FDA Announces New Actions Related to Food Traceability Rule Implementation

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced several actions related to the implementation of the Food Traceability Rule, a key component of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) aimed at improving the ability to track and trace foods through the supply chain.

The update provides additional clarity and signals continued FDA focus on supporting industry readiness ahead of compliance expectations.

Key Updates from FDA

• Providing additional information and resources to support compliance
• Continuing outreach and engagement with stakeholders
• Clarifying expectations around traceability recordkeeping requirements
• Supporting industry understanding of traceability lot codes and data elements

Background on the Food Traceability Rule

The Food Traceability Rule establishes requirements for maintaining records for certain high-risk foods listed on the Food Traceability List (FTL). The goal is to enable faster identification and removal of potentially contaminated products from the market.

What This Means for Food Companies

• Assess whether products fall under the Food Traceability List
• Evaluate current recordkeeping systems and data capture processes
• Ensure traceability lot codes are properly assigned and maintained
• Align internal systems with FDA’s required data elements

EAS Perspective

FDA’s actions reflect an ongoing effort to support industry implementation while reinforcing expectations around supply chain visibility and rapid response capabilities.

EAS will continue monitoring updates related to the Food Traceability Rule and provide guidance as FDA moves closer to full implementation.