.
• Enhances an organization's ability to quickly identify the source of a problem and effectively limit its impact in the event of non-conformity or a food safety or quality issue.
• Supports effective product recall, when required, helping to limit the scope and cost of a potential incident.
• Enhances transparency and credibility towards customers, suppliers and other interested parties.

Which organizations can benefit from ISO 22005:2007?

ISO 22005:2007 can be applied by organizations operating at any stage of the food and feed chain, including:

• primary production businesses,
• packing and processing facilities,
• food manufacturers and processors,
• storage and distribution companies,
• transport and logistics providers,
• feed businesses,
• retailers and other organizations involved in the food and feed chain.

Status – Internationally recognized standard

How does the organization benefit?

The implementation of an effective traceability system in accordance with ISO 22005:2007 contributes to:

• the immediate identification of the origin and movement of products,
• improved control of raw materials, materials and suppliers,
• more effective management of non-conforming products and batches,
• rapid and targeted product recalls, when required,
• reducing the impact and cost of incidents,
• strengthening product safety and quality,
• improving the organization and control of the supply chain,
• strengthening customer confidence and the organization's credibility.

Traceability is one of the key mechanisms for the effective management of food quality and safety. A properly designed and implemented traceability system enables an organization to determine “where a product came from” and “where it went”, ensuring effective control of its movement throughout the supply chain.