RED BLOSSOM STRAWBERRIES LAUNCHES ON-LINE TRACE BACK SYSTEM FOR SPRING
Salinas, CA -- March 28, 2007 -- Red Blossom Farms has introduced a web accessible, strawberry trace back system just in time for spring and peak strawberry season. The California Strawberry Commission has emphasized that the “foundation of a Food Safety Program is the ability to trace strawberries back to their source.” Red Blossom has taken the industry standard into the electronic age by launching its own trace back web site: www.rbtrace.com. Customers at all levels of the distribution chain, can input a clamshell’s trace back code on the rbtrace website and instantly receive a detailed report of that product’s source. The trace back system can be accessed directly from the website listed on the bottom of each clamshell and also from www.redblossom.com.
“Previously, the industry standard was to track strawberries by the carton. In light of the recent food borne illnesses we felt it was imperative that we have the ability to trace each individual clamshell throughout the distribution chain,” remarked David Lawrence, president of Red Blossom Farms. “The California strawberry industry has long been a leader in food safety. Pinpoint, accurate, trace back systems ensure a rapid response to any concerns,” added Mark Murai, president of the California Strawberry Commission and long-time strawberry grower. “Trace back is vital to the success of any food safety program and the commission is dedicated to an effective system for every step from farm to fork.”
Red Blossom has teamed with Agricultural Data Systems (ADS) as the software and technology provider. ADS’ traceability software and integrated, handheld scanners have streamlined the data capture and enabled the system to be implemented in the field. Every Red Blossom clamshell will have a coded label on the bottom. Purchasers can trace that product’s code to reveal the city, state and ranch the berries were picked, as well as the grower and crew name, the strawberry variety and pick date.
The beauty of an on-line trace back system is that it’s consumer and retailer friendly. Virtually anyone with a Red Blossom clamshell and access to a computer can track that clamshell’s product back to its source. The rbtrace website will also provide additional information about Red Blossom Farms and their extensive Food Safety Program, as well as links to Red Blossom’s home page and company contacts. “We’ve been pushing to get an on-line system up and running this season because we believe in the importance to not only protect Red Blossom growers in the case of an outbreak, but also to protect consumers and the entire industry by quickly isolating any problems. An effective trace back system will create confidence among consumers, regulators and our customers that Red Blossom is working hard to be at the forefront of food safety,” commented David Lawrence.