Kings River Packing Becomes First in Citrus to Implement Traceability

Rhea-AI Summary

Kings River Packing (KRPG) is the first citrus company to implement traceability according to the FDA’s FSMA 204 food traceability law. Using the ReposiTrak Traceability Network, KRPG can easily share traceability data with its retail/wholesale customers, meeting and exceeding customer expectations and proactively preparing for future regulatory requirements. The company, known for its innovation, offers a variety of citrus products and is committed to consumer safety and product quality.

Insights

Food Safety Expert

The initiative by Kings River Packing to implement traceability for their citrus products ahead of regulatory requirements demonstrates a proactive approach to food safety and quality assurance. The adoption of the ReposiTrak Traceability Network aligns with the FDA's FSMA 204 food traceability law, which mandates the recording and transfer of Key Data Elements (KDEs) for Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) in the supply chain. Although citrus is not currently on the Food Traceability List (FTL), this early adoption can serve as a benchmark for the industry, potentially reducing the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls. This traceability system could enhance consumer trust, possibly leading to increased demand for Kings River Packing's products. The long-term benefits include improved crisis management and a stronger brand reputation.

Supply Chain Analyst

Implementing advanced traceability measures can be a significant logistical challenge, but Kings River Packing's integration with ReposiTrak's network is an example of strategic supply chain management. This allows for seamless sharing of complex data sets with trading partners, ensuring transparency and efficiency. For retailers and wholesalers, this system provides a competitive edge by enabling them to assure customers of the product's provenance and handling. However, the upfront investment in such systems and the ongoing maintenance of detailed records could increase operational costs. It's critical to analyze whether these costs are offset by the potential reduction in waste, improved inventory management and enhanced marketability of traceable products.

Agricultural Technologist

The integration of ReposiTrak's traceability solutions by a citrus grower like Kings River Packing is indicative of the broader trend towards digital transformation in agriculture. Traceability technologies not only support regulatory compliance but also optimize the supply chain through real-time data access and analytics. This can lead to improved harvest planning, yield forecasting and resource allocation. Additionally, the data collected can inform sustainable practices and contribute to the environmental stewardship of the agricultural sector. The challenge lies in ensuring that the technology remains adaptive to evolving regulations and consumer expectations and that it can scale with the growth of the company.

Pioneering citrus grower uses ReposiTrak Traceability Network to share key data elements with grocery retail customers

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kings River Packing, an eighth-generation citrus grower and distributor along California’s Kings River, is the first citrus company to do traceability according to the FDA’s FSMA 204 food traceability law. Citrus fruits were excluded from the initial Food Traceability List (FTL) and are therefore not yet covered under the law; however, Kings River Packing is now using the ReposiTrak Traceability Network^® for the fast, easy exchange of traceability data with its retail/wholesale customers.

“The traceability initiative for us became an opportunity to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers, and to proactively prepare for future regulatory requirements,” said Brent Simon, Director of Food Safety for Kings River Packing. “Every process at Kings River Packing is performed with the highest regard for consumer safety and product quality. ReposiTrak allows us to easily share a complex set of data with every shipment.”

Kings River Packing is no stranger to innovation. Owned and operated by the descendants of the very first growers of orange trees in Fresno County, the company has expanded its operations to include state-of-the-art harvesting, packing and international shipping operations. In addition to its house brand of premium and organic citrus offerings, Kings River Packing also grows and distributes mandarins, Raspberry Oranges®, heirloom navels, lemons and more.

The FDA’s food traceability regulation requires manufacturers, processors and those who pack or hold FTL foods to establish and maintain Key Data Element (KDE) records for specific Critical Tracking Events (CTEs). As that product changes hands or changes form, a compounding string of data must be transferred between trading partners to provide full, end-to-end traceability. As the world’s largest operating traceability network, the ReposiTrak solution enables the exchange and maintenance of FDA-required data between food supply chain operators.

About ReposiTrak

ReposiTrak (NYSE: TRAK), formerly Park City Group, provides retailers, suppliers and wholesalers with a robust solution suite consisting of three product families: food traceability, compliance and risk management and supply chain solutions. ReposiTrak’s integrated, cloud-based applications are supported by an unparalleled team of experts. For more information, please visit https://repositrak.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240111911283/en/

Michelle Alo

Marketing Director

559-787-2056

michelle@kingorange.com

Derek Hannum

For ReposiTrak Sales Inquiries

435-645-2230

dhannum@repositrak.com

Ron Margulis

For ReposiTrak Media Inquiries

908-337-0020

ron@rampr.com

Source: ReposiTrak

FAQ

What is the significance of Kings River Packing's (KRPG) implementation of traceability?

KRPG is the first citrus company to implement traceability according to the FDA’s FSMA 204 food traceability law, meeting and exceeding customer expectations and proactively preparing for future regulatory requirements.

What does Kings River Packing (KRPG) use to share traceability data with its retail/wholesale customers?

KRPG uses the ReposiTrak Traceability Network to easily share traceability data with its retail/wholesale customers.

What products does Kings River Packing (KRPG) offer?

KRPG offers a variety of citrus products, including premium and organic offerings, mandarins, Raspberry Oranges®, heirloom navels, lemons, and more.

What does the FDA's food traceability regulation require?

The FDA's food traceability regulation requires manufacturers, processors, and those who pack or hold FTL foods to establish and maintain Key Data Element (KDE) records for specific Critical Tracking Events (CTEs).

What does the ReposiTrak solution enable?

The ReposiTrak solution enables the exchange and maintenance of FDA-required data between food supply chain operators, making it the world’s largest operating traceability network.