Shelby Publishing’s Bob Reeves recently visited with Allyson Sharron, VP of marketing for Seattle, Washington-based iFoodDS, who spoke about how the company offers connected traceability, quality and food safety solutions for the fresh food supply chain.
“We help grocery retailers, foodservice operators, distributors and their suppliers optimize quality and reduce food waste by giving them insights into their supply chains,” Sharron said.
She then mentioned the FDA Food Traceability Rule, FSMA 204, and how iFoodDS is doubling down on traceability.
“While iFoodDS has offered traceability solutions for years, we recently announced a FSMA 204 compliance solution in partnership with IBM,” she said. “The new solution, iFoodDS Trace Exchange with IBM Food Trust, is designed to support the world’s largest enterprises and their suppliers.
“Supporting both the enterprise and the supplier is crucial because FSMA 204 requires food companies covered by the rule to capture, store and share key data elements with their trading partners. It also requires these companies to store the data for two years.
“Our solution gives enterprises confidence their data is secure while also making it easy to share the data.”
Noting the suppliers have different needs based on their unique operations, size and level of technology sophistication, Sharon acknowledged there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all solution.”
“So we offer multiple ways for suppliers to easily capture, store and share FSMA 204 data with their customers,” she said. “We believe FSMA 204 is the tailwind that will make food traceability a reality. But it is so much more.
“It is a pivotal moment in history and an opportunity to solve significant issues – such as supply disruption, food waste and food safety issues – that have eroded brand value and consumer confidence. This rule has the potential to unlock siloed data to enable unprecedented insights that will transform the industry.
“That’s why food companies should aim to do more than simply comply with FSMA 204. If they view it as a regulatory burden and a compliance exercise, they will miss a transformational opportunity.”
Sharron said iFoodDSenvisions a world where “the food lifecycle is visible at all points – from farm to fork – and data flows transparently and securely throughout the supply chain.”
According to Sharron, iFoodDS Trace Exchange with IBM Food Trust is “the foundation for a connected value chain, designed for stronger collaboration between trading partners and providing insights on product safety, quality and freshness.”
“It will enable a safer, more efficient, and transparent food supply chain that results in shared value for all participants while also protecting brands and public health.”
She closed by noting that Frank Yiannas recently joined iFoodDS as a board member and strategic advisor to guide help guide the company on its journey.
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