A carrier device and product handling system are described, in which product items are stored or transported through a product processing environment including such stages as portioning, packaging and labeling. The carrier device is designed such that product items can be loaded and unloaded automatically on trays. Traceability is provided by means of a machine-readable tag storing information relating to the contents of the carrier device's array of compartments. Examples of loading and unloading mechanisms are also described. The invention has particular application to the processing of meat products or other perishable goods.