IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center Launches New Tool to Accelerate Global Scalable Traceability

CHICAGO – September 19, 2025 – IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center, an internationally recognized leader in advancing end-to-end food traceability, has launched an open source tool to strengthen interoperability across the food value chain. The Traceability Driver is designed to make it easier for existing traceability software systems to transform their data into standardized formats, supporting sustainability and supply chain integrity by enabling seamless data exchange.

The Traceability Driver automates the conversion of traceability data into compliant formats and comes with a fully functional, pre-built API for efficient sharing. It is deployed locally, meaning organizations retain full control over their data while benefiting from interoperability. By reducing the effort and cost of meeting existing data standards, it allows organizations to focus on their core operations while maintaining alignment with global requirements. As an open-source module, it can be installed by an existing software system to share traceability data in a standardized, interoperable way.

“By designing traceability regulations around common global standards, governments can unlock the use of scalable, open-source tools like the Traceability Driver. This kind of solution not only makes it easier for industry and their technology partners to comply but also supports harmonization with other regulations and industry practices, enhancing interoperable, end-to-end traceability that strengthens the integrity of global supply chains,” said Blake Harris, Managing Director of IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center.

As part of the Traceability Driver’s development and testing, Koltiva – a leading agritech company helping making global supply chains traceable, inclusive, and climate-smart – beta-tested the tool with their system in order to successfully pass the GDST’s First Mile Aquaculture Capability Test. Before implementing the Traceability Driver, Koltiva was faced with the common challenge of aligning its traceability data with GDST and EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information Services) standards – EPCIS is GS1’s standardization method for tracing supply chain events.

Documented in this case study, installation of the Traceability Driver was quick and easy, and the tool helped accelerate compliance efforts with the entire process – from installation to passing the test – taking roughly one month. Koltiva estimates a 60-percent reduction in development time in comparison to the initial planned three to four months needed to build and develop its own APIs as well as the reformatting of its data.

“The Traceability Driver’s potential extends far beyond the seafood industry as it is designed to be adaptable and scalable for other commodities that follow EPCIS-based standards, making it a versatile solution for diverse traceability challenges across multiple supply chains,” added Harris, who recently documented his work with the Indonesian government on aligning its national seafood traceability system with the GDST standard in this Brain Food Blog.

To learn more about IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center, go to ift.org/gftc.

About IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center

IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center (GFTC) is an internationally recognized leader in food traceability, dedicated to advancing end-to-end tracking and data sharing throughout the global food supply chain. GFTC develops open-source, scalable tools and resources that drive digital transformation and enable comprehensive traceability for all actors in the food system – from producers and first-mile actors to processors, distributors, retailers, and regulators. GFTC collaborates with a diverse network of global partners – including industry, governments, NGOs, multilateral organizations, and technology providers – to advance best practices and accelerate the adoption of interoperable, digital traceability solutions. The Center has played a pivotal role in shaping food traceability policy and implementation, serving as a technical advisor to the US FDA on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and leading pilots and industry engagement to inform regulatory approaches. As co-convener of the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST), GFTC led the creation and ongoing evolution of the first global standard for interoperable seafood traceability – now a model being adapted for other commodities and sectors. Today, GFTC’s work spans seafood, beef, dairy, produce, and more.

About Institute of Food Technologists

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.

Media Contact

Dennis Van Milligen
Director, External Relations
Institute of Food Technologists          
630-853-3022 
dvanmilligen@ift.org