Meat traceability is an essential element for food safety and for strengthening consumer confidence. Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 establishes the “farm to fork” principle, requiring economic operators to maintain identification systems for each stage of the supply chain.

In Romania, the National Animal Identification and Registration System (SNIIA) has been implemented by ANSVSA, allowing the tracking of meat origin from farm to shelf. According to official data, in 2024 more than 9.2 million cattle and 3.5 million pigs were registered in SNIIA, representing significant progress in aligning with European requirements. However, European Commission reports show that Romania is still facing issues related to the accuracy of the data entered and the lack of interoperability between national and European databases. Studies conducted by EFSA confirm that effective traceability can reduce the impact of food crises by up to 25%, through the rapid identification of problematic batches.

For processors and retailers, investments in digital traceability systems, including blockchain and smart labeling, can provide not only legal compliance but also a competitive advantage in foreign markets. In an increasingly strictly regulated European market, traceability is no longer just an obligation, but a fundamental condition for consumer access.

(Photo: Freepik)