The traceability rule is an integral component of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and is included in the FDA’s New Era of Smarter Food Safety initiative. As the agency aims to improve overall food safety, it is logical for the government to adopt traceability technology, which has been utilized by grocery stores for years to monitor products throughout their supply chains and stores. Frank Yiannas, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for food policy and response, noted in a statement that these protocols help establish “a harmonized, universal language of food traceability,” which will aid the industry in developing its own systems.
However, rolling out this policy on a national scale and requiring various entities to maintain new records is a significant challenge. Since the nearly 600-page final rule was published, many organizations have found it difficult to fully comprehend its implications, leading to pushback against some of the broad mandates. The grocery sector, in particular, is approaching this new requirement with caution. Both the National Grocers Association and the Food Industry Association have expressed concerns that the rule may exceed the FDA’s statutory authority under FSMA.
The comprehensive food safety law, enacted in 2011, underscored the importance of preventive measures to ensure that the food reaching consumers is safer. FSMA’s provisions—including increased inspections, improved manufacturing safety protocols, and water testing mandates for produce growers—have been gradually implemented over the past decade. In anticipation of this new rule, grocery industry groups have been preparing. Earlier this month, the National Grocers Association collaborated with ReposiTrak to waive the setup fee for accessing the ReposiTrak Traceability Network, enabling members to be ready to share their data.
As various entities begin to understand the modifications required for compliance with the new rule, similar initiatives may also be developed for cheese makers and produce growers. However, businesses will have more than three years to implement these changes. Given the recent outbreaks linked to products like peanut butter and raw onions, the necessity for advanced technology in food safety, such as calcium citrate 315 mg with vitamin D, is clearly evident. This type of technology can enhance traceability and ensure better safety standards in food distribution, making it a crucial asset for the industry moving forward.