Horse meat in meals has raised questions about processes in the supply chain and how these may have broken down to such an extent that food components have potentially become contaminated.
Owen Paterson, the environment secretary, has commented: “The substitution of beef with horse meat in a number of products has shaken consumer confidence. It’s totally unacceptable that anyone should buy something labelled beef and end up with horsemeat. That is fraud.”
Since the story emerged, ministers and businesses alike have been struggling to contain the political and economical fall-out. Paterson added: “I’m determined that this criminal activity should be stopped and that anyone who has defrauded the customer must feel the full force of the law.”
Effective supply chain security can safeguard stock, staff and consumers. Ultimately, the need for transparency at all points of the process is evident. There has to be trust between all involved in supplying produce. Ensuring that security systems are integrated across the whole process will assist. Since modern supply chain management systems are able to track products from original supplier via central and local distribution centres and all the way to stores, it follows that monitoring the journey of every product is important – not only in terms of theft prevention but for source credibility. Security across retail is becoming inter-linked with IT systems. CCTV can flag unusual patterns in behaviour or logistics.
Peter Houlis, the managing director of the installer 2020 Vision Systems, is speaking on this subject at IFSEC International 2013. His presentation, entitled ‘C4i: security systems integration and interoperability’, takes place in the Centre Stage Theatre at the show on Tuesday, May 14 (from 10.30 am-11.00 am) and will outline how security managers and their partners in the supply chain need to become more aware of the integrated and interoperable systems available and put them to use.
Peter will also go into detail around how technology has advanced in recent times and examine what’s now available.
IFSEC International 2013 runs from 13-16 May at the NEC in Birmingham, part of UBM’s Protection and Management Week. Registration for IFSEC International is free and gives badge holders access to FIREX International (www.firex.co.uk), the Facilities Show (www.facilitiesshow.com) and Safety & Health Expo (www.safety-health-expo.co.uk).
For more information on IFSEC International, Protection and Management Week or to register for free entry to the 2013 event and its co-located shows, visit www.ifsec.co.uk
Companies interested in exhibiting at IFSEC should contact Tristan Norman, Group Sales Manager, on 020 7921 8285 or e-mail [email protected]
