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Date coding is a system that enables you to do trace back from
the buyer to the processing facility, or vice versa. The following
are examples of two date coding systems:
Julian Date Code: (162 02B)
- 162 represents the day of the year. It is 162nd day from Jan 1st.
- 02 represents the year 2002
- B represents hour period or production batch. Established by the company.
Gregorian Date Code
- July 15, 2002B or 7/15/02B
- Date is self-explanatory.
B represents hour period or product batch
Whichever system you decide to use, it is essential that you
establish meaningful product coding and a record keeping system.
All finished product packages, or cases should have the date code.
You should also have the following record keeping log that include
date codes which would with date codes which enable you to do a
trace back, and help you run your company operation smoothly:
- Daily production log – records all products produced in a
day or shift, identifies the product, total number of cases
produced, and case sizes.
- Inventory log – amount of finished product or ingredients
in storage, shipped dates and location description.
- Quality control log – identifies product tested, problems
found, and solutions.
- Shipping form – identifies the products, their
destinations.
- Sale invoices – identifies quantity sold and products
involved.
Code dating should be on both logs and on all forms so that
both the company and the customer can identify the products
involved. If a recall is required, the product can be identified
using the daily production log, inventory log, and shipping form.
All affected products can be placed on hold, tracked to the store,
and the customer until all products are accounted for, located,
and takes back to the processing facility.
Finished products should be labeled or coded in such a way as
to allow for the identification of a specific product lot or
batch, based on raw ingredient supply or production date. Although
good labeling and/or lot identification will not prevent the
possibility of a foodborne illness outbreak, it may limit the
liability if specific batches or lots can be traced to buyers and
the product can be recalled.
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