From farm to table, every stage of food safety is of great public concern.

When consumers pick up a product, the questions uppermost in their minds are usually:

Where does this food come from❓

Is the production process safe❓

Who bears responsibility should something go wrong❓

Implementing a food traceability management system offers consumers the most transparent and reassuring answers. It is not only a regulatory requirement, but also a "golden key" for enterprises to win market trust.?

What is a Food Traceability Management System?

Simply put, it is an information recording and management system covering the whole chain of food production, processing, distribution and sales. Based on the "farm‑to‑table" full‑traceability concept, it systematically records information from every link to realise three core functions:

✅Traceable source: Clarify supplier information for food raw materials and additives to enable root‑cause tracing.

✅Traceable destination: Record the flow of food across all links to ensure defective products can be rapidly located and recalled.

✅Traceable accountability: Achieve precise accountability through complete records of operational and inspection data at each stage.

This system serves as a vital tool for safeguarding food safety, and represents a key step toward informatisation, standardisation and transparency within the food industry.

Why do enterprises need this certificate?

Obtaining food traceability management system certification delivers multiple values for organisations:

⭕️Strengthen safety defences: Systematic management greatly improves supply‑chain efficiency and food quality‑safety performance. It enables rapid response to food‑safety incidents and minimises risks.

⭕️Gain market confidence: A certification certificate is solid evidence for consumers and partners that the enterprise fulfils its primary responsibility for product quality and safety. It effectively boosts consumer trust and enhances brand image.

⭕️Meet compliance obligations: It demonstrates compliance with explicit requirements under national laws and regulations such as the Food Safety Law for establishing food traceability mechanisms.

What is the certification process?

The rigorous, standardised certification procedure verifies the authenticity and effectiveness of the system:

1️⃣Application submission: The enterprise submits basic qualification documents and system documentation.

2️⃣Application review: The certification body assesses submitted materials to confirm application acceptance.

3️⃣Contract signing: Both parties agree on certification scope, fees and other terms.

4️⃣Stage‑1 audit: Focus on the completeness of system documentation and readiness for the Stage‑2 on‑site audit.

5️⃣Stage‑2 audit: On‑site comprehensive assessment to verify whether system operation complies with standard requirements and delivers effective performance.

6️⃣Certification decision: A certificate is issued upon successful comprehensive review, valid for three years.

7️⃣Annual surveillance: At least one surveillance audit is conducted each year to sustain ongoing system effectiveness.

Note: Prior to application, the enterprise’s food traceability management system shall have been in operation for no less than three months.