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FDA Extends Compliance Deadline for FSMA 204 Traceability Rule

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a 30-month delay in the compliance date for the Food Traceability Final Rule, extending the original deadline from January 20, 2026 to July 20, 2028.   This decision has sparked mixed reactions across the food industry, consumer advocacy groups, and regulatory stakeholders. Background of FSMA 204 and the Food Traceability Final Rule FSMA 204, a key component of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) enacted in 2010, mandates stricter traceability requirements for certain high-risk foods.   The rule requires manufacturers, processors, packers, and holders of food on the Food Traceability List (FTL) to maintain and provide traceability records, which include Key Data Elements (KDEs) related to Critical Tracking Events (CTEs).   These records aim to enhance food safety by enabling rapid identification and removal of contaminated products from the market. Following significant delays in its development, the...
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MC Numbers Are Going Away—Here’s What It Means for Carriers and Brokers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced a major regulatory shift: by October 1, 2025, the agency will eliminate Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, requiring all carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders to operate exclusively under their USDOT numbers.   This move is aimed at streamlining the registration process, reducing fraud, and improving regulatory oversight.   While this change may seem administrative in nature, it has far-reaching implications for the entire transportation industry. Why Is FMCSA Eliminating MC Numbers? The decision to phase out MC numbers is driven by a need for efficiency, enhanced security, and greater regulatory consistency.   For years, carriers and brokers have been required to maintain both USDOT and MC numbers, which has led to confusion, duplicate records, and increased opportunities for fraud.   FMCSA’s transition to a single USDOT-based system is designed to: Simplify the registration process ...
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The Hidden Dangers of Wooden Floor Trailers in Food Transport

Food safety is a critical concern in the supply chain, with recalls happening more frequently due to contamination risks.   While many factors contribute to foodborne illnesses, one often-overlooked issue is the condition of the trailers transporting these goods.   The type of flooring in trailers plays a crucial role in preventing cross-contamination, and wooden floor trailers, commonly used in the industry, present a significant threat. Wooden Floors: A Breeding Ground for Contaminants Most standard trailers feature wooden flooring, which, over time, absorbs spills from food products, chemicals, and other transported materials.   These spills can create a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and other harmful pathogens.   Even after cleaning, wooden surfaces can retain moisture and contaminants, increasing the risk of cross-contamination between shipments.   In the case of fresh produce, dairy, meat, and other perishable items, exposure to residual bact...
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