In October of 1984, a guideline for assigning retail variable measure identification numbers was approved by GS1 US (formally the Universal Code Council). Thus, the Universal Product Code (U.P.C.) for variable measure meat products was born! The U.P.C. is a standard for encoding a set of lines and spaces that can be scanned and interpreted into numbers to identify a product.
GS1 US is responsible for approving the guidelines for assignment of Universal Product Codes (U.P.C.) for both fixed weight and variable measure products. With recommendations from the meat industry and other industry groups, GS1 US approved a breakdown of numbers available to differentiate variable measure products into 13 categories. The U.P.C. numbers provide a standardized numbering system for all retail variable measure meat products.
The Variable Measure Bar Code is a twelve (12) digit code. This code differs significantly from the normal Fixed Weight Bar Code. The Variable Measure U.P.C. Code designates the product as sold by the pound and labeled on the premises. The Code structure is as follows:
Components:
Benefits That The U.P.C. Provide Meat Suppliers :
Benefits That The U.P.C. Provide Food Retailers :
- Gives the food retailer the ability to collect accurate meat department information, through scan data, that can aid in making management, sales and buying decisions.
- Enhances the ability to compile scan data for meat case management and syndicated information.
- Provides opportunity of “trace backs” from consumer to origin.
- Provides a system to develop market level or syndicated data.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is this variable measure numbering system mandatory?
No. It's voluntary. However, uniformity and standardization within the industry will lead to better data collection and understanding of product movement.
I'm a supplier. Is it possible for me to have a unique number that all retailers can follow?
Yes. You can apply for a UPC number for each of your products making it easier on you and the food retailer.
Can I use a UPC number for one item this week and another item next week?
Yes. But it's not recommended. It will lead to great confusion and inconsistent sales tracking. Using one number for more than one item is asking for trouble.
What is a description U.P.C. number?
It is the original four digit codes that were assigned URMIS and poultry descriptions.
What is an Item ID Number?
It is a unique five digit number that identifies a variable measure product.
What is a Consumer U.P.C. Number?
It is the complete U.P.C. that is used on a product at the point of sale. It is the U.P.C. that the consumer actually sees.
