Food recalls are becoming increasingly common in the food and beverage industry. To help prevent them, companies must take action to make sure their labeling is accurate and compliant. With the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204 enforcing more traceability, food manufacturers must implement processes to help prevent labeling problems before they become recalls.
One of the most impactful ways is leveraging 2D barcodes and label print automation. Both help companies track products through the supply chain, manage labeling data, and avoid potential recalls.
How can a 2D barcode help with food recalls?
2D barcodes, like QR codes, are becoming widely used in the food and beverage industry because they encode more information than a regular 1D barcode. They were created due to the increase in consumer demand, data capacity, error correction, and scanning abilities.
2D barcodes help prevent food recalls by:
· Improving labeling accuracy: 2D barcodes can hold important traceability data, such as Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN), batch/lot numbers, expiration dates, production date, and serial numbers. Automatically pulling this data from a database or ERP system ensures labeling accuracy and consistency.
· Alerting consumers about safety concerns: When consumers scan a QR code on food products, it can direct them to a page with product information, which builds transparency, reducing the risk of recalls due to misinformation or mislabeling.
o QR codes can be dynamic, meaning they can send users to specific information or web pages even after the product has been printed. A dynamic QR code encodes a redirect URL that can be changed on demand, allowing updates to the link to happen in real time.
· Ensuring traceability in the event a recall happens: When manufacturers can quickly locate the affected products, that reduces the time an affected product goes unknown, which lessens the time it could affect consumers.
To help prevent product recalls, having all the necessary information embedded directly on the label makes it easier to trace affected products quickly, accurately, and across all points in the supply chain.
How to make the switch from 1D to 2D barcodes?
Investing in a robust barcode labeling software can make this transition simple. With the right labeling software, companies can leverage features that make it easy to create a 2D barcode. Tools like helpful wizards and built-in barcode symbologies help simplify the transition to get your company making 2D barcodes faster.
If you already have labeling software that supports switching from a 1D to 2D barcode, simply use the software’s wizard feature to change the barcode symbology from a 1D barcode to a 2D barcode, such as a QR code.
How automation plays a part in preventing recalls
Automated label printing replaces the manual task of creating and printing a label. It minimizes touchpoints within the labeling process by reducing errors with human interaction.
In some cases, labeling still involves manual data entry, leaving room for human error, mislabeling, and production delays. Automated labeling software changes that by pulling real-time data directly from your ERP, WMS, or custom system onto a label. This ensures every label reflects the most current and accurate details.
By automating label printing, companies can:
· Eliminate labeling errors caused by manual entry
· Ensure accurate data entry directly from a business system
· Maintain consistent labeling across multiple facilities
Automation also maximizes your return on investment (ROI) by leveraging existing systems instead of investing in a new solution. Since the ERP system already holds the data needed for labeling, integrating your labeling software allows it to automatically send the right data to the correct label template at the right time. This integration improves efficiency, supports compliance, and enhances accuracy across operations.
How to get started making a smarter labeling process
Transitioning to 2D barcodes and automation doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your labeling. Here’s how your company can start:
1. Assess your current labeling: Identify limitations in data handling, barcode labeling system, and integration.
2. Select a reliable labeling solution: To make sure your labels are always accurate, choose a label design solution that guarantees “what you see is what you get” printing. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that what you see on the screen is what will print onto your label.
3. Integrate with business systems: Connect labeling software with your database or ERP system and watch how it sends data to the right label to make the labeling process more efficient.
4. Make sure your hardware is compatible with your software: Not all printers handle 2D barcodes equally and not all scanners are able to read 2D barcodes. Choose printers and scanners designed for 2D barcode rendering and reading.
5. Choose a software provider with reliable customer support: Whether you're dealing with a minor issue or a recall, having a responsive and reliable labeling provider can make all the difference in times of need.
What are the long-term benefits?
The benefits of 2D barcodes and labeling automation go beyond compliance:
· Improved inventory management
· Consumer transparency
· Reduced labor costs
· Improved scalability
· Less label waste
Regulations around traceability are increasing the need for better labeling systems, and both 2D barcodes and labeling automation are tools to meet that challenge. By embedding more data in every label and ensuring it's accurate every time, food and beverage manufacturers can lower the risk of recalls while gaining lasting operational advantages to their labeling.
