TRACEABILITY SYSTEM FOR WINE IS 'INEVITABLE'

Published: 23 July, 2008

A system for tracing wine back to the producer is inevitable'. That was the consensus of opinion at the Wine and Spirit Association's (WSA) From Glass to Grape' seminar at the London International Wine & Spirits Fair. Michael Wight of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) told the audience, The EC is taking a "farm to fork" approach to food safety standards, with an impressive action plan of legislative measures. The recent General Food Law Regulation introduces, for the first time, a general traceability requirement as well as formal product recall and withdrawal procedures for food, which will be required from 1 January 2005. Businesses should act now to put suitable procedures in place,' he said. The wine industry appears to be taking these new responsibilities seriously, with comprehensive proposals on traceability.' Angela Muir MW, co-author of the WSA's Traceability Code of Practice, said: Traceability will become a requirement for the food and drink industries, so it is essential that the wine trade finds a workable system. Many companies are already using the WSA's Code voluntarily and imposing it upon others in their supply chain, so there is no room for complacency.' The code is gaining official acceptance across the EU, because various European wine trade bodies have ratified its procedures and recommendations. The WSA has already been involved in discussions on traceability with the FSA. Philip Goodband MW, chairman of the seminar, concluded: The speakers have sent out a clear message to the wine industry: "Get informed and act now". The WSA is ideally placed to help point the way towards an industry standard for traceability, as well as represent its views at a European and global level.' The WSA's Traceability Code of Practice is available online: www.wsaonline.org

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