Bumble Bee Launches Traceability Feature

Bumble Bee Seafoods has launched a traceability feature on its website that enables consumers to track the source of their tuna product from catch to can by entering a code found on their can or pouch. The traceability page, BumbleBee.com/TraceMyCatch, will educate consumers on the path their tuna takes in order to get from the ocean to their plate. Upon entering a code from the package, the site will display information specific to the product including species, fishing method, ocean of catch, vessel names and flags, fishing trip dates and processing location. “Transparency is increasingly important to consumers who want to know where their food comes from and Bumble Bee is committed to meeting these expectations,” says Chris Lischewski, Bumble Bee president and CEO. “We have always had the ability to trace our products to their source and this site brings that information direct to consumers.” Consumers can visit BumbleBee.com/TraceMyCatch, enter the production code found on the bottom of cans and back of pouches, and view the results on Bumble Bee’s visual and interactive site. For consumers without a current traceable code, sample codes are provided for similar tuna products that allow visitors to interact with the site and learn about the process. “The tuna supply chain is expansive with data being collected from nearly 600 vessels operating in four oceans across the globe,” says Lischewski. “Given the complexity of the supply chain, the number of facilities involved, the time required for materials to progress from catch to finished product and the shelf-life of tuna, the online Trace My Catch consumer feature captures data starting with tuna products produced at the beginning of this year.” Tracking information for Bumble Bee’s remaining product portfolio, including salmon, sardines and specialty seafood items will be added over the next few years.