GS1 US Promotes QR Codes to Combat Food Recall Waste

A survey by GS1 US found that 67% of Americans avoid entire food categories after a recall, and two-thirds are hesitant to repurchase the same brand. This trend often leads to significant food waste because consumers cannot determine if their specific product is affected by a safety alert.

To bridge this communication gap, GS1 US is promoting a shift from traditional UPC barcodes to 2D QR codes. This technology would allow consumers to scan products with mobile phones to check safety status and could enable registers to block the sale of recalled items at checkout by 2027. Melanie Nuce-Hilton of GS1 US stated that this system could act as a "red light, green light" for consumers.

These industry efforts align with upcoming federal mandates. The Food and Drug Administration's FSMA Rule 204 will require comprehensive traceability records from production to the point of sale starting in July 2028.