Introduction

The Traceability Systems in the Food Supply Chain Training Course equips professionals with the expertise to design, implement, and manage robust traceability systems that enhance transparency, accountability, and safety across the food value chain. With increasing consumer demand for origin information, regulatory requirements for food traceability, and globalized supply chains, traceability has become an essential pillar of modern food safety and quality management.

This comprehensive course provides practical tools and global best practices for establishing traceability protocols that ensure timely product recalls, reduce food fraud risks, and support regulatory compliance. Participants will learn to leverage digital technologies, data management systems, and risk-based approaches to monitor food flow from farm to fork. The program empowers food industry stakeholders to build systems that not only meet audit standards but also enhance consumer confidence and brand trust.

Target Audience

• Food safety and quality assurance managers
• Supply chain and logistics coordinators
• Regulatory affairs and compliance officers
• ICT and data management professionals in the food sector
• Food traceability auditors and consultants
• HACCP and ISO system implementers
• Procurement and sourcing managers
• Food manufacturing and processing supervisors

Course Objectives

• Understand the principles and importance of traceability in the food supply chain
• Identify key components and data elements in a traceability system
• Evaluate legal and regulatory requirements for food traceability
• Map product flow and critical tracking events across supply chains
• Integrate traceability into food safety management systems
• Utilize digital tools and software for real-time tracking
• Design recall-ready systems to manage food safety incidents
• Apply GS1 standards and global traceability models
• Collaborate with suppliers and partners on traceability expectations
• Analyze traceability performance using KPIs and audit data
• Enhance consumer trust through transparent traceability communication

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Food Traceability Systems

• Principles and objectives of traceability
• Regulatory frameworks and global standards
• Key data elements and recordkeeping
• Importance of end-to-end visibility
• Role in food safety, recalls, and compliance

Module 2: Supply Chain Mapping and Critical Tracking

• Identifying critical tracking events
• Mapping flow of products, ingredients, and packaging
• Traceability challenges in complex supply chains
• Internal vs. external traceability systems
• Supplier collaboration and data integration

Module 3: Digital Solutions and Automation Tools

• Use of barcodes, RFID, and blockchain
• Food traceability software systems
• Real-time data capture and retrieval
• Integration with ERP and FSMS platforms
• Cost-effective solutions for small producers

Module 4: Recall Preparedness and Incident Management

• Designing mock recall procedures
• Product withdrawal protocols and communication plans
• Documentation and trace-back audits
• Root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Reducing recall costs through traceability

Module 5: Implementation and Performance Monitoring

• Steps for building or upgrading traceability systems
• Training staff and ensuring system adoption
• Auditing traceability effectiveness
• KPIs and traceability metrics
• Continuous improvement and benchmarking

Module 6: Alignment with Global Standards and Certification

• GS1 global traceability framework
• Codex and ISO 22005 guidelines
• Meeting retailer and export requirements
• Integrating traceability with HACCP and ISO 22000
• Certification body expectations

Module 7: Enhancing Transparency and Consumer Confidence

• Traceability as a brand trust tool
• Storytelling with origin and production data
• Labels, QR codes, and consumer apps
• Ethical sourcing and sustainability communication
• Leveraging traceability for market differentiation

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.