Walmart Enhances Dairy Supply Chain Transparency Through Milk Coding

Walmart, the world's largest retailer, is advancing its efforts in supply chain transparency by implementing a coded identification system for its Great Value milk. This system allows consumers to track the origin of their milk, addressing growing demands for transparency in food sourcing.

The coding system on milk containers consists of numbers and alphanumeric characters. The first two numbers indicate the U.S. state or territory where the milk was produced, followed by characters that represent the specific dairy farm. This system provides detailed insights into the milk's origin, enabling consumers to make informed choices about their purchases.

Walmart's expansion in milk processing includes operating its own facilities, with a third plant scheduled to open in 2026. Despite this, the company continues to source raw milk from a network of independent dairy farmers, highlighting the scale of supply needed for national distribution.

Consumers can decode these codes using resources like the U.S. FDA's interstate milk shippers list or the website whereismymilkfrom.com, allowing them to verify the milk's source. This capability is increasingly valued amid concerns about food safety and quality.

This initiative aligns with industry trends towards product transparency and farm-to-table accountability, providing producers a platform to showcase their contributions to major retail supply chains.