Food Traceability - Case Studies

Regulatory Approvals for Innovative Biocides and Pesticides

Intertek provides clients with regulatory approvals for innovative biocides and pesticides gaining access to global markets and multiple sectors. Introduction of new biocide and pesticide products can replace older and deleterious alternatives, make equipment more efficient and prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and contamination. Intertek supports the approval of innovative biocide uses in healthcare and food processing industries to prevent outbreak of harmful bacteria, while replacing existing products that may have harmful environmental impacts. In 2017, Intertek assisted transportation clients by developing approvals for the use of biocides in exterior paints on ships. The use of biocides in paint reduces barnacle attachment, whilst effectively maintaining aqua-dynamics and reducing overall emissions resulting from shipping activities. Additionally, we also supported the building & construction sector by assisting our clients with the development of biocides for cooling towers, a major contributor to a building’s overall energy consumption. By using biocide products to reduce the buildup of organisms and algae, our clients could improve the performance of their cooling towers.

Helping to develop an alternative to fish oil

During 2017, Intertek helped squid oil receive approval as a natural health product ingredient in Canada, offering Canadians a new sustainably-sourced alternative to fish oil. Squid oil is emerging as an alternative sustainably-sourced healthy omega-3 fatty acid. Much of the squid harvested for human consumption does not make it to market, but is discarded as "cut-offs" during food preparation; these "left-over" trimmings are predominantly rich in the healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, squid oil is manufactured solely from by-products obtained during the food production of squid. Additionally, the management and fishing methods for squid have minimal environmental impacts compared to methods typically used for other fish. The main fishing method employed for catching squid is jigging, which involves equipping fishing boats with bright lights at night to attract large schools of squid to the surface and then deploying a vast number of un-baited hooks just below the surface. As a result, there is virtually zero bycatch, as the fishing method is highly selective, specifically targeting same size specimens, with no impact on the ocean floor or coral reefs. Intertek assists clients in navigating complicated regulatory approvals for their new, innovative and sustainable alternative products. With the availability of these products, consumers can select brands that reduce their impact to life under water, and minimise wasteful production processes.

Sponsorship of a Global Food Traceability Centre

With food traceability becoming increasingly important across the global supply chain, Intertek’s Food Services business is demonstrating its commitment to the challenges faced by the industry through becoming a founding sponsor of a Global Food Traceability Centre which is run in partnership with the Institute of Food Technologists (‘IFT’). The Centre provides unbiased, knowledgeable and scientific-based advice to the global food industry, providing insight and understanding into food traceability. The IFT will act as a central point where industry, academic, and government experts can work together with consumer groups to conduct research, discuss challenges, adopt best practices and implement practical traceability solutions.

Intertek's Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (‘RSPO’) Supply Chain Certification

Intertek is an approved Certification Body for the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (‘RSPO’) – Supply Chain Certification. Palm oil is the most widely used vegetable oil and is a common ingredient in many foodstuffs and personal care products. Oil palms can only be cultivated in tropical areas and increasing demand due to population growth is putting pressure on local environments and ecosystems. Intertek’s RSPO Supply Chain Certification ensures traceability along all stages of the agri-food value chain including refining, trading, manufacturing and distribution of palm oil products.