GDST launches new capability testing for quality assurance

The Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST) has introduced new traceability systems that will verify claims made by traceability programs regarding their ability to achieve GDST-based interoperability.

Built as an interactive online interface, the verification system simulates how two traceability systems would share data during a routine business transaction to test whether they adhere to GDST stndards. 

The release fulfills a commitment GDST announced at the 2022 Seafood Expo North America in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., pledging an expansion of its reach and capabilities.

“As GDST transitions to become an independent, truly global organization advocating for and advancing the standardization and adoption of interoperable traceability throughout fishery and aquaculture supply chains, the launch of this test is an important step in providing tools to the industry in support of that mission,” GDST Executive Director Greg Brown said.

The test supports the recently updated GDST 1.1 standard, including communications protocol enabling computer sharing of GDST-compatible data. Traceability systems that have successfully passed the test will be publicly recognized on the GDST’s website.

“There is already so much buzz about the test, we are thrilled to be finally rolling it out,” said IFT Technical Director Blake Harris. “The impact on interoperability in the seafood industry cannot be overstated. We now have a way to verify that a traceability system has fully implemented the GDST standard; Yesterday, that was a nearly impossible question to answer.”

The GDST is also introducing a supplier onboarding packet to support existing member companies with adoption and implementation of GDST standards. By the end of the year, GDST will also be reorganized into an independently incorporated, industry-led, member-based organization. The GDST was originally organized in 2017 by WWF and the Institute of Food Technologists as an international, business-to-business platform to advance a unified framework for interoperable and verifiable seafood traceability.