JBT and SafeTraces partner to advance food traceability

Technology solutions provider JBT has collaborated with SafeTraces to improve food safety and traceability with new technology.

Under the partnership, SafeTraces’ patented DNA-based technologies will be integrated into JBT’s solutions portfolio for worldwide distribution.

The integrated solutions will allow for quick verification of sanitation processes, item-level tracking and tracing of food materials.

Food-related recalls increased by 10% in the US between 2013 and 2018, according to the US Public Interest Research Group.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association estimates that every recall results in more than $10bn in direct costs, as well as long-term damage to brand reputations.

The US Food and Drug Administration has urged the food industry to embrace new technologies for enhancing its ability to secure the food supply chain, as well as focus on effective tracking and tracing of food from farm to fork.

JBT said it seeks to meet its customers’ food processing requirements with differentiated technologies, improve its existing solutions and develop new solutions.

JBT executive vice-president and president of liquid foods Carlos Fernandez said: “Food safety and traceability is a mega-trend that will transform the marketplace over the next generation.

“Consumers are increasingly rewarding food companies that provide greater transparency on how their food was produced and leaving behind those that don’t. SafeTraces has developed a game-changing technology that has wide-ranging applications across our business. We’re thrilled to partner with them and offer this breakthrough to our customers.”

Through its FoodTech segment, JBT designs and produces systems for multi-national and regional customers.

The company employs approximately 6,500 people worldwide and operates sales, service, manufacturing and sourcing operations in over 25 countries.

JBT recently acquired re-use solutions provider for the poultry industry Prime Equipment Group for $65m.