ConcernTrak Launches Traceability Service In Mexico
May 29, 2012 Concerntrak, headquartered in Richmond, VA, launched its traceability service in Mexico on May 17 at Fresh Connections Mexico.
The event, co-organized by the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and Meister Media Worldwide, was held in Guadalajara, Jalisco, with a record participation of more than 300 attendees from various regions of Mexico. The principal topic was traceability for agricultural products.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), signed in January 2011, requires traceability for any food product imported into the U.S., with special emphasis on fruits and vegetables.
The ConcernTrak system, available in English and Spanish, was designed especially for small and medium producers and distributors who need to comply with the new regulations. Since it is sold as a monthly subscription, it is not necessary to make a large investment in order to implement a traceability system that complies with the requirements of the U.S. government.
Mary Smith, Vice President of Business Development for ConcernTrak, stated that it was important to focus on Mexico from the beginning, because Mexican farmers and distributors are under intense scrutiny from U.S. authorities when their exported products cross the border.
Ed Treacy, head of the Produce Traceability Initiative in the United States, said that he was impressed with the attitude of the Mexican producers. “I’ve found that the Mexican producers and distributors are more proactive in implementing traceability than their counterparts in the United States, since they feel that their products face greater regulation and scrutiny from the authorities.”
ConcernTrak has partnered with Guadalajara based Etytec S.A. de C.V., (www.etytec.com) to provide technical support and auxiliary products such as printers, labels, etc. “It is very important that our Mexican clients be able to count on local support.” Smith said. “Etytec is a leader in barcode technologies, labels, etc. and has representatives throughout Mexico.”
ConcernTrak plans to expand throughout Latin America during 2012-2013. “ConcernTrak offers a solution for the small or medium producer or distributor that wants to efficiently implement traceability at a reasonable cost” said David Rosenthal, CEO of ConcernTrak. “The industry has changed, and our service is an important tool to help our clients to adapt to the new situation”.
For more information about Fresh Connections, go to www.freshconnectionsmexico.com/en/
Disponible en español aquí
Mas información sobre el evento Fresh Connections Mexico aquí