The traceability of food products is regulated by various standards and directives, both at European and national level. Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, which lays down the general principles and requirements of food law, is one of the cornerstones of food safety in the European Union. This regulation imposes an obligation on operators to guarantee traceability at all stages of production, processing and distribution.
In Portugal, Ministerial Order no. 273/2022, of November 10, defines the rules applicable to the registration of fruit and vegetable operators and importers, in accordance with Article 10 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) no. 543/2011, of June 7,in the fruit and vegetable and processed fruit and vegetable sectors.
Implementing an effective traceability system requires significant investments in technology and training. Farmers and other actors in the supply chain must adopt information systems capable of managing large volumes of data and guaranteeing the integrity of information throughout the process.
One of the main challenges is the standardization of horticultural codes at international level. Although there are widely recognized standards, such as the Global G.A.P., complete harmonization still faces practical and legal barriers. The diversity of national standards and variations in agricultural practices make it difficult to create a universally accepted system.
The requirement for a horticultural code therefore brings numerous benefits. For consumers, it increases confidence in the products they buy, allowing them to make informed and conscious choices. For economic operators, it improves supply chain management and makes it easier to respond quickly to possible food crises, such as contamination outbreaks.
From a legal point of view, robust traceability serves as a protection mechanism against litigation and sanctions. In the event of incidents, the ability to quickly identify the source of a problem can mitigate liability and reduce reputational damage. In addition, strict compliance with traceability standards is essential for exporting products to demanding markets such as the United States and Japan.
In Portugal, to comply with traceability requirements and obtain the horticultural code, producers must register with the Institute for Financing Agriculture and Fisheries (IFAP).
Technological developments continue to open new possibilities for the traceability of fruit and vegetable products. Technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence promise to improve the accuracy and transparency of traceability systems.
Belzuz Abogados' Corporate and Commercial Law Department has a wide experience and a specialized lawyers on food safety compliance.
Commercial and Corporate Law department | (Portugal)
Belzuz Abogados SLP
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