FDA Food Traceability Rule (FSMA 204)

On November 21, 2022, FDA released the final rule on food traceability, requiring retail grocery stores, restaurants, distribution centers, food manufactures and other food industry sectors to develop systems for tracking high-risk foods on the Food Traceability List (FTL), along with developing and maintaining a Food Traceability Plan describing the internal processes that defines an establishments traceability program.

The final rule also includes the requirements for certain retail grocery stores that manufacture foods that contain ingredients on the FTL to create Traceability Lot Codes (TLC’s) if those foods are shipped to other stores including locations under the same banner. Those establishments covered under this rule have a mandatory compliance date of January 20, 2026.

Please find relevant information and resources regarding this rule to include the latest Food Traceability List, regulatory breakdowns for retailers, retail implementation guide, regulatory updates and possible amendments to the FSMA 204 final rule as proposed in the Food Traceability Enhancement Act.