Since the '90s when BSE and other animal diseases were delivering severe blows to industry and consumer confidence alike, substantial attention has been given to matters of animal health and food safety. Traceability provides the ability to follow animals or food products throughout their lifecycle – from the moment they are born or produced till they are consumed.Traceability helps ensure the highest possible levels of food safety and hygiene. It also enables standards regarding food quality and address ethical elements. Tracing animals and animal products in a free market requires sophisticated systems and, unfortunately, people are often unaware of the importance and the benefits this procedure brings along.

Read more at http://7thspace.com/headlines/347483/eu_vet_week_shielding_animal_health_and_ensuring_food_safety_through_traceability.html

or <http://www.one-health.eu>

or <http://ec.europa.eu/food/dyna/conference/draft_programme_2010.pdf> 

To watch videos on traceability please visit: 

<http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/identification/videos_en.htm>