May 31, 2023

 

Australian egg industry embraces traceability tools to ensure food safety

 

EggTrace, a free digital tool that provides all Australian egg farmers with access to the necessary tools and technology to trace eggs from laying to dispatch, has been launched to ensure food safety in the industry, The National Tribune reported.

 

Rowan McMonnies, managing director of Australian Eggs, said that traceability is no longer a mere luxury but a necessity, as governments prioritise it and consumers expect it. Businesses that utilise traceability gain a competitive edge in the market.

 

Supported by a Commonwealth grant focused on improving traceability across the industry, the project marks a significant milestone in ensuring the safety and transparency of Australian eggs.

 

A comprehensive traceability manual has also been created, offering guidance on best practices for tracking eggs and assisting in the design of reliable traceability systems for egg farms of all sizes.

 

These valuable resources are accessible to farmers through the Australian Eggs Traceability Hub, a centralised platform providing a wealth of traceability-related information and tools.

 

The consensus among Australian egg farmers is that traceability is of paramount importance for the industry. Kate Daley, CEO of Pure Foods Eggs, a company distributing 4 million eggs annually, said that traceability is a vital mechanism for ensuring the safety of Australian egg consumers. Investing in traceability not only protects public health but also fosters customer loyalty.

 

Daley said that maintaining robust traceability systems enables egg farmers to respond swiftly in the event of potential product recalls, minimising harm to consumers. By ensuring excellent food safety processes, businesses can cultivate customer loyalty and drive growth through the consistency and quality of their products.

 

Danyel Cucinotta from LT's Eggs in Victoria attests to the benefits of traceability, having recently upgraded their system to an app-based program similar to EggTrace.

 

The traceability system empowers farmers to operate at their best, swiftly executing step-by-step procedures when issues arise. In cases of food safety concerns, the app enables quick searches and data analysis to address problems effectively, ensuring consumer protection.

 

-      The National Tribune