Literature review: Does a common theoretical framework to implement food traceability exist?

The purpose of this study was to identify whether a common theoretical framework with respect to implementation of food traceability exists. The literature review showed that no common understanding of the definitions and principles of traceability exists, nor is there a sound common theoretical framework with respect to implementation of food traceability. When no common theoretical framework exists, this affects the implementation process of traceability in the food industry. With a common theoretical framework, all traceability studies could have been more similar, and the implementation processes could have been more goal-oriented and efficient. Based on the review, it is clear that traceability is an interdisciplinary research field, and it spans the natural sciences as well as the social sciences. Further theoretical developments on implementation of food traceability are needed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.