Navigating the New Landscape of Food Safety and Organic Regulations
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204: A New Era of Traceability The FSMA, a transformative regulation enacted in 2011, continues to reshape food safety standards across the United States. One of the most critical updates is Section 204, which emphasizes enhanced traceability in the food supply chain. The FDA's 2022 Final Rule on Food Traceability requires companies handling foods on the Food Traceability List (FTL) to maintain detailed records of Key Data Elements (KDEs) for Critical Tracking Events (CTEs). This rule, set to be enforced in 2026, demands that companies provide these records to the FDA within 24 hours in the event of a traceback investigation. The rule targets foods like fresh produce, seafood, and dairy, with a focus on quicker identification and removal of contaminated items from the market, reducing investigation times from weeks to days. Compliance with these requirements will necessitate updates to systems and procedures across the industry,