New foodservice sector group to standardise recalls

The foodservice industry is crucial to retail and hospitality. It is the supplier for nearly every restaurant, café and aged care centre in the country. It is who these businesses call to get whatever they need.

The industry is comprised of manufacturers, distributers and wholesalers. They either make products, or store and deliver them.

It is a key part of any product recall run by a business and this is one of the aspects that a new group will be working on.

The GS1 Australasian Foodservice Industry Steering Group (or FSIG) has been formed to give a voice to this important industry and to work together to develop common methods for dealing with recalls, and other issues.

FISG members include PFD Food Services, GS1 Australia, McCain, Bidvest, Snap Fresh, NAFDA, Food SA, Countrywide Australasia, Simplot, Foodservice Suppliers Association of Australia, National Foods and Nestlé Australia.

The FSIG will also work on improving cost efficiencies and traceability, as well as developing standards for all in the industry.

The Chairman of the group is Mandeep Sodhi, Nestlé’s Supply Chain Technology Manager.

GS1 Australia’s CEO, Maria Palazzolo said, “The business of food is changing fast. There are many cost reductions, efficiency gains and improved traceability available to foodservice businesses through supply chain best practice. With the industry working together, these standards will drive measurable improvements in efficiency, product information, and safety for foodservice businesses individually and the industry as a whole.”