Representatives from Pro*Act and 9 major retailers have collaborated on an open letter to the produce supplier community endorsing and emphasizing the importance of participation in the goals of the Produce Traceability Initiative.

"As key trading partners within the produce industry, our expectation is that you, our valued suppliers, adhere to the milestones and timelines of the PTI," the letter stated. "Those suppliers that do not conform and provide the necessary information required by the milestones of the PTI will ultimately put us and our consumers at risk."

Representatives from H-E-B, Food Lion, SuperValu, Wegmans, Sysco, Kroger, Schnucks, Walmart and Safeway took part in the letter, resulting in cooperation that, according to United Vice President of Supply Chain Management Dan Vaché, is key to the long-term success of the initiative, and any further progress on traceability.

"The effectiveness of an industry-led effort like the PTI depends entirely on the dedication of those within the industry," said Vaché. "To have companies like this - competitors on the balance sheet, but allies within the industry - so united in their recognition of the importance of whole-chain traceability is an invaluable asset and bodes extremely well for the prospects of the PTI."

For the full text of the letter, please click here, and for more on United's efforts on whole-chain traceability, please contact Vaché at 202-303-3400