June 10, 2005

Microchips allow tracking of Thai shrimps
 

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and food-traceability software are the latest tools used in Thailand to assure shrimp lovers of food safety and origin.

Thailand's IE Technology has come up with RFID microchips into the plastic trays containing shrimps before distributing them to processors.

This is in support of the second phase of a food-traceability project by the Science and Agriculture ministries of Thailand, to help manufacturers and consumers trace the origin of food and ensure food safety.

All shrimp data-from place of birth and lineage to medical records and use of protein supplements-can be stored in RFID chips embedded into plastic trays.

While the exact origin of each shrimp cannot be traced, manufacturers and consumers can now track each tray of shrimp to a limited group of farms. This will help to narrow the traceability process.

So far, five shrimp farms in Thailand are expected to participate in the second phase of this food-traceability project.