Traceability for stored wheat and maize

Abstract: To whom does it interest the identity preservation and traceability of grains?Obviously, to the processing industry and to the final consumer. It interests to the industrybecause it will process better quality grain with low contamination and at lower costs. It alsointerests to the consumer because he will be taking safer and better quality food. Despite thedifficulties of implementing traceability programs for grains, there are some systems workingsatisfactorily in Brazil for meat production, seeds and fruits. In the grain production chain,technology is available; however, many challenges need to be overcome, from the field to storageand processing, for successful grain traceability programs. There are limitations on storageinfrastructures (too large grain pits and dryers), lack of methodology and equipments formeasuring quality, lack of trained personnel and adequate silos for grain segregation. Wedesigned a decision support system for recording the procedures for wheat and maize productionfrom the field to the consumer. All the important steps for quality maintenance of stored wheatand maize were evaluated for one year. Monitoring of insect pests and control measures,including application of diatomaceous earth and artificial grain cooling, were carried out duringthe storage phase. Based on a detailed documentation of the procedures, a database was generatedand information can be recovered along the process. The decision support system is a very simpleand valuable tool for traceability of grains, adding value to products and increasing food safety.