What is the purpose of packing numbers or codes on shelf-stable products?

• A. To locate and track in the event of a recall
• B. To indicate exact flavor
• C. To show production date only
• D. To indicate the country of origin only

Answer: (A)

Packing numbers and codes provide a unique identifier for each batch or lot, giving traceability through the entire supply chain. This is essential for recalls: if a problem is found in a batch, the code lets you quickly locate every unit from that batch and remove them from shelves, protecting consumers and reducing the scope of the recall. The codes often carry production details like where it was made and when, but the main purpose is to enable tracking and rapid identification of affected products. While the code may sometimes reveal flavor or country of origin, those details aren’t the primary reason for code labeling, and production date alone isn’t enough to manage recalls or traceability.