CASTROVILLE, Calif. – (June 24, 2009) – Ocean Mist Farms is making progress complying with the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) and the implementation of the GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number) system.

The need for a more effective traceability system throughout the supply chain has been recognized by the FDA in recent food borne outbreaks. The produce industry has been proactive in addressing this concern and industry groups such as the PMA, CPMA, and the UFPA are proponents of uniform electronic traceability between all participants in the supply chain.

PTI is a manifestation of these efforts and relies on the existing GS1 standard. GS1 is a global standard currently used for packaged items. The GS1 Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is similar to the UPC used at the item level. What UPC does for item level identification, GTIN does for case level in produce.

Ocean Mist Farms continues to address the challenges associated with the adoption and implementation of the GTIN system and the company is in the process of internally assigning GTIN codes to every case configuration within its product portfolio and will test the system in July with a retailer.

“Ocean Mist Farms is certain that these changes will enhance produce traceability and provide all stakeholders a more efficient and effective mode of tracing product through the supply chain,” said Joe Pezzini, company COO.