Following the mackerel – Cost and benefits of improved information exchange in food supply chains

Transparency is very important in food supply chains. There is close scrutiny of the fisheries industry because a wild resource, vulnerable to exploitation, is being harvested. These factors together with the need for product differentiation and the need to control the quality of products have emerged as reasons for this sector to focus upon traceability. In Japan, a major importer of Norwegian mackerel, food quality and food safety are taken very seriously. Over the last few years there have been several food scandals. Studies have shown that the main challenges regarding internal traceability in current production systems of mackerel are unique identification and communication of data elements outside the company of origin. This study presents findings regarding the costs and benefits of implementation of strategies for improving these areas. Some companies expressed the desire to voluntarily implement all the recommendations i.e. provide reliable, automated information flow from boat to production.