Food safety is a critical responsibility throughout the supply chain, from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to warehousing, transportation and final distribution.
As the food processing and e-commerce sectors develop, businesses must maintain effective systems for hygiene, product identification, storage and quality documentation. Guidance discussed by KPMG India in September 2026 highlighted the importance of food safety and regulatory compliance in warehousing and distribution.
KPMG
What does traceability mean?
Traceability is the ability to follow a product and its relevant records through the supply chain. Batch numbers, supplier records, production dates, storage information and dispatch documents can help businesses identify affected products when a quality issue arises.
Without reliable records, identifying the source of a problem may take longer and make product withdrawals or corrective action more difficult.
Practical steps for businesses
Manufacturers, distributors and warehouse operators can review their procedures for:
- Supplier approval and raw material inspection.
- Cleaning, sanitation and pest management.
- Batch identification and inventory rotation.
- Appropriate storage temperatures and transportation conditions.
- Employee hygiene training and record keeping.
- Handling complaints, non-conforming products and product recalls.
Specific requirements vary according to the business, product category and applicable regulations. Companies should verify their obligations under current FSSAI requirements and other relevant rules.
Industry takeaway: Strong traceability and documented quality systems support safer operations, faster problem-solving and greater confidence among buyers and business partners.