The survey of six foodservice distribution facilities showed that case coding rose to 69 percent, up from 61 percent in 2000 and 54 percent in 1999. Ninety-two percent of inner packs included a bar code.
"The results of the 2001 EFR Bar Code Survey show that the industry is making strong progress but still has much more that needs to be done to reach EFR's goal of 100 percent case-level barcoding on foodservice products," notes Mark Allen, EFR executive director.
Use of case coding differed significantly among product categories. Equipment and supplies case coding topped the categories, with 74 percent of cases coded. This category was followed by dry groceries, at 71 percent; frozen foods, at 69 percent; and refrigerated foods, at 64 percent. Produce cases, although showing modest progress in 2001, ranked lowest, with 16 percent compliance.
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