Globalisation of the food supply chain has resulted in lower prices, greater choice and for consumers in the wealthiest countries the opportunity to enjoy their favourite meals regardless of season. The downside is that the further food has to travel the greater the chance of it becoming contaminated on the way. Reducing that risk and spotting unsafe products as quickly as possible so they can be withdrawn is the big motivator for the industry to invest in traceability systems. Once a dangerous product has reached the public, the cost of recovering it can be massive, never mind the damage to valuable brand reputations.