Let me share something that caught my attention when I recently bought a packaged chicken product in a supermarket in Germany.
Three features stood out for me:
1. A “use by” date (13.05.26)
2. A traceability QR/barcode
3. A Nutri-Score label
At first glance, these may look like simple packaging details, but they reflect how modern food systems are becoming more transparent, consumer-focused, and safety-conscious.
The “use by” date helps consumers know how long the product remains safe for consumption when properly stored. It plays an important role in protecting consumers and reducing foodborne risks.
The QR/barcode adds another powerful layer: traceability. Beyond supermarket scanning, these codes can provide traceability information such as:
· Certification
· product origin ( rearing, slaughter, cutting, processing, supplier)
· What was processed?
This strengthens transparency, accountability, and consumer trust in the food system.
The Nutri-Score, ranging from A to E, provides a quick visual snapshot of the product’s nutritional quality. A greener “A” indicates a healthier nutritional profile, while lower scores help consumers make more informed dietary choices in a matter of seconds. This makes food choices easier, especially for busy consumers.
Together, these features show a clear shift in how food is presented today, not just as a product to consume, but as a package of information that supports safety, awareness, and informed decision-making.
It made me reflect on a simple question: how common are these features in packaged food products, especially fresh meat and poultry, in other countries?
By:Henry Cofie Fordi