Abstract

An updated beef traceability system has been in operation in Japan since December 2004. This system enables consumers to check the origin of beef products, not only for table meat, but also for restaurant cuisine. The system is dependent on producers, abattoirs, meat wholesalers and meat retailers recording and managing information on each cattle beast using a ten-digit individual identification number. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the essence of the Japanese beef traceability system would not be possible without this individual identification number. Fukaya Wagyu adopted an extended traceability system by presenting detailed information which is missing in the national system. This detailed information enables a ‘face to face’ relationship to be established between the farmer and consumer. This relationship is an effort to promote the supermarket’s own brand to the customer. KEYWORDS: traceability system; beef; Japan.

T, Ozawa, N Lopez-Villalobos, and HT Blair

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 65, Christchurch, 80-84, 2005