TracBac™

TracBac™ is a software product that, along with a series of data collection processes, permits the tracking of product from the packer (processor) to the retail location to the consumer and ultimately back to the producer. This “value traceability” system is designed for producers, retailers, distributors and processors.

TracBac™ combines with BeefLink™ to provide a farm to table traceability solution for tracking individual units of production. Data in the TracBac system is stored as a series of records that link the various identifiers used for each product. These identifiers range from the live animal identifier (e.g., RFID, barcode tag, etc.), carcass identification, DNA sample, primal identifier, box barcode and retail tray number.

At the packing (processing) plant, the identifier from each unit of production is linked with the specific rail identifier in the plant. The rail identifier in the plant is linked with a production lot number. During the processing, a DNA sample can be taken from each unit and stored for possible later processing. This DNA sample is linked both to the rail identifier in the plant and the production lot number (250-500 animals).

When the product is boxed, the box ID barcode is linked to the production lot number. As the product moves to subsequent processors, the lot number of the original lot is linked with the later produced lot numbers. As the final product moves through the distribution channel, any time a new barcode identifier is added to the shipment, it is linked to the previous tracking number.

When the product is presented to the public, a final tray number is assigned and linked with the most recent tracking number. If the need arises to trace back, a sample of the retail product is taken and DNA analysis is done. The retail identifier is also used to identify all possible packer (processor) lot numbers that may be involved in the inquiry.

DNA samples from each lot are then analyzed and compared with the DNA sample from the retail location. This identifies the specific animal and can be then tracked back to the live animal via the RFID link.