Rastreabilidade como ferramenta de gestão da qualidade na produção e distribuição de frutas: estudo em uma empresa frutícola

Abstract

The overall objective was to analyze the manager's perception of the contribution of the traceability system to the management and quality control in the production and distribution of fruit in a fruit company. The specific objectives were: (i) to describe the production and traceability process implemented in the company and its main components, (ii) to identify how the information obtained through traceability is used in quality control, (iii) to evaluate the benefits and limitations of the system in ensuring product conformity, and (iv) to propose improvements to strengthen the integration between traceability and quality management. The theoretical framework addressed topics on quality management and control, traceability as a quality control tool, and the fruit production chain. Regarding the methodology, the research was developed using a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach, and data collection 3 was carried out through a semi-structured interview guide with the production supervisor of the company studied. The results indicate that traceability plays an important role in quality control, enabling the identification of failures, improvements, and decision-making, helping the company to reduce losses, improve relationships with suppliers, and increase efficiency within the organization. Furthermore, as a result, an action plan was created with the objective of proposing improvements for the development of quality control activities in the company studied. It is concluded, therefore, that traceability goes beyond a more current quality control requirement, consolidating itself as a competitive advantage tool that ensures food safety and strengthens the confidence of the end consumer.