A code printed on food packaging identifying the batch or lot in which the product was manufactured, also called a lot mark or batch code. Typically combining letters and numbers, it encodes the production date, line, and shift, allowing manufacturers to trace every unit back to its raw materials and processing conditions. If a safety problem emerges, the lot code enables targeted recalls of only the affected production rather than everything on the market. Consumers can use it when reporting complaints. Accurate lot coding and record-keeping are legal requirements in most countries and form a cornerstone of modern food traceability systems.