Taco John’s Embraces Tech-Enabled Traceability with Trustwell’s FoodLogiQ

Tech-Enabled Solution Taco John’s implemented Trustwell’s entire FoodLogiQ software suite to efficiently manage their suppliers and overall supply chain. To achieve these objectives, they aimed to decrease reaction time, enhance automation, streamline internal and external processes, implement a well-designed traceability program, and foster transparency within their systems and business management. Trustwell’s suite of software solutions provided flexibility by allowing data management on various platforms, such as computers, tablets, and phones, benefiting their restaurants, suppliers, and management teams.

Importance of Data and GS1 Standards

Data standardization was crucial for Taco John’s traceability program. They adopted GS1 standards for product and location identification to accurately capture and integrate data. Utilizing Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) and GS1-128 Barcodes on case labels improved data collection, streamlined traceability during critical events, and facilitated product investigations. Global Location Numbers (GLNs) helped identify the location of partners and restaurants, supporting the traceability program.

Designing a FSMA 204-Compliant Traceability Program

Taco John’s developed a traceability plan focused on receiving Key Data Elements (KDEs) related to Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) required by the FDA under FSMA 204. Trustwell’s FoodLogiQ suite enabled Taco John’s to capture and manage the KDEs submitted by supply chain partners. FoodLogiQ makes it easy on suppliers by accepting manual submission through online forms or templates as well as automated sharing through FTP, EDI, or API connections. Standardizing data based on GS1 standards ensured seamless data transfer across systems. Since all of these inputs funneled through FoodLogiQ Traceability, the data was easily accessible in one place. As the lead stakeholder for implementation, Brando Tijerina, the Senior Manager of Quality Assurance at Taco John’s, immediately saw the value in leveraging Trustwell’s FoodLogiQ Traceability.

“By automating the collection, analysis, and reporting of traceability data with Trustwell’s FoodLogiQ Traceability, Taco John’s could identify affected lot codes, specific distribution centers, and restaurants in real-time. In a crisis, this improved traceability would allow us to focus our resources on the affected areas, reducing response time and minimizing the impact of incidents on our guests and team members.”

Brando Tijerina, Senior Manager of Quality Assurance at Taco John’s

Traceability Strategy with Trustwell

Compliance with FSMA 204 not only helped Taco John’s meet regulatory requirements but also provided visibility to product movement and expedited traceability during incidents. By leveraging Trustwell ‘s FoodLogiQ software solutions and embracing GS1 standards, Taco John’s successfully established a comprehensive traceability program to meet FSMA 204 requirements. Automation with FoodLogiQ Traceability played a crucial role in improving data collection, enabling faster response during critical incidents.

Over and Above Taco Tuesdays®: Taco John’s Elevates its Food Safety Strategy

The fast-growing Mexican quick-service restaurant, Taco John’s, with over 400 locations in 23 states, makes a food safety commitment to its customers by joining forces with FoodLogiQ in 2022.

Back in 1968, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, two businessmen opened a one-of-a-kind taco stand. Taco lovers fled to that first stand for its fusion of distinctive flavors and south-of-the-border spices. Fast forward 53 years later, Taco John’s is the creator of Taco Tuesday^®. But no matter what day of the week it is, fans across 23 states still head to Taco John’s to Olé The Day with bigger. bolder. better. tacos made with premium ingredients and, of course, its legendary Potato Olés® – otherwise known as little slices of heaven that are round bites of crunchy potato, cooked fresh and sprinkled with a signature blend of bold spices.

Taco John’s takes tacos very seriously, which is why the popular quick-service restaurant kicked off the new year by teaming up with FoodLogiQ Connect to be at the industry’s forefront of food safety.

“By purchasing the full-suite of FoodLogiQ Connect, our short-term objective is to integrate each product within the platform so that suppliers can adapt to new documentation compliance,” said Brando Tijerina, manager of quality assurance at Taco John’s. “We want our suppliers and restaurants to be addicted to FoodLogiQ Connect. Food safety for our customers is at the heart of that addiction.”

With the new software, Taco John’s guests can make informed decisions about the foods they order. Even as the brand continues to quickly grow nationwide, some things at Taco John’s – like its uncompromising standards of food quality – will always remain the same.

“Partnering with the owners of Taco Tuesdays is a tremendous benefit for FoodLogiQ,” said Katy Jones, Chief Operating Officer for FoodLogiQ. “As Taco John’s expands across the country, FoodLogiQ Connect will grow with them by having the necessary documentation and traceability for food safety.”

Taco John’s takes tacos very seriously, and their decision to have FoodLogiQ Connect solidifies that philosophy.