Improving traceability of high-value products in cereal and dairy chain

Project: 
WATSON
Description: 

The problem: Demand for plant-based dairy alternatives is increasing and new types of plant-based high-value products are emerging on the market. There is a high risk for fraud and adulteration in these products, as it is also in traditional dairy products since they are among the most adulterated food products worldwide. The most common frauds in the dairy chain are dilution, fraudulently heat-treated, foreign and cheaper ingredients, unapproved preservatives and additives, extension of shelf-life, and mis-presentation of geographic origin. These frauds apply in the whole farm-to-form value chain. They cannot be controlled by food safety authorities without constant monitoring of production without self-monitoring and continuous data collection. By implementing the appropriate processes and methods producers can build trust among the food chain stakeholders which is essential, especially for consumers who are more interested in origins of materials including local production and production methods used. WATSON solution: This pilot targets the weak points of the dairy chain that deal with the use of ingredients, shelf-life, and origin of the product. An item-level track and trace solution will be implemented which can track and trace items and their raw materials on product level, act as a call for action for consumers and verify the quality of the item.


Country: 
Finland
Contact:
Photo:
e-Mail address:
Pekka Karhunen

Jari Isohanni